Spot the problem
Is it normal for girls to get pimples on their
vagina? Wondering
When you say “vagina” I suspect you mean
“vulva”. The vagina is the internal
passage to the uterus, and the
cervix is the gateway deep inside.
The whole genital area on the
outside of your body is called
the vulva. I’m not trying to be
the language police but it is
important to correctly name your
bits when describing a problem.
Pimples, or infected hair follicles
can happen anywhere hair grows!
The vagina itself is hairless but does
have some glands at the entrance that
can get infected. Infections like these are
red and painful and may have a white
head. Don’t be embarrassed to tell your doc –
we see them all the time. They probably do need
treatment (please don’t try it yourself.)Implant worries
I’ve been on Implanon for two
years and I’m also sexually active.
I haven’t had my period in a month
and I usually get it every month for
about six days. Why hasn’t it come
and how can I make it come?
Missing in action
Implanon is the rod shaped
progesterone-only contraceptive
agent usually implanted just under
the skin of the inner part of your
upper arm. It is very reliable (more
than 99.9% effective) when properly
inserted. It works by stopping
ovulation, thickening cervical mucus
so sperm can’t swim through, and
thinning the uterus lining to prevent
fertilised eggs implanting. It should
be taken out and changed every
three years. Some people’s cycle will
stop completely, while others still get
spotting. A number of medications
and herbal preparations can
interfere with the action of
Implanon – these include some drugs
for epilepsy, some fungal treatments
and St Johns Wort. I am concerned
that your bleeding pattern has
changed and although the implant
should still be active I think it’s
important to assess any meds you
may be taking and take a test
to rule out pregnancy. It might
be fine but please see your GP.NO BABIES, NO MAYBES
My boyfriend and I want to have sex for the first
time, but we’re afraid I may get pregnant, even
though he has bought condoms. I know there
are vaccinations to prevent pregnancy, and
contraception tablets, but if I asked my parents
it would be considered shameful because of their
religious beliefs. What should I do? Conflicted
There is no vaccination to prevent pregnancy –
prevention is the way to be thinking. If condoms
don’t break they are excellent contraception.
If they do there is emergency contraception
available, a single dose hormone tablet taken up
to 72 hours after unprotected sex and estimated
to be 85% effective. However, it shouldn’t be
relied upon as regular contraception. It can
be purchased over the counter from most
pharmacies. If you find it difficult to talk to
your parents, you can discuss all of this with a
pharmacist. They will ask you questions about
your age and health and assess your request
on the basis of your maturity. If you are planning
to continue having sex, you should consider
ongoing forms of contraception. Family Planning
Clinics can give you confidential advice.ALL QUESTIONS
ARE ANSWERED
BY DR SALLY
COCKBURN,
GF’S RESIDENT
DOCTOR.DISCLAIMER INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE IS NOT
INTENDED TO REPLACE A VISIT TO YOUR GP
FOR ANY MEDICAL CONCERN. THE AGE OF
CONSENT IS 16 YEARS OLD (17 IN SOME STATES
AND 18 UNDER PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES).
FOR MORE SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON CONSENT,
VISIT GIRLSGOTTAKNOW.COM.AU.advice
GF
sex &
body
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