Questions and Answers - Recent questions and answers in Teen Girls

Answered: Is vaginal discharge normal?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 06:08:19 +0000

It is when it's clear. The vagina is a mucus membrane. That means fluids are supposed to be there. And you may see a few spots on your underwear. Some women have more discharge than others. Being on the birth control pill can affect discharge.

If you have itching, burning, or unusual discharge for more than a week, you should see a doctor.

Answered: What does your vagina look like?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 06:06:43 +0000

Most of the vagina itself lies inside your body, so an illustration is a good way to get to know it. To see what's where, use a hand mirror to explore your vulva, the folds of skin outside the vagina. One common blooper is to think that pee comes out of the vagina. It actually comes out of a completely different opening that lies between the clitoris and the vagina.

Answered: What kind of relationship should you have with your gynecologist?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 06:05:21 +0000

A good rapport with your gynecologist is important. You should feel like you can bring up any worry or question. To find a doctor you like, set up a get-to-know-you appointment first.

Answered: How should you clean your vagina?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 06:03:19 +0000

Your vagina is self-cleaning. If anything, you just need a mild soap or shampoo on your pubic hair and the outer vulva. Avoid rubbing the area with a washcloth. Don't douche or use other special cleaning products. These can ruin the normal balance of bacteria and cause problems.

Answered: How long is a vagina?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 06:02:38 +0000

Your vagina is about 3-5 inches long. It connects to your uterus, but that opening (called the cervical os) is very small -- unless you're about to deliver a baby. So, for instance, a tampon can't get lost or move beyond your vagina.

Answered: What infections cause vaginal discharge?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 06:01:25 +0000

Yeast infections are fairly common. They tend to cause a white discharge that looks like cottage-cheese and a lot of itching and redness, but no odor.

Another common infection, called bacterial vaginosis, causes a greenish or yellowish discharge. It smells fishy, especially after sex.

If you have itching, burning, or unusual discharge for more than a week, you should see a doctor.

Answered: Is sex painful for women?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 06:00:15 +0000

It shouldn't be. But many women are too embarrassed to say anything when sex hurts. If that's you, set up a visit to your gynecologist. Make it separate from your regular exam. That gives you time to explain your concerns and figure out possible causes.

Answered: What is the female athlete triad?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:51:31 +0000

The female athlete triad is made up of three medical conditions that are becoming increasingly common in active teen girls:

Energy imbalance with or without an eating disorder
Menstrual disturbances
Decreased bone mineral density with or without osteoporosis Low-calorie diets are usually the first sign of eating disorders. Excessive exercise or exercise obsession can be another sign.

Answered: What causes a female athlete to not get her period, apart from pregnancy?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:50:57 +0000

Low body weight alone is not enough to explain the loss of menstrual periods. But it seems that amenorrhea (which means you don't get your period) happens when you take in fewer calories, so you're getting too little nutrition for the amount of exercise you're doing.

Answered: Who is at risk for female athlete triad?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:50:28 +0000

Teen girls who restrict their eating and have amenorrhea are at highest risk for female athlete triad. Female athletes who try to reach a low body weight for running or dancing are more likely to have amenorrhea, as are those who compete in scoring sports such as gymnastics and figure skating.

Answered: Can the female athlete triad affect your bones?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:49:19 +0000

Athletes with menstrual disorders have lower estrogen levels, which often leads to lower bone mass. Findings show that a young woman who hasn't menstruated in four years may have the bone density of a 50-year-old woman.

Be sure to increase calcium in your diet (or through supplements), and eat enough calories to keep your body fat or weight from dropping too low. People who are too lean - with a body fat below 12% for the teenaged female athlete -- will not maintain strong bones.

Answered: How does female athlete triad make broken bones more likely?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:46:39 +0000

Teen girls with female athlete triad are at risk for early broken bones. In fact, a broken bone may be the sign that first alerts the doctor there is a problem. Up to 30% of ballet dancers suffer from repeated stress fractures, which points to problems getting enough bone minerals and to low body weight.

Answered: What is premenstrual syndrome like?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:46:00 +0000

Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, happens to women right before their periods start. With PMS, you might feel:

Some women find that they cry easily and are more emotional during this time. When menstruation begins, PMS symptoms decrease.

Mild breast tenderness
Fluid retention
Anxiety
Dietary cravings
Irritability
Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping

Answered: What can you do to ease cramping from a menstrual period?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:45:25 +0000

To ease cramping, try applying heat to your abdomen with a heating pad or hot water bottle. Taking a warm bath may also help. Some teens find that exercise helps relieve cramps. Exercise improves blood flow and produces endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Simple but effective non-prescription pain relieving medications can ease symptoms. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs include medications like ibuprofen (such as Motrin and Advil) and naproxen (such as Aleve). These drugs block the effects of prostaglandin hormones. Discuss symptoms with your primary health care practitioner, so you can find the best medications and dosage.

Answered: What is menstruation?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:44:46 +0000

Shortly after the beginning of puberty in girls, and usually about two years after the development of breasts, menstruation starts. While menstruation usually begins between ages 12 and 13, it may happen at a younger or older age. The first menstrual period is called "menarche." The menstrual cycle is about four weeks long, starting on the first day of bleeding and ending when the next period begins. However, it can vary greatly when a girl first starts her period. It may skip months or come several times per month in the beginning. The menstrual discharge comes from the uterus through the vagina. The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ, responsible for maintaining and nourishing the embryo and fetus during a pregnancy. The vagina, or "birth canal," provides a path for menstrual fluids to leave the body. During a period, there are usually two to three days of relatively heavy bleeding followed by two to four days of lighter flow. The fluid during a menstrual period is a mixture of uterine lining tissue and blood. The total monthly menstrual loss varies from about four to 12 teaspoons.

