Gynecologist Advice | U by Kotex®

“I donated blood before my periods and now my period is late. I'm not pregnant, and I have PMS as usual but no period. Can you explain why for some woman, periods don't come or get delayed after donating blood?”

I have never experienced this before! It seemed unlikely to me that losing a little bit of the blood pumping around in your body could affect your uterine lining, which is a little different. But...

12

Question:

“I'm getting green veins on my breast during my period. What does this mean?”

I have to admit that I was excited to see this question. I was one of those odd children that instead of asking, “Why is the sky blue?” I asked things like, “Why are my veins blue?” Let me start by...

5

Question:

“Why do I have acne inside my vagina (and I am not sexually active)?”

Your vagina is a sensitive area! Sexually active or not, sores, bumps or rashes on the inside of your vagina should be looked at by a healthcare professional. I’m sure it’s more than a little...

125

Question:

“If you have a yeast infection, is it okay to scratch or does that make it worse?”

I haven’t had to deal with a yeast infection (knock on wood). This baffled my girlfriends who were all gushing about yeast infections and vaginal issues the other night. So when it comes to yeast...

7

BETTER NUTRITION FOR A BETTER PERIOD

by Leah Sipher-Mann

Eating during your period is tricky. I always crave carbs and sweets, but eating too much of those things while on my period never fails to make me feel even worse. Too much sugar and white carbs...

131

Question:

“Should I have both a family practice doctor and an OBGYN? Or is only an OBGYN okay?”

AN OBGYN or gynecologist specializes in women’s reproductive health. That means they are basically the go-to-person for anything to do with your vagina, your period, your sex life and anything related...

4

Question:

“Can my daughter get her period even though she doesn't have pubic hair? ”

It’s possible, but not super common. If she’s experiencing her period without any other signs of puberty, though, it might be time to take her to see her healthcare professional.

8

Question:

“Why do I have cramps, heavy discharge, and no period?”

It may be that you’re ramping up for your period. Cramps and heavy discharge come prior to your period -- think of them as the warning letting you know to “brace yourself” and maybe save the white...

122

Question:

“In my school, the trend is to kick or hit your friend's vagina. Could this trend end up causing problems? My friend kicked me really hard in my vagina and it hurt extremely bad.”

I would imagine being kicked in the vagina hurts. I wouldn’t know specifically from experience but I can compare it to running into the corner of a table. And whenever I run into a table, which...

6

Question:

“Can you douche safely on your period, or should you wait?”

I don’t recommend you douche while you’re on your period. Though I’m not completely knowledgeable on the subject of douching, I feel that douching while on your period is counterproductive, or rather,...

8

Question:

“What does “pop your cherry” mean? I’ve heard it so many times, but I don’t know what it means.”

The term “pop your cherry” is slang for the breaking of the hymen. The hymen is about a half-inch inside the vagina and can be broken with penetration or even if you’re just very active. Some girls...

31

Question:

“Why does every one say you have to wear 100% cotton underwear or you will get yeast infections? Is this true?”

Yeast tends to do well in damp areas. Some types of fabric don't breathe very well and can trap sweat or wetness close to your vagina, increasing the chances of an infection. But wearing 100 percent...

8

Question:

“How do you know your hymen is broken if you have never gone to the gyno (I'm still a virgin)?”

Take a look for yourself — like any other part of your body, you’re allowed to look at it! (You might need a hand mirror.) The hymen is located just about a half-inch inside the vagina. It’s a thin...

27

Question:

“How can you tell the difference between a broken hymen and a first menstrual cycle? ”

The hymen is a very thin tissue that stretches across the opening of the vagina and if broken, the bleeding will often be minimal and usually bright red in color. In comparison, the blood from your...

8

Question:

“What do I do about cuts in my area? Do I put Neosporin on them? What do I do when they hurt/ bleed?”

Having nicked myself when shaving (more than a few times), I know having a cut down there is absolutely no fun! To treat cuts caused by shaving, I keep the area clean by washing twice a day, and to...

27

Question:

“I just got off my period and had sex with my boyfriend. Now, I am bleeding again. What does this mean?”

