My daughter is almost 11 years old and is having stomach cramps at the same time each month. The doctor told me to watch her for the start of her menstrual cycle. My question is are these pains normal even though she hasn't started her cycle yet? The pains go away with the use of ibuprofen
Your daughter may be experiencing some early signs of her impending menstrual cycle. It is common for girls to get their period as early at 10 years old and as late as 16 years old. Early cramping that occurs each month is entirely normal and should be resolved with a bit of ibuprofen. However if you are concerned you should take your daughter to see either your family doctor or a gynecologist.
I read on the Internet that there are toxic chemicals in tampons. Is this true?
No. Remember, the Internet is full of good and bad information. Government organizations like the FDA strictly monitor the production of tampons to ensure that they are free of harmful materials.
Is rayon safe to use in tampons?
Yes. Like cotton and other plant fibers, rayon is “natural” and made from cellulose. It’s been used in tampons for over 25 years. Extensive testing by several leading scientists at top American universities and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has demonstrated that rayon and cotton are equally safe materials.
Can a tampon get stuck/lost inside the body or fall out?
No to all of the above. A tampon is held in place by the muscular walls of your vagina until you remove it. Your vagina ends at the cervix, the opening of which is much too small for a tampon to fit through, so it can’t get lost in your body. If it feels a little hard to pull out, it’s not stuck. Rather, it may be due to your tightening muscles (try to relax!) or a dry tampon. If the tampon has been in for less than 4 hours, you may want to leave it in longer, as it probably has not absorbed enough menstrual fluid to make it easy to pull out. Finally, your tampon won’t fall out if inserted correctly, since the vaginal muscles will hold the tampon in place.
What if the tampon string breaks?
A breaking tampon string is extremely rare. But if it does, wash hands, get into the position you use when inserting the tampon, and just pull it out with your fingers. If you can’t, you should see your doctor ASAP.
Is it safe to wear tampons overnight?
Yes, although not for longer than 8 hours. That’s why we suggest a pad for sleeping.
Can I wear a tampon during swimming and sports?
Yes. Go for it – sports including swimming, dancing, yoga – whatever. Tampons don’t drift around your underwear like a pad can, plus they’re discreet, and ideal for active girls.
Can I get pregnant during my period?
Yes, indeed. If you have a short menstrual cycle and a long period, you could get pregnant during your period. You ovulate about 14 days BEFORE the start of your next period, the most likely time for pregnancy to happen.
Does a woman stop menstruating if she gets too thin?
Yes. Your body needs a minimum of fat to run a normal menstrual cycle. Major weight loss and very low body fat can shut down your period – this is called Amenorrhea. If this happens, see your doctor. Serious athletes and women with eating disorders are most prone to this condition.
If you have the white discharge coming out of your vagina how many more months until I get my period? Also if you have been having it for a month.
Vaginal discharge the stuff you are see in your underwear is normal under most cases. The discharge can look differently depending on what's going on with your body. Typically, before a period there is A LOT of discharge, which is normal. But, if the discharge has a yellow or green color, is clumpy like cottage cheese, or has a bad odor then I would go to the doctor to get it checked out.
If you get normal discharge, try wearing pantyliners (or“liners”) it's a lighter, thinner pad. You can wear this so that you don't soil your underwear.
Most girls start their periods between the ages of 9 and 15, with some as early as 7. Others get it later, at 18 or 19. There are some additional clues that you will start your period soon. Typically, a girl gets her period 18 months (or a little over a year and a half) to 2 years after her breasts start to develop. Height is also another clue. Most girls have almost reached their adult height when they get their first period. They rarely grow more than an inch or 2 after they begin menstruating. And, also if you have hair down there called pubic hair and underarm hair this is another sign it's coming.
One thing to keep in mind is when you get your first period. It can be pretty irregular (not every month). You might not get another period 3 months from the first. You probably won't be able to accurately predict your period for a few months.
