7 Responses

1. JJ

   March 30th, 2010 at 1:12 pm

   1

   *** Is there any other way of reducing the length of my menstrual cycles?

   Menstrual cycles are the length of time between one period and the next, there’s no way to reduce shorten this, but if you mean shorter periods…stay healthy healthy, regulate your hormones with black cohosh or evening primrose oil, you can also lessen flow (so shorten periods) by a little by drinking coffee, taking vitex, and taking a good multi-vitamin. You can also get medication from your GP called tranexamic acid, this will shorten your period and lessen your flow by up to half, fewer side-effects and you only have to take it for the first few days of your period.

   The pill would make bleeding more regular and lighter, but this is because the bleeding on the pill is not actually your period, it’s withdrawal bleeding caused by the synthetic hormones in the pill. The pill suppresses your cycles so covers-up problems, it doesn’t treat them. It’s also not healthy to use this to deal with menstrual problems, particularly not when this problem is common for someone your age – it should improve as you get older – suppressing your cycles this way also effect how you care for your sexual health long-term. Your dad should know better!! But with that said, the sad fact is that doctors are often encouraged to give the pill to women for this reason, it’s unhealthy but there is a culture of using the pill in this way regardless.

   Get a menstrual cup – these are FAR safer and more hygienic than tampons and pads so there’s no risk of TSS or vaginal infections, they are more convenient as cups can be worn with any flow, overnight which you can’t do with tampons, and also unlike tampons you don’t need to alternate with pads. Cups hold a lot more flow than tampons and pads combined and don’t leak like tampons do so better for dealing with heavy flow, and in many women cups can reduce flow and cramps. What are menstrual cups? – http://www.scarleteen.com/article/body/what_are_menstrual_cups

   *** Is it normal to have that much discharge?

   It depends if it really is a lot, to younger women it can seem like a lot just because you’re paying more attention to what’s going on down there, if it is really a lot then you would need to see a doctor to make sure it’s not being caused by an infection, but if all is clear then there’s no way to reduce it.

   Discharge is good, remember that, it is what keeps your vagina clean and healthy, it will also change during your menstrual cycle so may be heavier at certain times, you can also determine what’s going on in your body by these changes to your discharge – so it really is a good thing. In your teens you may get more lubrication – what your vagina produces to make penetration possible without pain – because you’re hormonal so are attracted to a lot of people, it’s also like how teen boys get erections when they don’t want them or when they’re not even aroused, it’s just hormones playing havoc with your body, girls can just get wet as if they’re aroused without actually being aroused.

   Stop using liners – or at least limit your use. If you feel you really have to then just use them when your discharge is heavy, and change the type you are using – if using commercial brands then these are bad as they stop air getting to your genitals, this makes the area warm and moist so perfect for bacteria and yeast to grow, this causes bad odour and can lead to infections which would increase your discharge. Try using cotton liners, or better still use cloth liners like those from Lunapads – http://www.lunapads.com/department.aspx?DeptId=35& – these are far more comfortable and much more hygienic as they let air get to your genitals so keeping you dry, thus less odour and no risk of infections, plus it’s a lot cheaper and better for the environment than using disposable liners all the time!

   *** I can always smell it when i’m sitting down….is that normal?!?!?

   Yup – firstly remember that your vagina is basically right under your nose when you sit down, but also see what I said above about commercial liners, that they stop air getting to your genitals so makes it warm and moist…it’s the same deal when you’re sitting down, less air is getting to that area so it is getting warm and moist, making the smell more obvious and encouraging bacteria and yeast to multiply. Growth of bacteria and yeast is normal, it’s not gross, it’s just how it works and remember most of these are natural in your vagina, it’s not dirty, but these can still make the smell stronger so try to walk about a bit rather than sit for long periods of time.

   Should your dad not be able to tell you about all of this? In fact, shouldn’t he and your mother have taught you about this all a long time ago? Honey, really, it’s all normal.

2. Bryant

   March 30th, 2010 at 1:12 pm

   2

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3. lisak ~Asphalt Angel ~

   March 30th, 2010 at 1:12 pm

   3

   My Dear,

   I think the answer to all your questions would be best answered by talking to an OB/GYN. I’m sure it can be quite embarrassing going to your father, but he seems pretty open to helping you out.

   this way all the questions about the pill, the discharge, and the smell could all be dealt with at one visit. If going to your father is too embarrassing ask your mother to make an appointment with another OB/GYN. I sure your father could refer a very good one for you

   anyone can give their opinion but since we are all different as our each individuals body, you should really seek professional help, that way your not second guessing yourself and your talking to a professional who knows how to answer each question for you honestly instead of misleading you. also remember there is also female OB/GYN’s if your too embarrassed to talk to a man…’

4. Karleigh

   March 30th, 2010 at 1:12 pm

   4

   I’m not sure what the side affects on birth control are but my sister used to take it for her skin (yazz) but she had to stop because there was a major recall on it. So if you do decide to go on the pill ask your dad – he should know which ones are safe. I’m nor sure how to answer the discharge part because I’ve never had a problem with it sorry. Hope I helped with the other part tho!
   I’m 16 too!

5. ilykid,<3

   March 30th, 2010 at 1:12 pm

   5

   Okay, so

   Q 1:
   Get on the pill!!! your dad is an OB/GYN and he can recomend the right birth controls for you and everything along those lines so i wouldnt worry about it.

   Q 2:
   I also have very bad dis charge, not that bad. But it is normal to get strong discharge, and especially in your teen years with hormons and all.

   Q3:
   I usaully dont but sometimes i also feel that way but thats usually on my period and i think is becasue you’re conscious of whats going on with your body and you know all of whats happening. So i honstly would relly worry about that. Just make sure though!!! Lol.

   My last peice of advice is if your dad is an OB/GYN ask him in moderation some of these questions.

   Sorry if this isnt any help, but i tried.(:

6. airaani

   March 30th, 2010 at 1:12 pm

   6

   First off, avoid using soap down there as much as possible. That gets rid of the good bacteria. Second, is the smell bad? If it’s very strongly fishy, you might have an infection. If not, don’t worry about it. I’ve had the same thing since I was 10. I also had long periods, and I went on the pill when I was 16 for cramps. My periods got short, lighter, and more regular, it was amazing! The side effects you’re talking about are VERY rare. It might take a couple tries to find a pill with no annoying side effects like bloating, but it can definitely help. I don’t know of any way to have less discharge, but if you find one, let me know!

7. lusciousred2287

   March 30th, 2010 at 1:12 pm

   7

   you said your father is an ob/gyn. why are you asking on yahoo instead of seeking professional advice? it may be embarassing, but i assure you, he’ll know better than anyone on here.