I can never trust the last day or two of my period. I hate it when I think my period’s over and I go without a tampon, only to find out later that my period wasn’t actually over – another pair of...

6

Question:

“I shaved my vagina and the itching is uncontrollable, what should I do?”

Ouch! Sounds like razor burn to me. Razor burn is the worst -- especially on the bikini area. I have super sensitive skin and shaving always irritates it, but I have learned a couple tricks that I’ll...

13

Question:

“I have blood in my discharge. It's not big but little specks. Is this normal?”

If you’re new to having your period, this spotting may just be a minor inconvenience while your body determines its regular cycle. As a menstruation newbie, your hormones are constantly in flux, so...

5

Question:

“I'm ready to have sex with my new boyfriend, but I'm scared of what he'll think of my vagina. What should I do?”

I've never met you (or seen your vagina!), but I know one thing: Your boyfriend loves your vagina! There's no doubt in my mind. First of all, he's probably pretty crazy about you, which is the most...

23

Question:

“My mom tells me to take only one ibuprofen per period, claiming that sooner or later it won't help with pain and it'll become addicting. Is there any truth to this? ”

We must be sisters, because my mom would tell me the same exact thing. She said either I was going to become a fiend for ibuprofen or my liver would explode. She has quite the affinity for melodrama,...

67

Question:

“What's the difference between regular discharge and discharge from an orgasm?”

Good question, this one has me stumped (and I even spent some time poking around the Internet for some reliable info). I need to bounce this question to our health expert Molly for clarification and...

1

Question:

“Why does my vagina get itchy everywhere when I'm on my period?”

Us chicks sure like to multitask! So much so that even our bodies seem to have a lot going on all at once! There aren’t many girls who haven’t been itchy down there at one time or another and there...

5

Question:

“I'm getting that yellow and white discharge. I know it's normal, but I've had it for two years. What should I do? PS- I live with my dad.”

The solutions I have for this won’t involve any potential embarrassing conversations or moments with your dad, I promise. I’m glad you know that this is totally normal. But it can be an annoyance....

11

Question:

“I have no armpit hair, literally. And I have my period. Is that normal? ”

Although when it comes to menstruation, nothing is “normal” this is really common. There’s no set of “period rules” that say first armpit hair then period, or vice versa. And in some cases women grow...

4

Question:

“Since I can remember I have had inverted nipples. Why? How do I fix them?”

I’ll look to our Health Expert Sandy for the details on what causes inverted nipples, but here’s what I do know: this is very common. In fact, two of my close friends have inverted nipples (to...

7

Question:

“Is it okay to have a beauty mark inside of your labia majora above and to the right of my clitoris?”

2

Question:

“What kind of odor is considered a "bad" odor? Which smell is "normal" and which is "bad"? ”

Anything kind of fishy smelling or very strong isn’t good. You know your body best and what is “normal” for you. If something seems up or really different, it’s always a good idea to get it checked...

1028

Question:

“I think my vagina smells kinda good (except when I have my period). Am I the only one?”

I read this question and just wanted to scream, "Woo, you go, girl!" A lot of people aren't big fans of their own smells, but I think it's fab that you are. In some ways, vaginas had to be designed to...

13

Question:

“I admit I am very shy about this, but my first time was really short because I started bleeding a lot. If I attempt to have sex again will I bleed this time too?”

No need to be shy! Although nothing is “normal” when it comes to vaginas, bleeding the first time you have sex is very common. The hymen is a thin tissue that stretches across the opening of the...

6

Question:

“If you have a heavy period, does it mean that you're more fertile?”

Everyone and their periods are different. They come in all shapes and sizes and flows and lengths in this case. Your period can be very heavy and last only a few days or very light and last a big...

3

PUTTING OFF PERIODS: THE PROS AND CONS OF FOOLING MOTHER NATURE

It's estimated that the average woman will have 450 periods in her lifetime.* For the majority of women, menstrual cycles continue in the all-too-familiar 28-day pattern. But do they really have to?...

0

Question:

“Is it bad if you play sports when you're on your period? What's better, a pad or a tampon?”

