If you are a girl between the ages of 9 and 18, you probably notice changes in your body and in your feelings. This is a normal part of growing up. It is called puberty.

For your health information

• Questions that Young Women Often Ask:
  Will the pelvic exam hurt? Can my mother be with me during my exam? What can I do about painful cramps? And others...
• My First Visit to the Gynecologist:
  The regular gynecologic exam is a key part of your health care. Routine gynecologic exams are important to a woman's total health and well-being...
• The Reproductive Process:
  What's What: the uterus, the vagina, fallopian tubes, ovaries ... and how they work together...
• About Puberty:
  What's Happening to Me? If you are a girl between the ages of 9 and 14, you probably notice changes in your body and in your feelings. This is a normal part of growing up. It is called puberty. Exactly when your body will start to change depends on two things...
• Sexuality and Responsibility:
  Part of your sexuality is what sex you are; male or female. It's also the way you look, feel, and act. Just like other parts of your personality, your sexuality develops during the teen years, and brings new responsibilities...
• About Menstrual Periods:
  Your menstrual period is the 5-7 days during each month that a small amount of bloody fluid flows from your vagina. The flow begins slowly-it doesn't spurt or gush-and is heaviest during the first few days...

Other related topics

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
  Symptoms such as discharge, burning, and irritation, can be caused by infection with viruses and bacteria that are spread through sexual contact. A woman with this type of infection can pass it to her sexual partner...
• Vaginal Infections and Vaginitis
  Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina characterized by discharge, odor, irritation, and/or itching. Vaginitis is rarely a serious threat to a woman's health. It can be annoying and uncomfortable, though. It usually does not go away without treatment...
• Why a PAP Test Is so Important
  The most effective early cervical cancer detection method available today is the Pap test, or Pap smear. It is a simple procedure that involves swabbing a small sample of cells from a woman's cervix...

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