Center for Young Women's HealthThank you for your question! Anytime you have a discharge that is unusual for you, it’s a good idea to check in with your gynecologist or health care provider, which … read more
Ask Us questions
Each week we choose one new Ask Us question and post the answer. Feel free to search or browse our past questions and answers to see if yours is already there.
To ask a new question, use our form. Ask your own question!
Lately my body image has been poor about myself. I honestly feel so ugly and it makes me sad and depressed. I honestly feel like no one will think I’m cute or even pretty, and compliments I do get I throw down. How can this feeling be stopped?
Thank you for submitting this important question! Poor body image is a difficult feeling that many teenagers (and adults) deal with. During the teenage years, there are many changes happening … read more
I feel that I am extremely nervous this year. I will suddenly feel overwhelmed by school, the prospect of college, or something in the news (particularly school shootings) and my stomach will feel sick and I can’t stop shaking. What should I do?
Sometimes people think that teenagers don’t have much to be worried or anxious about. However, as you have pointed out there are many important challenges that teens face. There are … read more
I have had my period since I was 10. It’s been 3 years and my periods are still irregular. Sometimes I get them every month and then it doesn’t come for another 3. I am not stressed or work out too much. Should I visit my doctor about this?
Thank you for your question! During the first 1-2 years after a young woman starts her period, her cycles may be irregular; however, after that the menstrual cycle will typically … read more
Why am I eating a lot of food? I feel like I’m gonna get fat if I keep eating a lot… Is this normal?
It is perfectly normal for any adolescent to feel like they are eating a lot of food. During adolescence your body is still growing and the only way it can … read more
I’m having a funny discharge that’s yellow in color, should I be concerned?
Thanks for your question! It can be normal to have a small amount of vaginal discharge because the vagina makes a fluid that naturally cleans itself. The fluid can change … read more
I have severe depression and I got horrible grades last year. I want to do well in school but it’s hard when I’m always sad and tired. What are some tips to succeed?
Thank you for your question, and kudos to you for reaching out! Asking for help can be very difficult. By asking this question, you are taking steps to take care … read more
I am developing a lot of stretch marks on my body. Is there anything I can do other than workout/lose weight? Are they permanent?
Stretch marks are actually a kind of scar that appears when the skin stretches quickly (with weight gain) or shrinks (with sudden weight loss). It’s common to develop stretch marks … read more
I have this weird feeling that my vagina doesn’t seem normal. I have two folds of skin that cover the middle of my vagina. Is this normal?
The two folds of skin that you describe are likely your “labia”, which are located on the outside of your vagina and are completely normal. The medical word for these … read more
Can you get bowel cancer at 13 years old?
Colon cancer is very rare in children; however, anyone no matter what age who has chronic unexplained constipation (difficulty having bowel movements), abdominal distention (bloating of the belly) and bleeding from the … read more