It's totally not bad! Actually, it can be really good, for both you and your cramps. See this Qandamp;A for more info on exercising during your period. In terms of the old pad or tampon debate, the...

6

Question:

“Why do I keep getting yeast infections right before I get my period?”

Yeast infections may be a bit more common around the time of your period. I’m pretty sure it has to do with the fluctuations of hormones that lead to the overgrowth of yeast. I think our health...

18

Question:

“Am I normal? When I feel the inside of my vagina, the walls are smooth, but in the center, all the way in the back there is a soft squishy lump. It feels like it comes to a point, and there is a slit in it, about a finger tip wide or so. ”

Good for you for exploring your body! The vagina has a lot of different parts and everyone’s feels and looks slightly different. I don’t know for sure what you are touching as there are a few parts of...

116

Question:

“After my period I tend to get bacterial vaginosis because the blood messes up my pH. What can I do??”

While bacterial vaginosis (BV) is not uncommon, I’ve never had an experience with it. But I wanted to give you some sort of direction to finding an answer so I did a little research for you. First,...

5

Question:

“After a period of time, will a woman's vagina stretch due to intercourse and foreplay?”

From my understanding, even though your vagina might temporarily stretch during sexual activity (isn't it amazing how it stretches to accommodate different sizes and shapes?), it won't get stretched...

10

Question:

“Is it normal to get a bladder infection during your period?”

I wouldn’t say it’s normal but it definitely can happen. Bacteria cause bladder infections so when you have your period, make sure you’re changing your tampon or pad regularly. UTIs are painful and...

2

Question:

“When I stretch my inner labia as far as they will go, I notice small lighter bumps. They do not hurt, and they've been there as long as I can remember. Do these bumps have a name? Does everyone have them?”

Great question. It's possible that these are Fordyce Spots, which are superficial sebaceous (AKA oil producing) glands. They can appear on the labia, penis, and mouth. They are perfectly normal and...

7

Question:

“Can someone tell me how to avoid getting toxic shock syndrome?”

First, I highly suggest reading over your product information carefully. I am always sure to change my tampon every 4-8 hours and I usually do not sleep with one in. I've also found the...

13

Question:

“I am sexually active, and when I take a shower and I go to clean my vaginal area, there's always a whole bunch of white gunk in there and on the outside. What is it? And how do I get it to stop?”

First of all, we all get that gunk, sexually active or not. From my understanding, it’s the vagina trying to rid itself of junk (not to be confused with gunk!). Even though it seems a little funky...

4

Question:

“Is there a way to purposely break your hymen with a tampon? ”

You could probably do it, but there's really no need! Your hymen will break or stretch when it needs to. It might happen naturally the first time you use a tampon or insert anything else into your...

117

Question:

“If my vagina feels dry should I put lotion on it or in it?”

In my opinion, it really depends on the kind of lotion you plan on using. I have sensitive skin, so I stay away from anything with perfume, glitter (yes, I said glitter!), color, etc. I strongly...

3

Question:

“Is it safe to not wear panties to bed? It is better for me? Is there a chance of something happening to my area?”

It is perfectly safe not to wear panties to bed if that is what makes you the most comfortable. I do it all the time. I am not sure if it is medically better for you. You may want to wear panties to...

79

Question:

“Do your breasts stop growing when you get your period? Mine are still REALLY small and I got my period last year.”

Everyone is different when it comes to puberty and development, but the majority of my girlfriends continued to develop well into their teenage years and 20s. And before you go gaga for tatas,...

940

Question:

“How can I tell if I'm pregnant if my periods are always irregular and I never know when I will or won't have one?”

First, make sure you’re practicing safe sex. If you are sexually active and your periods are that irregular, keep a pregnancy test or two on hand. I’d also see a healthcare professional if your...

4

Question:

“Why does my body itch all over during that time of the month?”

All women have big changes in their hormone levels when they have their period. Sometimes these abrupt changes trigger a release of histamine, which can cause itching. It is not fun! Some women soon...