Be patient though, most girls when they do get their period wonder what the fuss was all about. It does signal that you are becoming a woman but most women will have their period until they are in their late 40's and sometimes-early 50's. So, enjoy your time now. Chances are you're perfectly normal, and you'll get your next period when the time is right for your body. If you're worried about how you're developing, talk with your doctor. But try to relax...you'll be there soon enough!
I started my period. How should I tell my mom?
Well, let me ask a few questions. What type of relationship do you have with your mom? Are you close to her? Have you been able to have open conversations with her about other subjects? Did your mom have any conversations with you about going through puberty including having your period? Or is there a trusted adult you can chat with? It’s very important to read about the changes you’re going through, and talk it out, too!
Here's my advice. First keep in mind that your mom may be as embarrassed(even though there's no reason to be) to talk about puberty and/or your period as you are so don't be discouraged if for some reason she is as open to talk about it as you might. She might have hesitated to have "the talk" with you because she wasn't sure how to approach the subject with you. Perhaps your mom's mother never really talked to her or she was so embarrassed when she did that it made both of them uncomfortable. In any case, here are the words to start the conversation.
Tell your mom you need to talk to her about something privately. Then just say, mom, I got my period and I wasn't sure how to tell you. At that time if you have other questions about your period or going through puberty this would be a great time to talk to her about it.
You can also write her a note. Going through puberty signals becoming a woman and being able to begin having adult type conversation. Telling your mom gives you a perfect place to start and practice.
I’m 12 yrs old and my body is changing. I like boys now. I never did anything , but some how I feel like I want to experience new things. Why and what can I do? Do you think a 12 yr old should be aloud to talk to boys on the telephone? My mother isn't for sure.
Don't worry what you're going through is totally normal. The older you get the more you will want to experience different things in life. There is no set rules or book that tells parents what their daughter can and cannot do and at what age. Parents will set their own rules based on their own experiences and what they believe. The key to this is to follow the guidance of your parents or trusted adult and not rush into anything without fully understanding it and getting approval from them. I know at times it must feel as if your parents don't know what they are talking about. Or don't understand you. But you might find this hard to believe. But your mom was once your age and she has gone through what your going through.
For example here are some of the things I couldn't do until I was 18 years old and had gone to college - no boyfriends, no makeup, no short skirts, no going out late (after 8), no friends coming over. So, as you see most girls go through the same things you are going through.
In regards to talking to boys on the phone at age 12. I'm going to have to agree with your mom here. Sorry! When I was 12, I couldn't speak with boys on the phone either. I remember being so upset about it. It wasn't until I was much older why I understood why my parents didn't want me to. It really comes down to parents don't want us to grow up too fast. When we grow up too fast we end up making decisions that are not the right ones. So, I would trust your mom right now. As hard as it might be. If you feel like you still want to talk to boys. Don't do it behind your parents back. Maybe try sitting down with your mom and explain what your going through and ask her to tell you why she doesn't want you to talk to boys on the phone. Maybe there's something in the middle that she will allow you to do.
Hi, my daughter and her friend both 13 read that you could break the hymen with a tampon do you know if this is true why are why not.
Thanks for the question. Yes, you can break the hymen with a tampon but you can break it other ways as well. I know that some parents think that tampons cannot be used by virgins without “de-virginizing” them. This is a BIG myth.
Most women are born with a hymen, a thin piece of skin just inside the vaginal opening that’s not essential to life or health. The hymen usually has at least one opening for the period to flow out of. Some girls are born without a hymen, which is perfectly normal! A girl can tear her hymen during non-sexual activities like sports, horseback riding, etc. She often has no idea she’s torn her hymen, since there may be no blood or pain.
There is NO medical/scientific proof that tampons make the vagina get larger. The vaginal canal is made of flexible, muscular walls that expand and shrink as needed (think about how babies come out!).
Hi, I haven't got my period yet. I wanted to know how can I make it come quicker or how do I know when the day comes?
So, you want your period to come quicker. Honestly, there's nothing you can do to make it comes faster than it was intended to. Most girls start their periods between the ages of 9 and 15, with some as early as 7. Others get it later, at 18 or 19.