Answered: How long does a period last?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:44:14 +0000

Your first period may last from two to seven days. Then, there might be 21 to 40 days or even longer before you have another period. Your next period might be heavier or lighter than the first. Don't worry if your early periods have longer cycles or don't follow a schedule. This irregularity is normal for at least the first two years. Your periods should become more regular within two years after you start menstruating. Some teens have a 28-day cycle; some have a 24-day cycle; others have a 30- to 34-day cycle. All of these are normal. For young teens, cycles can range from 21 to 45 days. For adults, it can be 21-35 days. If your period is much shorter or longer, or if your period does not become regular after two years, see your primary health care provider. It is possible to skip a month, especially if you have been ill or under stress.

Answered: Is it normal to miss a period?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:43:29 +0000

Many things, including stress or illness, can cause you to skip a period. Too much exercise and low body weight may also cause the loss of your menstrual period. If you continue to miss your period, be sure to talk to your doctor.

Answered: What is ovulation?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:42:49 +0000

Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from a woman's ovary. It usually happens around mid cycle (about 14 days from the start of your last period).

Answered: What should I do if I'm 16 and haven't yet started my period?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:42:13 +0000

If you are age 16 and still have not started your period, talk to your doctor to make sure there are no problems.

Answered: When should you talk to your doctor about a menstrual period?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:40:29 +0000

Talk to your primary health care provider or your gynecologist if:

Cramps are normally worst during the first two to three days of your period, then ease as prostaglandin levels in the body return to normal. If cramps stay about the same throughout your period, or if over-the-counter painkillers don't really work, see a doctor.

Your cramps are severe
Your bleeding is excessive, lasts longer than seven days, occurs often or at the wrong time of your cycle
If you have not had your first period by age 16
If it has been three months since your last period
You think you might be pregnant
You develop fever and feel sick after tampon use

Answered: What does a menstrual period feel like?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:39:29 +0000

A few days before and during your period, you might feel cramping and bloating in your abdomen. The cramps are caused by increased production of hormones. These hormones (called prostaglandins) cause the muscles of the uterus to contract. Many teens who have cramps also notice aching in the upper thighs along with lower back pain. Some also notice nausea, diarrhea, irritability, headaches, and fatigue, among other symptoms.

Answered: What are the first two signs of puberty in girls?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:38:28 +0000

For most girls, breast development is the first sign of puberty, but others might first notice pubic hair. An increase in hair on their arms and legs, in their armpits, and around their pubic area happens to girls early in puberty.

Answered: What causes puberty in girl?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:37:47 +0000

The female hormone estrogen is the main trigger for all the changes in a girl's body.

Answered: Can medication help cramps from your period?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:37:19 +0000

Medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help ease period pain. Putting a heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen may also help. If your cramping is severe, talk to your health care provider.

Answered: What is puberty?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:36:24 +0000

Puberty is nature's way of transforming a child into an adult. While both girls and boys go through puberty, girls reach puberty and sexual maturity at earlier ages than boys do.

Answered: When do premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms go away?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:35:40 +0000

Once your period starts, PMS symptoms usually disappear. It can help to exercise during PMS and your period to boost your mood.

Answered: What might premenstrual syndrome (PMS) cause?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:35:03 +0000

Because of the surges in hormones during puberty, many girls feel moodiness at times, especially right before their periods. This is called premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS may cause:

Irritability
Difficulty sleeping
Fluid retention
Anxiety
Dietary cravings

Answered: What causes cramps with your period?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:32:48 +0000

Cramps are caused by the hormones your body makes during your period. They make the muscles of your uterus contract. You might also notice:

Aching in your upper thighs
Back pain
Bloating
Nausea
Diarrhea
Fatigue

Answered: How safe are chemical hair removers (depilatories) as alternative for shaving?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:32:09 +0000

Remember that these hair removers are not necessarily safe to use around the vulva or vaginal area, or bikini line. Also, some people are allergic to the chemicals. Always test a small area of skin first before using these -- even if you're using them on your legs or underarms. Sensitive skin may become irritated with this hair removal option.

Answered: What causes the increase In hair for girls during puberty?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:31:03 +0000

More hormones (androgens) cause darker hair on legs, under arms, and around the pubic area. In American culture, many girls start shaving hair on their legs and underarms at this time.

Answered: How does electrolysis remove hair?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:30:24 +0000

A technician inserts a fine needle into the hair follicle and applies an electrical current. While electrolysis can permanently remove hair, many teens find it uncomfortable as it irritates the skin. Laser therapy is another method of getting rid of hair in small areas, such as the bikini area. This type of hair removal is expensive, and it may cause scarring. Both of these methods require multiple sessions to end hair growth for good.

Answered: When should girls begin shaving?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:29:47 +0000

There's no set time for girls to begin shaving. You can start shaving when you feel you have enough hair growth on your legs and/or armpits to shave it off. Talk to some women in your family -- perhaps your mother, an older sister who has already started shaving, your favorite aunt, or someone else you trust. Ask them if you are ready to start shaving. If you are, they can teach you how to begin -- safely.