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? Is it clumpy? Like cottage cheese? Are you feeling very itchy? Or burning? These are warning signs.
These are not normal. This likely means an infection. And we need to treat it. So, come and see your Gynecologist.
What Causes Urinary Infections (UTIs) in Adolescence?
UTIs are very common. They are also very annoying. And they can be painful. So, what causes them? Usually, it is bacteria. Bacteria get into the wrong place. It gets into your urethra. (That’s the tube you pee from.)
How does this happen? A few common ways.
First, hygiene. Wiping the wrong way. (More on that next.) Second, holding it in. You really have to pee. But you wait. And wait. This gives bacteria time to grow. Third, not drinking enough water. Water helps flush your system. It washes the bacteria out.
Not enough water? Bacteria can stick around.
How to Avoid Urinary Infections?
Okay, so how do we stop UTIs?
The good news is, it’s simple. I have easy, actionable tips.
Rule number one. The Golden Rule. Always wipe front to back. Every single time. No exceptions. This keeps bacteria away from your urethra.
Rule number two. Drink your water. Hydration is your best defence. It keeps your bladder flushed. And happy.
Rule number three. Don’t hold it in. When you feel the urge to pee…just go. It’s that simple.
One last tip. Pee after any strenuous activity. Like sports or exercise. This helps clear the area. Follow these rules. You will prevent most UTIs.
Is PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) Common in Adolescents?
Now, let’s talk about PCOS. You may have heard of it. Is it common in teens?
Yes. It is. It is one of the most common problems I see. But it is also often missed.
Why?
Because “irregular periods” are normal…for the first year or two. So, we sometimes miss the real problem. We think, “Oh, she’s just a teen.” We wait.
But PCOS is more than that. It is a hormonal imbalance. And it needs our attention. Early diagnosis is the key.
Symptoms of PCOS to Watch For
So, what are the signs? What should you look for?
The number one sign is period problems. But, I mean, after the first two years. Her period still hasn’t settled? Is it super irregular? Maybe she skips months at a time.
Or, she doesn’t get one at all. That is a big red flag.
What else?
Severe acne. Not just a few pimples. I mean deep, painful acne. Especially on the jawline. And, new, excess hair growth. Maybe on the face. Or the chest. Or the back.
If you see these signs…please, come talk to your Gynecologist.
Section 4: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention: The HPV Vaccine
Should Adolescents Take the HPV Vaccine?
I want to talk about prevention. This part is critical. I am talking about the HPV vaccine. So, let’s be very clear. This is not just another vaccine. This is a cancer prevention tool.
Let me say that again. It is a vaccine that prevents cancer. How amazing is that? So, what is HPV?
It stands for Human Papillomavirus. It is an extremely common virus. Incredibly common. Most people will get it. At some point in their lives. Usually, the body just clears it. No harm done.
But sometimes, it doesn’t clear. And that is the danger. Because that is when HPV…can cause changes. Changes that lead to cancer. Cervical cancer. Throat cancer. And others.
This is where the vaccine is a hero. It protects your child. Long before they ever face this risk. So, why give it now? Why to an adolescent?
Because the vaccine works best before your child is ever exposed to the virus. It builds their defence system now.
To protect them for their entire future. This is truly one of the most important… …protective gifts you can give.
Conclusion-
Let’s Wrap This Up: A Final Thought
We covered a lot today. Cramps. Periods. UTIs. PCOS. Even that “scary” first visit. It can all feel overwhelming. You might still have questions. You might still be worried. That is perfectly okay.
Here is what I want you to remember: You are not alone. Not at all. Your questions are valid. Your worries are normal. If you’re wondering about something… …I promise, 100 other parents in Thane… …are wondering the exact same thing. There is no “silly” question. Not when it comes to your health. Or your daughter’s health. Ever.
Your Gynecologist is here for this reason. She needs you to know it’s a safe space. It is a confidential space. What you talk about stays private. This is a judgment-free zone. For you. And for your daughter. Your Gynecologist job is not to judge. Her job is to listen. Her job is to help. It’s that simple.
So, please. Do not let embarrassment stop you. Do not let fear win. Your daughter’s health is just too important.
About the Author:
Dr Supriya Mahajan, M.S., D.N.B. (OBGY), is the Best Lady Gynecologist in Thane West. She has 18+ years of experience. She specialises in advanced laparoscopy, infertility, and high-risk pregnancy. She practices at Ova Fertility & woman Care & Currae Hospital in Thane.