Some Questions Young Women Often Ask

Will the pelvic exam hurt?
You might feel some discomfort during the exam. However, you shouldn't experience significant "pain." They key to a more comfortable, and quicker, exam is to stay as calm and relaxed as possible. It also helps to breathe. Don't hold you breath! With a capable healthcare provider, your exam will be a much better experience than you anticipated.

Does my mother have to be in the exam room during the exam?
No, your mother doesn't need to stay with you during your exam, though many young women prefer that they do. You will always be given the opportunity to talk with the health practitioner in privacy and with confidentiality. It's extremely important that you be honest with the doctor in order for him or her to help you. Nothing is too embarrassing to talk about, though we know it can be difficult to discuss some things.

What can I do about painful cramps during my period?
Cramping during your period is a very common complaint. During your period your uterus makes proteins called prostaglandin. These cause your uterus to contract to expel the menstrual blood. It's these contractions that you feel as cramps. The best treatment is medicines that decrease the level of prostaglandins in your uterus. They include Ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil), Aleve, Aspirin, and other over-the-counter pain relievers. Tylenol is usually not as effective as the others.

Birth control pills are excellent for decreasing both the pain and heaviness or your periods. If your symptoms are severe enough, ask your doctor. Some women will experience severe enough cramps to miss work or school. Pain this severe should not be considered normal and should be evaluated by your health practitioner.

What is a yeast infection?
Yeast is a fungus that commonly will cause vaginal irritation. Any woman can get yeast infections, though it is very uncommon in young girls before they start having periods (menarche), or in older women after they stop having periods (menopause). Certain women are prone to yeast infections, like diabetes, those who are chronically on steroids and those with the HIV virus.

Many women get yeast infections while taking antibiotics. The yeast fungus is itself not usually dangerous, but the symptoms of the infection can be annoying, including severe itching, burning, or discharge. It is easily treated by creams that are readily available at most pharmacies or food stores. These creams include Monostat, Femstat, Mystatin, and others. Make sure you only use creams that are designed to be used in the vagina. If your infection does not readily clear up with the creams, make sure you call your health care professional.

Source: Patient education material from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology was used as a source of information to develop the content for this topic.

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