Gynecology FAQ - Teen and Young Women

At NOVA Women's Healthcare, we understand how teen girls and young women have some unique health issues. Our gynecology center provides you with information and resources to stay healthy and safe.

Your choice, care and confidentiality are important to us.

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What can I do to prevent unwanted pregnancy?

Not having sex is the best way to prevent HIV, STDs, and unwanted pregnancy. But the decision to have sex is up to you.

If you are going to have sex or you are already sexually active, make an appointment at our gynecology center to learn about birth control, contraception and abortion. 

What can I do to reduce my risks to STDs?

Are you sexually active? Although not having sex is the best known way to prevent HIV, STDs, and pregnancy, there are ways that you can reduce your risks. Properly using a male or female condom, for example, can reduce your risk of contracting an STD.

For more information about the female condom, go to http://www.avert.org/female-condom.htm.

For more information about the male condom, go to http://www.avert.org/condom.htm.

What is a period (menstruation)?

Menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium). It occurs on a regular basis during your reproductive years. In many women, various intense sensations brought about by the involved hormones and by cramping of the uterus can precede or accompany menstruation. Stronger sensations may include significant menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), abdominal pain, migraine headaches, depression, emotional sensitivity, feeling bloated, changes in sex drive and nausea. Breast discomfort caused by premenstrual water retention or hormone fluctuation is very common. The sensations experienced vary from woman to woman and from cycle to cycle.

Women may experience emotional disturbances associated with menstruation. These range from the irritability popularly associated with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), to tiredness, or "weepiness" (i.e. tears of emotional closeness).

During the reproductive years, failure to menstruate may provide the first indication to a woman that she may have become pregnant. A woman might say that her "period is late" when an expected menstruation has not started and she might have become pregnant.

Your first period can be confusing, painful and scary. After your first period, you may also experience feelings, pain, changes, and symptoms which you may have questions about. Our board certified gynecologists can answer your personal questions and they can provide you with accurate education about menstruation and other women's health issues. For more information, go to http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/menstruation.cfm.

How can I care for my skin?

Acne (pimples) is a skin problem that begins when dead skin and oil clog up the pores of your skin. Hormonal changes during the teen years often increase the level of oil in your skin. This can result in mild to severe cases of acne (whiteheads, blackheads or cystic lesions).

In some cases Birth Control Pills help with acne but it is not always the case. Your skin type, cleansing habits and hereditary factors are important to understanding how to care for your skin. Birth Control can balance your hormone levels to reduce breakouts.

Teens and young woman may also experience other common skin conditions such as the following:

• Cold sores
• Skin changes
• Skin Cancer
• Sunburn
• Warts

Check your skin often. Make an appointment with your dermatologist if you observe anything unusual.

For information about birth control, click here.

Disclaimer
The information presented throughout our site is for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided on our website and through our Links should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult a health care provider.