Changes in your body
During adolescence, your body is going through many changes that are happening at a fast pace. While these changes might make you feel unsure of yourself at times, they can also be exciting. You are becoming a young woman! Learning about what is going on with your body will help you get through these changes
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There are other common infections that you can get that are not always passed by sexual contact, such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.
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 A gynecologist is a doctor who has been specially trained in women’s reproductive health issues. You should talk to your mom or dad about seeing a gynecologist (or another health care provider who is specially trained in women’s health issues) if any of these apply to you:
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also called sexually transmitted infections You may think you know everything there is to know about protecting yourself. Well, the truth is, the number of people affected by STDs is on the rise, and young people are being affected now more than ever! You likely have a lot to learn about how to help protect yourself. So, read on, and then pass this web page on to your friends.
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When you talk to any doctor or nurse about your reproductive health, he or she will ask you questions about your general health and any problems you may be having. The questions may be about
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Caring for your reproductive health is an important part of growing up. If you notice body changes that you are not sure are normal, ask one of your parents or a trusted adult to make an appointment for you with a doctor or nurse. You can see:
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 During puberty, there are not just changes happening to your body – there are also changes taking place in your mind
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 Getting Rid of Hair Even before you get your first period, you will likely see new hair growing in your pubic area, under your arms and on your legs. It will start out light and sparse, and then grow darker, coarser, and thicker as you go through puberty.
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 Having breasts is such a new thing for teen girls. When you start developing breasts, it is common to spend a lot of time thinking about how you look and how you compare to others. You may wish your breasts were bigger, or you may wish they were smaller
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 During puberty, you will not only get taller, you will also see other changes in your body such as wider hips, bottoms, and thighs. Your body, which has both muscle and fat, will also start to have more fat compared to muscle than it did before. This is normal and you should not be too concerned
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 During puberty, you will go through a growth spurt between ages 9 and 13. You will grow at a much faster pace than you had been growing
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Reproductive health As you grow older, changes begin to happen in your body and its reproductive system. You need to know what to expect and how to stay healthy. For example, you need to know how your menstrual cycle (period) normally feels and what your vaginal discharge (fluid) normally looks like, so that you can tell if you have a problem and need to see a doctor
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 Your reproductive system: On the inside The ovaries are two small glands next to the uterus. The uterus (or womb) is like an inside pocket where a baby grows. Ovaries begin to make more estrogen and other hormones during puberty. This sparks the start of your menstrual cycle, which includes your period and other hormonal changes
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What is puberty?
How do I know if I'm in puberty?
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