Here are some clues that you will start your period soon. Typically, a girl gets her period 18 months (or a little over a year and a
half) to 2 years after her breasts start to develop. Height is also another clue. Most girls have almost reached their adult height when they get their first period. They rarely grow more than an inch or 2 after they begin menstruating. And, also if you have hair down there called pubic hair and underarm hair this is another sign it's coming.
One thing to keep in mind is when you get your first period. It can be pretty irregular (not every month). You might not get another period 3 months from the first. You probably won't be able to accurately predict your period for a few months.
Be patient though, most girls when they do get their period wonder what the fuss was all about. It does signal that you are becoming a woman but most women will have their period until they are in their late 40's and sometimes-early 50's. So, enjoy your time now. Chances are you're perfectly normal, and you'll get your next period when the time is right for your body. If you're worried about how you're developing, talk with your doctor. But try to relax...you'll be there soon enough!
I am 15 years old and I am now sexually active with my boyfriend. I want to know if my doctor has the right to tell my parents that I am sexually active, and if I can get birth control by myself with out my parents knowing or interfering?
Of course I don't need to say that having sex at 15 is a very adult and mature thing to do. It can bring on a slew of things that you weren't prepared to handle, like getting pregnant and having a child. So, I would be careful and safe.
With that said, to answer to your question. I'm not sure what State you live in but some states do require doctors to inform or get your parent’s permission. If you are really in need of birth control, I would go to your local Planned Parenthood. Below is the link to find a Planned Parenthood near you. http://www.ppgg.org/site/c.esJMKZPKJtH/b.1102037/k.92F1/Health_Centers.htm
I am 13 and still flat! I have had breast buds since this July and I still don't have boobs....I feel really left out..Can you help?! Email A.S.A.P.
I'm sure you've heard the saying we want what we don't have i.e. some girls with large breasts want smaller ones and some girls with smaller ones want larger breasts. Honestly, it really takes being able to accept the body type that was given to you to fully appreciate your own breasts.
Remember that breasts are normal whether small, large or in between. There's nothing you can do to make your breasts grow bigger or faster than nature intends. Don’t be misled by advertisements for special creams or “natural” herbs or supplements. If you read the fine print, you’ll see “results vary with individuals” or “works until full maturity is reached”– meaning they won’t do anything more than your own genetics have already pre-determined.
So, really all you can do is to wait until they fully come in. You are only 13 you have a few more years of growth to go. So, no worries. You aren't a freak. Just remember to stop comparing yourself to your friends because you all have different body types.
I just turned twelve I have not started my period yet. I have developed breast and pubic hair but the other day I noticed some dark hair on my upper lip. My mom said not to pull it out. Will this go away? The kids at school will laugh if it gets much worse. I am very worried.
It sounds as if you are growing facial hair (hair above your lip, eyebrows etc.) which is totally normal. If it really bothers you and you want to get rid of the hair above your lip. You will though have to ask your mom if she will allow you to either wax or bleach it. These are two of the best ways at your age. Below I describe how the two are done.
Waxing
Waxing is often the best way to get rid of facial hair. You typically go to a spa, beauty salon etc. to get this done. It can get a little expensive. When you go in, the technician applies hot wax to an area of skin with a wooden spatula. After the wax hardens, the technician pulls it off. Waxing keeps the "mustache" (name for hair above your lip - what you
have) area hair-free for about 2-6 weeks. The new hair that grows in is usually soft and silky. Some people find waxing painful, yes it hurts. And it can irritate the tender skin above the lip.
Bleaching
Bleaching does not actually remove the hair. It lightens the hair color so it appears blonde or golden. (This is usually best if you have lighter
skin) Several highlights of hair bleach make it a great choice for some people - it is easy to get, quick and, best of all, no pain. Bleach kits can be purchased at drug stores, supermarkets, beauty salons etc. All hair bleach kits come with two essential components: the actual hair bleach mixture, which is most often in cream form, and the activator mixture, which is always in powder form. Follow the instructions to obtain the proper proportion of bleach to activator.
