You feel totally comfortable confiding in your bestie about the after-effects of the caf's buffalo chicken sandwich. And it's nothing to notify your lab partner that allergies have your snot output on overdrive. You've even been known to complain to your cat about your cramps. So why is it that so many teens find it difficult to dish out details about their bod to a doctor?
PSA: Taking care of your body now means a healthier life later. Plus, the day is quickly coming when your parents aren't going to be heading to the doc with you. That means the time to start advocating for yourself and forming your own opinions about your health care is, well, right now.
Another major bonus? Your doctor can provide a wealth of information on tricky topics like mental health, sex, drugs and alcohol while remaining objective and free of judgment. (And, yep, those convos are totally confidential.)
If chatting with your physician about super personal stuff still makes you want to cringe, we have the cure to your case of the awks. Before your annual physical this fall, jot down these six key questions to make sure you've got yourself covered from head to toe.
[?] IS EVERYTHING NORMAL DOWN THERE?
Whether it's an irregular period or those mysterious bikini line bumps that seemed to appear overnight, you'll definitely want to discuss anything related to your vagina with your doc.
Most likely, it'll be a quick check of the area while your doctor asks a few questions to rule out any major concerns. Also, don't be surprised if they refer you to a gynecologist-the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends you start seeing one between ages 13 and 15. (Finding a female OB-GYN can make this transition more comfortable.)
This story is from the August/September 2023 edition of Girls' Life magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August/September 2023 edition of Girls' Life magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Now loading: Meditation mode
Haven't tried it yet? Here's your start-this-second strategy to find your center, no matter the strom.
Spread some cheer (here and there and everywhere)
You know that girl who's always bringing the holiday hype? Oh wait...that's you!
How to eat more vegetables (even if you truly hate them)
GOING DAYS—OR EVEN, YIKES, WEEKS—WITHOUT A SINGLE GREEN? THIS ONE’S FOR YOU.
THIS IS THE YEAR YOU CHANGE THE WORLD
It's exciting to be a part of the generation people say will transform the future.
NEW YEAR'S resolutions officially OUT
What's in, you ask? New Year's intentions, aka the strategy that'll *actually* make all your end-of-December dreams come true.
"Ugh! My family is so...
OK. we're just going to say it: It's valid to sometimes get furiously frustrated and downright disappointed with your nearest and dearest. (Take that as permission to feel *all* your feels rn.) Our gift to you? Breaking down these daunting holiday dynamics so you can get back to being a fa-la-la family again.
Dear Carol
CRUSHING ON A POPULAR BOY There is this boy I've been crushing on.
YOUR 2025 CONFIDENCE GLOW-UP
Sure, you could whisper some mantras, ask your besties to gas you up and listen to \"Bejeweled\" on repeat...or you could try these simple (but srsly effective) hacks for making 2025 your most confident era yet.
GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK
Hunter L., 16, is really tired. Not the kind of tired when you stay up scrolling on TikTok, but tired of, well, being a teenager.
READ THIS before you hard launch
You and your crush are one what-are-we convo away from making it official...except for that one thing.