12

Question:

“Can getting a Pap smear a few days before your period affect your period when it comes on?”

I’ve had quite a few Pap smears, all at different points in my cycle. Though, I prefer to plan ahead and schedule my appointments after my period is done. I’m honestly not sure how or even if it might...

1

Question:

“Can I take birth control to avoid getting horrible cramps and throwing up?”

It's definitely one option. I went on birth control when I was in high school because I had horrible cramps that sometimes prevented me from going to school. I'm grateful that the pill helped with...

5

Question:

“Can having sex mess with your period? Like make it irregular or come early or late?”

I believe hormones from sex can affect your period. I’m not too sure on all the exact details so definitely check out what Dr. Molly has to say for this one. She’ll have a much better answer for you!

8

Question:

“Sometimes when I sit down or suddenly move around, why does my vagina make a farting sound? It's so embarrassing. How do I get it to stop?”

Ah, not so affectionately known as the queef or vart (among other things). What you’re feeling is air trapped within the vagina that’s being released by sudden movement and of course. It can be...

4

Question:

“My bf wants to be intimate together even when I am on my period and I just feel so ugly and disgusting. Help?”

I totally understand. When I'm on my period, I don't exactly feel my sexiest. I'm crampy, usually breaking out, and sometimes cranky. But we both should feel sexy! Because as corny as it sounds, what...

9

Question:

“I've had my period for a month, and the blood is bright red. My doc says it's nothing to worry about. They found a complex cyst the size of my ovary, and my endometrium is thickened. What does this all mean? I can't get a straight answer out of my doc.”

It sounds like you need a new doctor! Even though it's a healthcare professional's job to help us figure out complex medical issues, it's important to find a person you trust and who will take the...

1

Girls hand holding tampon over bed of flowers

TAKE NOTE: YOUR LADY GARDEN SHOULDN'T SMELL LIKE FLOWERS

by Hannah Smart

A lot of girls – myself included – worry about whether or not they smell “normal” down there. We don’t want to have any odor whatsoever, except maybe the scent of freshly...

9

Question:

“Is it possible to get pregnant from swimming in a pool? How fast is sperm killed by chlorine and other chemicals?”

Well when you consider the size of a sperm and the size of a swimming pool — talk about a little fish in a big pond. If you’re just worrying about going swimming and you aren’t the one engaged in...

10

Question:

“Can you get pregnant if you haven't started your period yet?”

Okay, I'll try to answer this without sounding like a middle-school sex-ed class, but I can't make any promises. Even though you haven't started your period, you still have eggs inside of you that are...

5

Question:

“If you're still a virgin and you go to the gynecologist, can the doctor's speculum break your hymen? If so, will it hurt?”

You’d be surprised how little or even how much impact it could take to break your hymen. The thickness or thinness of the tissue varies from girl to girl. If it’s thin enough, it’s possible to have it...

10

Question:

“Sometimes when I sit for long time, my vagina goes numb is that normal?”

Sitting for a long time can cause your body to do strange things! (As you well know if you've ever had your foot fall asleep on you.) I've never heard of a vagina going numb from sitting too long, so...

48

Question:

“Is it normal if I can't see my vaginal hole? I'm a virgin, and I've never used a tampon before. I used a mirror to look at my vagina, but the hole was barely visible.”

Props to you for getting out a mirror and checking yourself out! I’m not an anatomy expert, so it’s hard to answer your question with certainty. I do know that sometimes it can be hard to see...

17

Question:

“On the last day of my period, my vagina always feels like it’s burning. I'm not sexually active, so what's going on?”

Ouch! Burning is never a good feeling to have, whether you’re sexually active or not. I think it would be best for you to talk to your healthcare professional and have it checked out. You shouldn’t...

9

Question:

“My right breast seems to discharge when it gets squeezed. Is that normal?”

Most girls have around 20 holes per nipple, each hole with its own tube (or duct), and every one of those little guys could be a suspect. The tubes can be filled with fluid and giving your nipple a...

35

Question:

“My nipples seem strange. If I don't touch them they're normal, but when I do touch them, it gets cold or I'm sexually active, they get scrunched up and weird. It sounds weird and gross, but I want to know what this is and I want it to go away.”

