Even if you have the best relationship, talking about intimate subjects like vaginal itching, odor, and wetness, can be tricky. But as her mother, it's a good idea for you to bring these topics up first, so that your daughter doesn't panic when her body starts changing. You want to give her the confidence to recognize what's normal and what's not, and the courage to approach you with any further questions. When you bring it up, you're showing her that you are open to these kinds of conversations, which makes it easier for her to talk to you about it.

Like most parents, you probably spend lots of time driving your kids and their friends around. This can be a good thing, because teens will talk openly to each other in the back seat, seemingly forgetting that parents are with them. Take advantage of this time to get a sense of what’s going on with your teen. Once you and your daughter are alone in the car, use that time to talk with her. Having a purpose and a destination can help ease any discomfort and provide a "screen" for the conversation.

This works even if you don’t have a car. A subway or train ride - even a walk, will do. It may help to start by talking about yourself. This will help remind your daughter that you know how it feels to be a teen and that everyone goes through this. Try talking about your own intimate health experiences--your daughter will feel relieved that she is not alone in what she's experiencing.

The most important message you can give your daughter is that if she's feeling itchy or experiencing new wetness or odors, and she feels uncomfortable, she shouldn't keep it to herself. Sometimes just figuring out what's going on can make her feel more comfortable. Or if her symptoms are not due to an infection but they continue to trouble her, there are products, including Vagisil® Anti-Itch Cream that can help her feel better. Finally, since symptoms sometimes are due to an issue that needs medical attention, you need to be aware of them so you can help your daughter get the right kind of medical attention ASAP.

A common misconception is that your daughter doesn't need to see a gynecologist if she's not sexually active. Most doctors now advise that a young woman's first visit occur before she turns 18, whether she's sexually active or not, because her body is changing and it's a good idea to make sure everything is going along okay. You also may want to make sure that your daughter is comfortable with a particular doctor before she becomes sexually active so that when the time comes, she won't have to start looking for the right doctor in a hurry. It may make your daughter feel more comfortable if you let her know that doctor will probably not do an internal (pelvic) exam if she's a virgin.

Many teens feel nervous about going to the doctor with their parents because they don't want the doctor to reveal personal information - especially if they're sexually active. But keep in mind that teens often crave privacy for these kind of issues even they are not having sex; it’s part of their process of becoming independent. Remember, this is an age when your daughter is pulling away from you and wants her privacy. At the same time, it can be really supportive for you to go with your daughter to her first visit, especially if it's not your own doctor. It's wonderful if you can meet the doctor first to be sure his or her bedside manner and experience seem like a good fit for your daughter. If it's possible, try to go to this milestone visit with her. But don't be put off by her desire to go alone.

You can still be involved by calling the doctor beforehand to express any concerns you have. But let your daughter go through the exam and talk to the doctor alone, while you wait in the waiting room. For the doctor-patient relationship to be most effective, your daughter needs to be able to ask the doctor questions in private. It’s a good idea to encourage her to make a list in advance so she doesn't forget anything. While your daughter may not thank you for bringing her on this experience, she will appreciate you being there for her.

Many teenagers feel reluctant to bring up concerns they have about their bodies because they don't want their parents to assume that they're sexually active. The truth is that there are many reasons that young women, virgins or not, experience vaginal itching. So if your daughter approaches you to say that she's feeling itchy or experiencing discharge or a new odor, don't jump to the conclusion that she's sexually active. Many of the symptoms that seem scary to your daughter may just be the normal changes that come with growing up. However, it's also possible that she's experiencing the symptoms of a yeast infection, often a result of taking antibiotics for another condition; bacterial vaginosis (BV), the most common vaginal infection in the U.S., or even a sexually transmitted infection like trichomoniasis.

As a parent, you need to help her figure out what's going on. You also need to encourage an open dialogue, so ask her general questions that will help her open up about what’s happening. A question like, "Has anything changed in your life recently that might be affecting your body?" And whether the end result of your conversation is a doctor's visit or a trip to the drugstore for Vagisil® Deodorant Powder (or both), make sure to let your daughter know that you're glad she feels comfortable talking about these delicate topics with you. That way you're leaving the door open for more conversations.

When your teen’s body starts changing, it's easy for her to feel like something is wrong. Especially since talking about "down there" is so difficult for many people, any girls are left to guess: "Am I supposed to look, feel, and smell this way?" And when it feels like something's wrong with her body and she thinks that other people can notice, it can be very distracting and upsetting to her.

To help your daughter feel more confident and in-control, allay her concerns by talking about how her body is changing and what she can expect. There are lots of books that give specific talking points, but your own experience is also a great starting point. If she is experiencing symptoms like itching, help her to feel normal by telling her that most women experience vaginal itching at some point, and that itching can be caused by many factors, including her period, perspiration and hormonal changes.

It can be helpful to let your daughter know that if her symptoms are not caused by an infection, she may find relief with over-the-counter products, such as Vagisil® Medicated Anti-Itch Wipes. Empower her to take charge of her health and well-being by paying attention to her body. Let her know that she should talk to you or another adult she trusts if she notices significant changes in discharge or odor, which could be signs of an infection and merits a trip to the doctor. But above all, please stress that her body is designed to find its own balance and to have a unique odor and its own pattern of discharge-that it's all perfectly normal. Encourage her to keep the dialogue open, and to make taking care of herself a top priority, as it is for you.