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It's a topic everyone thinks about but that is still considered somewhat taboo in "polite" company: sex. It's really kind of silly when you think about it because you can't act responsibly to preserve your sexual health unless you know what it's all about. So toss all thoughts of taboos aside for a few minutes and let's just talk, shall we?
PENIS SIZE
Q. How big should my penis be for my age?
A. The size of your penis is determined by genetic traits, which you inherited from your parents. So ask your father or an older brother about how he developed if you are concerned. There is nothing you can do to increase or decrease the size of your penis; it will develop into adult size as you change from a boy to a man through the process known as puberty.
Most boys start the changes of puberty between 10 and 14 years of age, though some start earlier or later. First the testicles begin to enlarge, then hair starts to grow around them. The penis then grows, first in length and later in thickness. Although there is much normal variation, the final penis size is reached four to six years after the testicles first start to enlarge.
INSERTING TAMPONS
Q. How do I insert a tampon? The instructions that came with them don't help me much. Am I stupid?
A. You are not stupid. Inserting a tampon can be tricky the first few times. When you're nervous, the pelvic and vaginal muscles contract, making insertion of a tampon difficult. Additionally, the vagina isn't an open cavity inside the body. When something is inserted into the vagina, the body must make room for it, no matter how small it may be.
After you've washed and dried your hands, open the tampon. Most women find it is most comfortable to squat or stand with one foot propped up to insert a tampon, although many sit on the toilet. Holding the tampon in your writing hand, use the other hand to open the lips around the vaginal opening. As you insert the tampon, aim toward your lower back not straight up toward your head. This is a common mistake and can make tampon insertion painful. Look at the illustration that comes inside the tampon box to get an idea of the angle of the vagina; it's tilted more toward the back than many women realize. Slowly insert the tampon and remove the applicator. If the tampon won't go in, do not force it. Common problems with tampon insertion are pushing it in at the wrong angle or vaginal dryness. Applying a small amount of water to the outside of the applicator with your fingers may make insertion easier. Be careful, however, not to get water on the tampon itself. If you get the tampon wet, throw it away and get a new one. Ask your mother, older sister, cousin, aunt or another adult woman in your life for help if you're having trouble.
TAMPON DISCOMFORT
Q. I can feel the tampon inside of me; is something wrong?
A. There is nothing seriously wrong, but the tampon is not positioned correctly in your vagina. When a tampon is sitting in the right position in your vagina, you should not feel it or experience any discomfort. If you are able to feel the tampon, it probably has not been inserted far enough into your vagina; this happens from time to time. The tampon may also be sitting in your vagina at an awkward angle. Remove that tampon and insert another if your menstrual flow is heavy enough. If your menstrual flow is light, it can be difficult to push the tampon far enough into your vagina to be comfortable. Either wet the outside of the applicator with a small amount or water or use a pad until your flow is heavier. Tampons go in most easily if you have moderate to heavy flow.
FEMININE DEODORANTS
Q. What are feminine deodorants, and should I use one?
A. Feminine deodorants are products marketed to women to use on their genitals to give them a "pleasant" scent. You should not use a feminine deodorant because you don't need one. The vagina is self-cleaning; the lining secretes a slippery fluid called mucus, which keeps the vagina clean. That is why you normally have a small amount of vaginal discharge. Feminine deodorants contain perfumes and other chemicals that can irritate your genitals; some woman are very sensitive to even small amounts of certain chemicals. If you are experiencing a problem with odor during your period, this may mean you're not changing the pad or tampon frequently enough, or you may have an infection. Odor is usually caused by bacteria. If you have a strong vaginal odor, see your doctor or go to a women's health clinic.
The vagina is normally home to several different strains of bacteria. Your body keeps the various strains in balance naturally -- if you don't interfere too much. Anything that changes the normal vaginal environment increases the chance that you will develop a vaginal infection. Feminine deodorants, douches and sprays may increase your risk of developing a vaginal infection by upsetting the balance of the normal bacteria in your vagina.
Women should not assume that since a feminine hygiene product is available at their local store, it is safe to use. Feminine deodorants, douches, scented tampons and scented pads are unnecessary and can irritate the heck out of you. You do not need these products to be clean; your vagina is naturally clean.
