Center for Young Women's Health
I use a bottle and pen to masturbate. Am I still a virgin?Good question. 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 “having … 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 noticed when I exercise my heart will beat really fast and strong (like it’s coming through my chest), but I can never feel my pulse. I did some research and I am curious, could I have an arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) or heart disease? Should I see a doctor or can I diagnosis it myself?
Thank you for your question. Heart disease is fortunately rare in teenagers. Some children are born with a birth defect of abnormal heart valves, a hole between 2 parts of … read more
I live in rural Illinois and I’m worried about the coronavirus. What is being done to help get rid of it and could I die from it?
Thanks for sending the question. Lots of other teens have asked the same questions. Our world is going through challenging and uncertain times right now. It’s been over 100 years … read more
I’ve been staying up past midnight and not getting out of bed until the afternoon recently. How can I start going to sleep and waking up earlier?
Thanks for your question. Getting good sleep is an important thing everyone can do to stay healthy. There are lots of things that can affect sleep, including our daily activities, whether or … read more
I’m 16 years old and when I go to the doctor, my mom insists on staying in the room. I have an upcoming doctor’s appointment and I want to ask some more personal questions. Do I have the right to talk to the doctor without my mom in the room?
This is a great question! Kudos for wanting to begin understanding what it’s like to take charge of your own health, that’s great! It’s important for you to learn how … read more
I recently found out that I have MRKH (Mayer Rokitansky Kuster Hauser Syndrome) and I was curious, can MRKH affect breast development?
Thank you for your question. MRKH (Mayer Rokitansky Kuster Hauser Syndrome) is a congenital (occurs during fetal development) problem that affects the female reproductive tract. One in 5,000 females is … read more
Is it possible to still have Anorexia even though I am not underweight? I have some symptoms, but I am overweight. Should I talk to my doctor?
This is a great and important question! Eating disorders, such as Anorexia Nervosa, can affect anybody and do not have any specific “look”. They affect individuals of all body shapes … read more
I started my period last August (at 14 years old), but I haven’t had a period for the last 6 months. I am not sexually active, but I have some of the symptoms in your guide on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Should I be concerned?
Thank you for your question. In young women, it’s totally normal to have fewer periods per year, especially for the first 2-3 years after starting your period. In the first … read more
How do I deal with burnout in school?
Thanks for your question. Many teens share this concern. Here are some things to consider. First, it’s important to understand the source of your burnout. Is it because you’re struggling … read more
I am currently on the birth control pill (BCP). This month I decided to skip the placebo week “sugar pills” and just start a new pill pack. I’ve heard that when you to do this you’re supposed to have spotting, but I haven’t. I have sex regularly, could this be a sign that I’m pregnant or did I just get lucky?
This is a great question, so glad you asked! There are many different reasons why people use the “birth control” pill (BCP.) Some may use the pill to prevent pregnancy, … read more