Center for Young Women's Health
I have taken two pregnancy tests and they both came back positive. I am a virgin! How is this possible? I don’t know how to tell my parents, help!There isn’t a medical definition of a “virgin” or virginity. The term is used differently by different people and may relate to cultural or religious beliefs or the meaning of … 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!
I have heard from a few people that the herbal supplement mugwort interferes with birth control or makes it less effective. I tried looking it up, but I couldn’t find anything. Is this true?
Mugwort grows in the form of a weed and is considered to be an herbal supplement. Some people may use mugwort for cooking, but it has also been recommended as … read more
Is it normal to feel ashamed after masturbating? I tried to finger myself and it really hurt. When I pulled out my hands, there was a lot of blood. Did I hurt myself? I feel very ashamed.
First, what is masturbation? Masturbation is when a person touches or rubs their genitals. It’s completely normal for both men and women to masturbate. There is a stigma around masturbation, … read more
It’s now autumn, and I always feel sorrowful and morose during this season. Plus now, with the coronavirus I feel even more depressed. What can I do in order to cheer me up?
Thank you so much for your question, you’re certainly not alone in feeling this way right now. When the weather changes in fall and winter, it’s not uncommon for people … read more
Is it normal to have pelvic pain after a pap smear (test)? I recently had my pap smear and I am experiencing pain similar to my period cramps.
Great question, thank you! A pelvic exam is the way your health care provider (HCP) examines your female organs and checks for any gynecological problems. A pap test (smear) are … read more
I’ve lost weight for the past 10 months but my family tells me that I’m too thin now. My BMI is 18. I know that I eat less than 1000kcal a day. But just seeing my plate full is making me sick. Should I be concerned about having an eating disorder?
Regardless of your BMI, eating less than 1000 kcal/day is not healthy for anyone. The minimum calories per day for a 20-year old female would be 1400 kcal/day, and even … read more
I am soy intolerant. Normally I like finding a new food I can eat, but recently all I notice is that it isn’t the brand of food everyone else eats. I just want to eat normal food. Do I have a mental problem about my intolerance?
Paying attention to your food intolerance should not be a cause for concern. It will likely always be tough not to be able to eat the same foods as everyone … read more
Is it normal to weigh 95 pounds (43 kilograms) at 17 years old?
Weight is like any other personal feature- it’s different for every individual. There is no “normal” that fits everyone! Rather, it’s important to understand what’s normal for you. There are … read more
I have genital warts on my vagina. Is it OK to put Vaseline on the warts? Is it OK to hug my cousin that is 8 months pregnant?
Thank you for your question. Genital warts appear following direct skin to skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who may be infected with the Human Papillomavirus … read more
My mom says we aren’t getting our flu shots this year because we’re going to be staying home, but I still want to get the shot. Should I not get the shot? How should I confront my mom?
Thank you for the question. The situation with your mom sounds challenging and stressful. Understandably, it’s frustrating for teens who want the ability to make their own decisions about their … read more