The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that girls schedule their first visit to a gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 15. Problems that would prompt a visit anytime are:

• pain, swelling
• abnormal vaginal discharge or odor
• severe menstrual cramps
• blood in the urine
• abnormal breast changes

The gynecologist is like other doctors so he/she will initially talk with you about your medical history. If you are not sexually active, the doctor may do a gentle breast exam and superficial pelvic exam. However, if you are sexually active, a pelvic exam and a Pap smear will both be done as well as a breast exam.

Screening is recommended for all sexually active teens and young adults up to age 24 since STDs may produce little or no obvious symptoms. In fact, girls are more vulnerable than boys to STDs, especially chlamydia, gonorrhea and HPV. If you are sexually active, make sure your male partner wears a condom — every time — which provides some protection against pregnancy, AIDS and other STDs. It could take as little as a one-time exposure to contract AIDS or another STD. This is one time not to be shy — insist on a condom.

It is not uncommon to have irregular periods during the first year or two. But it is not normal to have extremely heavy bleeding. If you're soaking through a super tampon or pad every hour, you need to tell your doctor. If you are bleeding heavily for more than a week, you could be at risk for iron deficiency and anemia. That's why it is recommended you take a multivitamin with iron and eat a healthy diet.

Scratching an itch can make it worse! Mild to moderate itching can be a sign of an infection or simply a part of the normal hormonal ups and downs. Other causes can be:

• reaction to scented soaps, detergents, deodorant sprays or tampons
• wearing tight jeans, pantyhose or sitting in a wet swimsuit
• excess perspiration or discharge
• an infection, like the parasitic infection trichomoniasis (trich), bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is a bacterial infection, or a yeast infection.

Some itching associated with inflammation and rashes, such as eczema, respond well to topical hydrocortisone preparations like Gynecort® Creme. For other itchy conditions, an anti-itch cream with a local anesthetic like Vagisil® Creme many be helpful to relieve the itch. Even itchy conditions that are being treated with antifungals or antibiotics (see tip #5) can also be calmed by Vagisil® Creme. It can stop the itching fast and is available in Original Formula or Maximum Strength. If the itching does not stop within seven days or gets worse, you may have an infection and should see your doctor.

Most yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans, normally found in the vagina and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It can multiply from taking antibiotics, birth control or even too many sweets. Symptoms include burning itch, irritation and thick, curd-like discharge (similar to cottage cheese).

If you have never had a yeast infection before, you should get a proper diagnosis from your doctor or gynecologist. Only antifungal preparations combat the actual yeast infection (they come in one-day, three-day or seven-day formulas and can be over-the-counter or prescription). However, while the antifungal starts to work to get rid of the yeast, you may still have itching. To help relieve the itch while an internal or oral antifungal is starting to work, try using an external anti-itch cream like Maximum Strength Vagisil® Creme. It will instantly relieve your external itching.

If you have some itching accompanied by a fishy odor, excessive white-grayish discharge with milk-like consistency and redness you could have BV (bacterial vaginosis). BV must be diagnosed by your doctor and treated with a prescription antibiotic. If left untreated, this condition can have potentially serious consequences such as impaired fertility and making you more prone to STDs.

Normal vaginal discharge is nature's own self-cleaning mechanism. A gentle cleansing of the vaginal area is adequate for keeping the area clean. It's important to control wetness in the vaginal area since excess moisture may cause itching and odor. We all have a slight feminine odor, but strong odors and excessive wetness can be a sign of infection and should be checked by a doctor. Vagisil™ Foaming Wash can help you feel clean and fresh. This unique foam gently cleanses away wetness and odor. It needs no water or rinsing. You can use it anywhere. Just apply to toilet tissue, cleanse and flush. And it's safe and gentle enough to use every day. If wetness is a problem, there's Vagisil® Deodorant Powder. It absorbs wetness as it helps control odor.

Tight jeans, leggings and thong underwear may be in fashion, but they can make you vulnerable to vaginal itching and irritation. Look for cotton underwear, or choose clothing that has a cotton crotch. That's especially important for pantyhose. Nylon and other synthetics don't "breathe". For a little extra protection, sprinkle Vagisil® Deodorant Powder in your panties or on your pantiliner. It helps absorb wetness, leaving you feeling dry, fresh and comfortable.

Your breasts are growing, "developing". They can be lumpy, bumpy, asymmetrical and even painful. But knowing what's normal for you is important. While breast cancer is extremely rare in teenagers or young women, it's smart to learn breast self-exam techniques:

• Try it first in the shower while soapy so hand can glide over your skin.
• Or, try it at bedtime while lying down. Place one arm behind your head.
• Using the pads of your fingers, touch every part of your breast all the way up to your underarm.
• It doesn't matter if you examine it in circles or zigzags, as long as you get a feel for what your breast feels like.
• Chances are that an odd lump is a harmless cyst, but get it checked by a doctor.
• Look in the mirror, puckers or dimples should be checked.
• Do this self-exam every month, after your period.

There are many conditions that can cause menstrual cramps or pelvic pain. Menstrual cramps usually feel like an achy fullness, while pelvic pain may be sharper and higher up, or on one side. Painful periods (dysmenorrhea) that get worse over time can be a sign of endometriosis, which can begin during the teen years. Fibroids aren't that common in teens, but they can occur. As they grow, they can cause pelvic pressure, a feeling of fullness, constipation and heavy, painful periods. Benign ovarian cysts can also cause pelvic pain. When in pain, see your gynecologist.