Most women experience a change in their nipples during the occasions you mentioned. The nipples are very sensitive and everything from sexual arousal to something as simple as a cold breeze can cause...

3

Question:

“I have a creamy discharge in my underwear sometimes and it kind of smells bad. Is something wrong? Is this a yeast infection?”

This could just be your body's natural secretions, so if you're bothered by the smell, just make sure to keep your vaginal area clean (soap and water is fine!). If the odor is different than your...

15

Question:

“Why do I always have so much discharge before and after my period?”

I’m going to start by assuring you that vaginal discharge (especially around the time of your period) is normal. If it bothers you to have discharge on your panties the days before and after your...

26

Question:

“If you can get pregnant during your period how come birth control pills have placebo pills during your period and do not say to use condoms during this time?”

While you absolutely can get pregnant during your period, if you are taking birth control pills as prescribed for the three weeks leading up to your period, it's unlikely that you would ovulate...

7

Question:

“Is it normal for your ovaries to hurt before and during your period?”

I’m not really sure if that is normal to be honest because I’ve never had it happen to me personally. But I think you should check out health expert Sandy’s answer to this one. If it continues to...

7

Tampons, pads, liners, underwear, pizza, coffee, icecream icons

THE (AMAZING) SCIENCE BEHIND PERIODS

Your period (or "menstruation") is the monthly shedding of blood and tissue from your uterus through the opening of your vagina. Menstruation is an important part of the reproductive process and is a...

55

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR GYNO VISITS

More than half of all women consider their gynecologists to be their primary care providers and rely on them as their main sources of care.* That means for the majority of women, an annual gyno visit...

0

Question:

“I have hair on the inside of my vagina, like on the flaps. How do I get it out?”

There are a few different hair removal options. There is trimming, waxing or shaving. There is even doing nothing at all to it. In my opinion, there is no rule to how you should keep your pubic hair....

5

Question:

“Can you get pregnant by kissing during your period?”

21

Question:

“What am I supposed to look like down there?”

I'm going to let you in on a secret, though it won't be much of a secret anymore. I didn't really know to look "down there" until I watched the Sex and The City episode when Charlotte takes a mirror...

64

THE DETAILS ON DISCHARGE

by Dr. Aliza

Maybe you’re embarrassed to talk about vaginal discharge. But there’s no reason to be. All women have it, and it’s normal for your vagina to produce secretions to stay clean,...

548

Question:

“Can a yeast infection cause a missed period?”

Aside from yeast infections just making me feel “ick,” I can’t say that they have ever affected my cycle. But I know everyone is different, so I can’t say it would be the same for me as it might be...

6

Question:

“What should I do about cramps at school?”

Always be prepared! If your period is regular, you should kind of have an idea of when it’s going to start every month. What I would do is always have pad or tampon in my backpack or purse if I knew I...

19

Question:

“Does having sex delay my period?”

Sex can definitely affect your period because of all the hormones involved. I would check out what Dr. Molly has to say for this one.

3

Question:

“Why is my period worse some months than others? ”

I don't know exactly why. But I have totally been there. For 2 years on and off in high school, I had the worst cramps ever. I'm talking about reduced to tears and having to go home from school type...

5

Question:

“What do you do about razor burn in the pubic area?”

My best advice is to prevent razor burn in the first place. Shaving can be a tricky thing, especially if you are prone to razor burn like me. I have super sensitive skin so if I’m not very careful, it...

2

Question:

“Is it normal for the labia to be a little bit gray?”

Since the labia can refer to several different areas of skin (we have an inner labia and outer labia), I’m not exactly sure which part you mean. But regardless, just like we all have different colored...

7

YEAST INFECTION Q + A

Ask any woman who has had a yeast infection and she will tell you that it’s an even more unwelcome “down there” situation than her monthly friend. Although they are annoying and can...

0

10 WAYS TO PREVENT URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

by Dr. Aliza

An urgent – and frequent – need to urinate, a burning pain when you pee, pressure or discomfort in your abdominal area, fever, nausea and even vomiting… These are some of the unpleasant symptoms of...

