Dear Iris,
What are the signs of a yeast infection? How can you tell?
Thanks, —Julia

Dear Julia,
A yeast infection is a very common form of vaginal infection. The fungus (candida) may overgrow in your vagina when you take antibiotics or birth control pills, over-douche, or have diabetes (among other reasons). The symptoms of a yeast infection are vaginal itching, redness and intense burning, and a thick cottage-cheese like discharge...no odor.

It is important to see a doctor the first time you have a yeast infection to make sure you get the correct diagnosis. Once you know what the symptoms of a yeast infection are (and it was confirmed to be a yeast infection), you can try the anti-fungal medications sold in drug stores. Good luck, —Iris

Dear Iris,
What is a yeast infection, and how do you get it?
—Just Wondering

Dear Just Wondering,
Many women get yeast infections for a variety of reasons. Why you got it is not as important as if you have it. A yeast infection is characterized by a white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge, with a sweet or neutral odor and severe vaginal itching. If this is your first case of a yeast infection, you need to see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. If you should get a yeast infection again, you can use over-the-counter medications.
—Iris

Dear Iris,
I have a lot of clear discharge every day. I mean a lot! I think that I'm getting my period in about one week, but this discharge is overwhelming. I'm going to the bathroom every 10 minutes during class so it won't leak. What's up with me? Help!
—Julie

Dear Julie,
It's not that unusual to have a lot of vaginal discharge during your menstrual cycle. However, your heavy discharge may need medical attention. Try wearing a pad or pantiliner daily. Always brand pads/Alldays by Always pantiliners are designed to pull the wetness away from your body.
Good luck, —Iris

Dear Iris,
I have heard that some women have become pregnant without ever engaging in sexual intercourse. How can that be true?
—Priscilla

Dear Priscilla,
A woman becomes pregnant when sperm enters her vagina and finds it way up to an egg, usually in the fallopian tubes. Because sperm have the ability to move on their own, it is possible for sperm (in semen) to find their way into your vagina and then up the fallopian tubes to the waiting egg, even without penile penetration. This is rare, but it could happen. If you are engaging in sexual acts where semen is ejaculated near the opening of your vagina, or is introduced into your vagina, say on a finger, I suggest you use a barrier birth control technique, like a condom or a diaphragm.
Good luck, —Iris

Dear Iris,
If you wear a bra that is smaller than you are, will it stop the growth in your breasts?
Thanks, —Rach

Dear Rach,
NO. Your breast size is determined by heredity.
—Iris

Dear Iris,
I have stretch marks on my breast. Will these go away? And what caused them?
Thanks, —Lisa

Dear Lisa,
The good news is, you are not the only girl who is experiencing stretch marks. During puberty, many girls get them on their breasts, on their hips and thighs, and even on their buttocks. The marks are caused because you are growing so fast that your skin can't keep up with the changes in your body and has to stretch to accommodate the increase in size. The bad news is that there really isn't anything you can do to make them go away.

What will happen over time is that they will begin to fade and eventually you will hardly see them. No creams, etc., can make them go away! You can also use body makeup up to try to camouflage the lines if they show through your clothing.
Good luck in the future, —Iris

Dear Iris,
I was just wondering how old you have to be to see a gynecologist. I can't seem to find common ages of girls who go to one. Could you tell me what age I should be to have my first appointment?
Thanks, —Curious

Dear Curious,
If you are not having problems with your menstrual cycle, and are NOT sexually active, you can wait until you are 19 years old. BUT if you have menstrual problems or are sexually active, you need to see the ob/gyn no matter how old you are!
—Iris

Dear Iris,
How do you get STDs like gonorrhea or herpes? I don't want to ask my mom because she'll freak out and think I have one when I really just want to know how to prevent them.
Thanks for being there, —Paranoid

Dear Paranoid,
STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are infections that people usually get by having sex with someone who already has one. The best way to determine whether one has an STD is to get tested by a doctor or at a health care clinic. Antibiotics can treat and cure STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea, which are caused by bacteria. Others, such as genital herpes, genital warts and HIV/AIDS, are caused by viruses, which can be treated but not cured. Abstinence is the best way to avoid STDs; don't have sex unless you feel ready and it's right for you. Once you become sexually active, get a checkup regularly and practice safe sex by using a condom — even if you use other types of birth control.
—Iris

Dear Iris,
If you have sex prior to your first menstrual period, can you still become pregnant?
Thanks, —Carol

Dear Carol,
Although it is not common, some girls may actually produce eggs prior to having their first period. If this occurs and sex occurs at that time, the girl can certainly become pregnant. And a pregnancy at such a young age can be life threatening. Anyone who is considering having sex should seek the advice of a physician, including a thorough examination and a reliable form of birth control.
Good luck, —Iris

Dear Iris,
How do you usually know you are pregnant?
—MaryBeth

MaryBeth,
The earliest sign of pregnancy is usually missing your period. If you miss a period, take a home pregnancy test or see your doctor if you suspect you might be pregnant. Other possible pregnancy signs may be morning sickness (nausea), fatigue, frequent urination, and tender and enlarged breasts.
Good luck, —Iris