Adolescence

Introduction: It’s the whisper you’ve been waiting for. Or maybe it’s just a locked bedroom door. An awkward silence at the dinner table. You see your adolescent daughter. She’s growing up. And you have questions. She does too.   Let’s be honest. This stuff is… awkward. Talking about periods is weird. Talking about our bodies can feel strange. It feels so much easier to just stay quiet.   But I’m here to tell you, let’s talk. I’m Dr. Supriya Mahajan. For 18 years, I’ve been a gynaecologist right here in Thane. I’ve sat with so many families, just like yours. I’ve heard every question you can imagine. (Trust me, none of them are “weird”.)   Let’s get started.   Section 1: The First Visit to the Gynaecologist Why Visit a Gynaecologist at a Young Age? Let’s clear up a big myth. The gynae isn’t just for problems. It’s not just for pregnancy. So, why come in young?   It’s about trust. It’s about building a relationship. I want to be your adolescent daughter’s health partner. A safe person, she can ask anything. This isn’t about being sick. This is about staying healthy. It’s about starting a positive journey.   We build this trust now. We build it together. This way, she always has a health advocate. For her entire life.   That’s why it’s so important.   When Should an Adolescent’s First Visit? So, what’s the magic number?   There isn’t one. But I have a clear guideline. I recommend a first “hello visit” soon. Usually, this is between the ages of 13 and 15. This visit is just a conversation.   However, we should talk sooner if……she is having any problems. Like severe period pain. Or very heavy bleeding. (We’ll talk more about those later.) And, you must bring her in……if she becomes sexually active. That is not optional. Her health is the top priority. We need to talk right away.   What Actually Happens at an Adolescent‘s First Visit? This is the big one. The part everyone fears. Moms. Daughters. Everyone.   You are thinking about the “exam.”The stirrups. The speculum. So, I want you to take a deep breath. And relax because the first visit is just a talk. That’s it.   I promise. There is almost never an internal exam. No pelvic exam. No stirrups. The Gynaecologist will talk to her. She will ask about her period. Her health. Her questions. We might check her height.   Her weight. Her blood pressure. It’s a conversation. Our goal is one thing. To build trust. I want her to feel safe. That’s all.   Section 2: “Is This Normal?” Guide to Periods Is it Normal to Have Menstrual Cramps in adolescence? Yes. The short answer is yes. Cramps are incredibly normal. Most girls and women get them. But why do they happen?    Think of your uterus. It is a very strong muscle. During your period, it has a job. It must squeeze. It squeezes to help shed its lining. That squeeze is what you feel as a cramp.    A body chemical starts this. It’s called prostaglandin. More of this chemical…can mean stronger cramps. So, feeling some discomfort? Some aching? Some squeezing? That is usually very normal. It’s just your body doing its work.   How to Prevent and Manage Menstrual Cramps in Adolescence? Okay, so cramps are normal. But they still hurt. So, what can you do? You have great, simple options.   First, use heat. A hot water bag is your best friend. Heat relaxes that squeezing muscle. It feels so good.    Next, move your body. I know. You don’t want to. But gentle walking helps. Light stretching helps. It brings blood flow. Also, drink water. Lots of water. Hydration can ease cramps.   If the pain is still too much…a safe pain reliever is okay. We can discuss what works best.   But… When Is It NOT Normal?    This is the crucial part. Pay attention. Some pain is normal. Debilitating pain is not. Is your daughter missing school? Is she lying in bed, unable to move? Is she vomiting from the pain? Does basic pain relief do nothing?    This is not “just a bad period.” This is not “part of being a girl.”    This is a signal. It’s her body shouting for help. If this is happening, you need to see Gynecologist. We need to investigate. Please, do not ignore this pain. How to Maintain Menstrual Hygiene in adolescence? This part is simple. And it is so important. It’s all about staying clean. And preventing infections.    First, change your pad or tampon. Change it often. A good rule is every 4 to 6 hours. If your period is heavy, change it more.   Why? Because old blood can attract bacteria. This can cause infections. And it can cause odours.    Next, how to wash. Use plain, warm water. Only wash the outside parts. (That is called the vulva). And always, always wipe front to back. This is the golden rule. It stops germs from spreading.    Now, the biggest “DON’T.” No soap inside. And NO douching. Ever. Your vagina is a self-cleaning organ. It is amazing. It has good bacteria to protect it.   Douching kills them. It messes up the balance. It causes infections. So, just water. Just the outside. That’s it. You are clean. You are healthy.   Section 3: Common Adolescent Problems (And When to Seek Help) Is it Normal to Have White Discharge? Yes. Absolutely. White discharge is normal. In fact, it is healthy.   So, what is it? Think of it as your body’s “housekeeping.” It’s your vagina’s self-cleaning system. It is amazing. It naturally washes away old cells. And it keeps everything healthy.   So, a little clear or white discharge…is actually a good sign.    But… when should you worry? You need to watch for changes. Is the colour different? Like, yellow? Or green? Or grey? Does it have a strong, fishy smell?