2

VAGINAL HEALTH: WHAT'S NORMAL? WHAT ISN'T?

by Dr. Aliza

Most likely, you know how to take care of your hair, your skin and your appearance. Though do you know how to care for other parts of your body, even if they’re not as visible? Caring for your...

2

Question:

“Can having a UTI delay your period?”

I totally feel for you -- Bladder infections are no fun! I've never had a bladder infection delay my period, but that doesn't mean it couldn't be the cause. It may be a good time to grab a big ol'...

5

Question:

“Do you always ovulate before menstruation?”

Nope, not necessarily. I'm on the birth control pill, so even though I have a monthly period, the pill stops my body from ovulating. Ovulation is a normal part of your monthly cycle, but it doesn't...

6

Question:

“I am a light-skinned female. Why is my vagina dark?”

I’m going to say those words that everyone hates to hear, or well, read -- everyone is different and unique. Don’t compare yourself to others. There is no perfect vagina or a specific color or shape,...

4

VAGINAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH∗∗

BETTER NUTRITION FOR A BETTER PERIOD

PUTTING OFF PERIODS: THE PROS AND CONS OF FOOLING MOTHER NATURE

TAKE NOTE: YOUR LADY GARDEN SHOULDN'T SMELL LIKE FLOWERS

THE (AMAZING) SCIENCE BEHIND PERIODS

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR GYNO VISITS

THE DETAILS ON DISCHARGE

YEAST INFECTION Q + A

10 WAYS TO PREVENT URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

VAGINAL HEALTH: WHAT'S NORMAL? WHAT ISN'T?

“I donated blood before my periods and now my period is late. I'm not pregnant, and I have PMS as usual but no period. Can you explain why for some woman, periods don't come or get delayed after donating blood?”

“I'm getting green veins on my breast during my period. What does this mean?”

“Why do I have acne inside my vagina (and I am not sexually active)?”

“If you have a yeast infection, is it okay to scratch or does that make it worse?”

BETTER NUTRITION FOR A BETTER PERIOD

“Should I have both a family practice doctor and an OBGYN? Or is only an OBGYN okay?”

“Can my daughter get her period even though she doesn't have pubic hair? ”

“Why do I have cramps, heavy discharge, and no period?”

“In my school, the trend is to kick or hit your friend's vagina. Could this trend end up causing problems? My friend kicked me really hard in my vagina and it hurt extremely bad.”

“Can you douche safely on your period, or should you wait?”

“What does “pop your cherry” mean? I’ve heard it so many times, but I don’t know what it means.”

“Why does every one say you have to wear 100% cotton underwear or you will get yeast infections? Is this true?”

“How do you know your hymen is broken if you have never gone to the gyno (I'm still a virgin)?”

“How can you tell the difference between a broken hymen and a first menstrual cycle? ”

“What do I do about cuts in my area? Do I put Neosporin on them? What do I do when they hurt/ bleed?”

“I just got off my period and had sex with my boyfriend. Now, I am bleeding again. What does this mean?”

“I shaved my vagina and the itching is uncontrollable, what should I do?”

“I have blood in my discharge. It's not big but little specks. Is this normal?”

“I'm ready to have sex with my new boyfriend, but I'm scared of what he'll think of my vagina. What should I do?”

“My mom tells me to take only one ibuprofen per period, claiming that sooner or later it won't help with pain and it'll become addicting. Is there any truth to this? ”

“What's the difference between regular discharge and discharge from an orgasm?”

“Why does my vagina get itchy everywhere when I'm on my period?”

“I'm getting that yellow and white discharge. I know it's normal, but I've had it for two years. What should I do? PS- I live with my dad.”

“I have no armpit hair, literally. And I have my period. Is that normal? ”

“Since I can remember I have had inverted nipples. Why? How do I fix them?”

“Is it okay to have a beauty mark inside of your labia majora above and to the right of my clitoris?”

“What kind of odor is considered a "bad" odor? Which smell is "normal" and which is "bad"? ”

“I think my vagina smells kinda good (except when I have my period). Am I the only one?”

