Center for Young Women's Health
Is it ok to eat right before bed?Yes. If your stomach is grumbling and dinner was a few hours ago, there is nothing wrong with having a light snack before going to bed. What you eat more … 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!
What’s the difference between a panty liner and a pad? Which one is better?
Both panty liners and pads are used to absorb menstrual flow to keep your clothes from becoming wet with blood. Panty liners are smaller and thinner and are typically used … read more
I was recently told by a friend it’s not safe to douche, because it does more harm than good. Is this true?
Your friend is right. Douching (cleaning your vagina with just water, vinegar or a pre-packaged liquid) isn’t necessary and can actually be harmful. A woman’s body naturally makes a fluid … read more
I want to lose 13.6kg (30 lbs) in 4 months. I always get temped to eat sweets and overeat. What is the best diet plan to achieve my goal?
Having a weight loss goal can be a good way to motivate yourself towards healthier eating. However, in general a maximum of 2 pounds per week would be the most … read more
It turns out my period will likely arrive on the first day of my vacation. Can I delay my period by starting the next pill pack without taking the inactive pills in my pill pack? Will the Pill still be effective?
Check with your health care provider (HCP) to make sure there isn’t any reason why you shouldn’t keep taking active birth control pills in order to delay your period. You … read more
During the past three or so months I have lost about 7-8kg (about 17 lbs.) but not in a healthy way. I haven’t gotten my period for about two months, and I’m worried. I’m still counting my calories but I’m scared because I don’t want to have any issues.
You seem to recognize that your weight loss, counting calories and not having regular periods may all be signs of a health concern such as an eating disorder. It’s great … read more
Why do I feel such guilt about masturbating? My religion doesn’t prevent me from doing it, my mom has even said it is normal, and I want to really badly but I know I will feel horrible if I do! Please help!
You may want to get to know your body from the freckles on your face to how it feels when you touch your genitals. Begin by noticing different parts of your … read more
I am having a hard time pulling out a tampon without any pain. When I was a baby I had a condition called labial adhesions (my labia were stuck together). I am not sexually active. Could it be possible that the labial adhesions I had as a baby are effecting my ability to use tampons now?
There can be different reasons for discomfort when removing or pulling a tampon out (of the vagina). If the tampon is dry or barely wet with blood, it may be … read more
What are some reasons (besides being pregnant) that your period is late?
First, make sure that you counted your cycle correctly. The first day of bleeding is the first day of your cycle. Count from cycle day 1 until the 28th day. … read more
I’ve been having itching, redness and soreness when I wipe or touch my vagina. I also have a white milky color vaginal discharge and when I wipe I see a yellowish color on the toilet paper. What could this be?
Your symptoms suggest that you have inflammation of your vagina which is likely due to a vaginal infection. The 3 most common causes of vaginal infections are yeast, bacterial vaginosis, and … read more