Words of caution: Never combine the two until you are ready to begin bleaching; immediately discard any unused portions and never mix the two together in any kind of a metal bowl or container. Whatever bleach you get, be sure to do a patch test. Instructions for the patch test come with the kit. If no redness, irritation or eruption occurs, you can proceed with the full application.
Be aware though that the bleaching can also alter the pigment in your skin. This can result in a change to the skin texture, making it thicker, coarser and sometimes darker.
Again, I would talk to your mom about my suggestions and have her help you to make a decision.
Also, most girls start their periods between the ages of 9 and 15, with some as early as 7. Others get it later, at 18 or 19. One thing to keep in mind is when you get your first period. It can be pretty irregular (not every month). You might not get another period 3 months from the first. You probably won’t be able to accurately predict your period for a few months. Be patient though, most girls when they do get their period wonder what the fuss was all about. It does signal that you are becoming a woman but most women will have their period until they are in their late 40's and sometimes early 50's. So, enjoy your time now. Chances are you're perfectly normal, and you'll get your next period when the time is right for your body. If you're worried about how you're developing, talk with your doctor. But try to relax...you'll be there soon enough!
Why do we have periods and boys don’t?
Great question. Boys don't and can't have periods because they can't have children at least not naturally. The whole point of having a period is so that one day you can have a child/children. Think about how amazing a gift that is that one day you will be able to have a mini you.
When am I going to get taller like my friends I'm like 4 foot 10 and I want to be at least 5 foot 1 I'm 12 turning 13 and I'm like one of the short kids I already started puberty like at 9 years old and my mom and dad are both short I feel like I'm never going to get taller I want to cry so much and I do PLESE Help meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
Unfortunately, the height that you are right now is probably the closest to the tallest you are going to be. If your parents are short more than likely you will be too. You might grow a bit more but most girls have almost reached their adult height when they get their first period. They rarely grow more than an inch or 2 after they begin their period.
You have no control over your height this is all based on your genes. Being shorter than your friends isn't a bad thing and you shouldn't look at it that way at all. Chances are you're perfectly normal. If you're worried about how you're developing, talk with your doctor. But try to relax. Also, make sure that you are eating healthy and getting enough calcium (like milk) and nutrients (like vegetables)
Are you suppose to shave your pubic hair ever?
Shaving, waxing or trimming your bikini area really comes down to what you like. If you are under 20 and decide to go natural then it's easy because you probably don't even have to perform any maintenance at all. As you get older though those hairs keep growing and pretty soon they won't fit underneath your bikini. If you decide that you want to get rid of all or some of your hair. Here are some suggestions.
A Close Trim: If you want to look a little neater but don't want to reduce irritation of shaving, trimming close may be the best method for you.
Besides causing less irritation, you will probably only need to re-trim every week or so.
Taking it all off aka Brazilian: Going completely bare can be a great. You can wear whatever bathing suit you want and low-riders are no trouble at all. Going bare can also require some regular maintenance if your are shaving. You'll want to shave often enough to prevent stubble burn. If you have the guts and can stand the pain, waxing will leave you hair-free for about 4 weeks. This though can get pricey to keep up.
Triangle, Patch, or Landing Strip: If you are looking for a fun way to express yourself you might want to choose a pubic hairstyle that matches your personality. Having cool pubes is like carrying around a great piece of gossip that everyone wants to hear but you will only share with your closest friend. This type requires alot of maintenance. Only the simplest ones can be waxed (like a triangle or landing strip) and you'll need to be good with a razor and trimmer to keep it looking neat.
The information provided including personalized action steps, are not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or health care provider, and may not necessarily take your individual health situation into account. You should not use the information as a means of diagnosing a health problem or disease, nor as a means of determining treatment. Hygeia Personal Care Products does not provide emergency medical services nor medical advice. In the event of a medical emergency, immediately contact a doctor or call 911.