“I admit I am very shy about this, but my first time was really short because I started bleeding a lot. If I attempt to have sex again will I bleed this time too?”

“If you have a heavy period, does it mean that you're more fertile?”

PUTTING OFF PERIODS: THE PROS AND CONS OF FOOLING MOTHER NATURE

“Is it bad if you play sports when you're on your period? What's better, a pad or a tampon?”

“Why do I keep getting yeast infections right before I get my period?”

“Am I normal? When I feel the inside of my vagina, the walls are smooth, but in the center, all the way in the back there is a soft squishy lump. It feels like it comes to a point, and there is a slit in it, about a finger tip wide or so. ”

“After my period I tend to get bacterial vaginosis because the blood messes up my pH. What can I do??”

“After a period of time, will a woman's vagina stretch due to intercourse and foreplay?”

“Is it normal to get a bladder infection during your period?”

“When I stretch my inner labia as far as they will go, I notice small lighter bumps. They do not hurt, and they've been there as long as I can remember. Do these bumps have a name? Does everyone have them?”

“Can someone tell me how to avoid getting toxic shock syndrome?”

“I am sexually active, and when I take a shower and I go to clean my vaginal area, there's always a whole bunch of white gunk in there and on the outside. What is it? And how do I get it to stop?”

“Is there a way to purposely break your hymen with a tampon? ”

“If my vagina feels dry should I put lotion on it or in it?”

“Is it safe to not wear panties to bed? It is better for me? Is there a chance of something happening to my area?”

“Do your breasts stop growing when you get your period? Mine are still REALLY small and I got my period last year.”

“How can I tell if I'm pregnant if my periods are always irregular and I never know when I will or won't have one?”

“Why does my body itch all over during that time of the month?”

“Can getting a Pap smear a few days before your period affect your period when it comes on?”

“Can I take birth control to avoid getting horrible cramps and throwing up?”

“Can having sex mess with your period? Like make it irregular or come early or late?”

“Sometimes when I sit down or suddenly move around, why does my vagina make a farting sound? It's so embarrassing. How do I get it to stop?”

“My bf wants to be intimate together even when I am on my period and I just feel so ugly and disgusting. Help?”

“I've had my period for a month, and the blood is bright red. My doc says it's nothing to worry about. They found a complex cyst the size of my ovary, and my endometrium is thickened. What does this all mean? I can't get a straight answer out of my doc.”

TAKE NOTE: YOUR LADY GARDEN SHOULDN'T SMELL LIKE FLOWERS

“Is it possible to get pregnant from swimming in a pool? How fast is sperm killed by chlorine and other chemicals?”

“Can you get pregnant if you haven't started your period yet?”

“If you're still a virgin and you go to the gynecologist, can the doctor's speculum break your hymen? If so, will it hurt?”

“Sometimes when I sit for long time, my vagina goes numb is that normal?”

“Is it normal if I can't see my vaginal hole? I'm a virgin, and I've never used a tampon before. I used a mirror to look at my vagina, but the hole was barely visible.”

“On the last day of my period, my vagina always feels like it’s burning. I'm not sexually active, so what's going on?”

“My right breast seems to discharge when it gets squeezed. Is that normal?”

“My nipples seem strange. If I don't touch them they're normal, but when I do touch them, it gets cold or I'm sexually active, they get scrunched up and weird. It sounds weird and gross, but I want to know what this is and I want it to go away.”

“I have a creamy discharge in my underwear sometimes and it kind of smells bad. Is something wrong? Is this a yeast infection?”

“Why do I always have so much discharge before and after my period?”

“If you can get pregnant during your period how come birth control pills have placebo pills during your period and do not say to use condoms during this time?”

“Is it normal for your ovaries to hurt before and during your period?”

THE (AMAZING) SCIENCE BEHIND PERIODS

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR GYNO VISITS

“I have hair on the inside of my vagina, like on the flaps. How do I get it out?”

“Can you get pregnant by kissing during your period?”

“What am I supposed to look like down there?”