CVJ477

9/6/2024 9:05:45 AM

Hi Vicki, so i was 12 days late on my period and i started it about 4 days ago. Today, i felt my pants were very wet and went to change. I took my tampon out which mightve had in for a little too long but i saw my pants were soaked. I smelt it and it was a fishy smell. Is this normal or should I be worried. How can i get rid of this quickly. Thank you.

Show Answer

Hi, firstly tampons should be worn for no longer than 8 hours, if you find however that after 2 hours or less your tampons needs changing consider switching up to a higher absorbency. Now in answer to your second question, if your tampon has leaked and blood has been released this will like with pads, cause bacteria to form, which you will notice as unpleasant odour. It ir rarely anything to worry about, but you should be mindful of tampon usage and when possible clean with wipes the area in between pad or tampon changes.

LXO851

9/5/2024 10:55:18 PM

Hi I just started seventh grade and I have this one friend who thinks shes my best friend and shes very clingy and annoying. This happened all through 6th grade and honestly sometimes she makes me feel bad about myself without knowing like by food shaming. Me and her started hanging out with this friend group last year-she loved them and I didnt. You see, the friend group was all white and as a person of color I felt very singled out. This year, we dont have any classes together and theres a girl in my classes whos super nice. I sat with her and her friends at lunch and they were so funny and I really clicked with them. How do I start sitting with them and distance myself from her. Is it mean? And she didnt seem like she cared, so can I just ghost her? Sorry for this being such a long message, I just have a lot on my mind

Show Answer

Hi, friendships change quite often in school and those we have known for years stop being 'best' friends and instead become just people we know. So please don't ghost this girl or be unkind, slowly start to split your time between both parties and if you're challenged be honest and say as you share lessons with this group it seems natural to hang out with them more, but reassure them you are still wanting to be their friend. See my blog below on keeping and making friends

Keeping and making friends (becomingateen.co.uk)

YDS325

9/5/2024 9:28:38 PM

Hi Vicki, this is a long one. So I started talking to this guy online weeks ago he's really nice we've spoken everyday gotten to know eachother sent voice messages and videos to eachother but he doesn't seem to want to call like he agrees then puts it off he could just not like calling and speaking like that which I understand but I feel like I annoy him when I ask. I want to meet up with him but I am nervous too so maybe some first date tips and safety advice for meeting online friends? Thankyou I don't know if the calling thing seems abit strange but I think it's fine and I did start sh after being clean for a while after speaking to him because I thought I was annoying him thankyou

Show Answer

Hi, firstly your health must come first, there could  be any number of reasons why this person does not want to actually speak on the phone, lots of people struggle with this, so don't let this upset you enough to start SH again, because we never really know why people act the way they do, we can only ensure our actions are positive for us and those around us.

Now secondly, how did you meet this person, did you know them in school, from friends...etc. If you do not know this person or he is not known to friends or family, then I would advise against a face to face meet. Instead speak to you parents or family about them and ask if you can invite them round one day. If they are real and not predatory in any way, they will be more than happy to put yours and your parent's minds at rest.

FGW866

9/5/2024 8:36:07 PM

Hey Vicki! So a few days ago i saw a bloodspot on my panties and I thought it was my oetiod right? So i put in a pad but i still dont have my periods! Waht was that then?

Show Answer

It still could have been your period, as first periods can often be very light with just a little amount of blood lost. Remember too that any brown fluid will also be blood, as it's not always red. And finally, wear a liner for a day or two, because there may still be a chance a little more blood has yet to be released.

UIL717

9/5/2024 6:18:34 PM

Hi, there's this boy in my form that I like, we don't have any lessons together , and form is short, and only for part of the year, we probably have some frees together though. How do I ask for his number/ socials ? And how can I tell if he likes me ? Belle

Show Answer

Hi Belle, have you spoken to his boy at all? If not smile and say 'Hi', ask him a few questions, such as how's his day going, what music does he listen to, movies could he recommend. Soon you will be able to establish if he likes you too, before taking it to the next step.

CNA370

9/5/2024 4:41:47 PM

Im worried I have done something after inserting a tampon. I used a non applicator tampon and accidentally put my finger in when putting it in. I have never done this before and felt a tingling feeling. What is this, I am scared I have broke my virginity and my mum will find out. Isla aged 11

Show Answer

Hi Isla, try not to worry, your finger may slightly go inside the vaginal opening when using any tampons, and this is perfectly fine. You are still a virgin and I can reassure you no harm will have been done.

MQW585

9/5/2024 2:51:00 PM

Why does my pantyliner annoy me if I'm only using bc I have discharge but my first period hasn't come yet

Show Answer

Like anything new it can take a while to get used to the sensation of pads and liners in your underwear. Why not consider moving to our teens liners, they are shorter and narrower than traditional ones and therefore ideal for those who have yet to start their periods.

Lil-Lets Teens Liners X 16 | Petite & Slim Pantyliners for Girls & Teenagers | Unscented | Very Light Flow | Breathable Panty Liners | First Periods | Vegan Friendly : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care

TYF212

9/5/2024 12:39:22 AM

Hi vicki I recently got my period for the first time during the summer. Ive heard lots of mixed reviews about going in the pool/water while on your period. I went in the water a few times with my friends and I had no pads/tampons on. It miraculously stopped! But then I read something online about how its just water pressure. Im really confused and Im too scared to put a tampon in.

Show Answer

Hi, this is a myth I am afraid, water pressure does not stop your period from being released. What most likely occurred is that your flow was so light once it hit the water it was dispersed quickly without being seen.

That being said this may not always be the case and for hygiene reasons and respect for others in the water, a tampon, menstrual cup or period swimwear may be a good choice in the future.

SSC560

9/5/2024 12:35:16 AM

Hi Vicki while at summer camp I got a really bad sunburn and now my skin has a weird texture. its not acne or pimples, my skin is just slightly bumpy in certain places and flat in others. How can I get rid of this?

Show Answer

Any form of sun tan is actually damage to the skin, so for now continue moisturising the area twice daily and see how it looks in a couple of months. If the area continues to appear bumpy after this, ask your mum to pop you along to your doctor for a chat.

APK145

9/4/2024 11:07:36 PM

Does PCOS cause exacerbated PMS symptoms? For up to two whole weeks before my period actually starts, I often experience "gripping", twisting pains in my hips and pelvis just like period cramps, other times I've had a stabbing cramp across my abdomen almost like an ovary being twisted. Does this sound like regular pms symptoms or something more specific ?

Show Answer

PCOS can only be diagnosed by a medical professional and after the have looked at your overall health and menstrual cycle in more detail. If you feel that your periods and cycle are not becoming unmanageable, or impacting your life on a daily basis you should speak to your doctor, who will run a few tests to rule out any number of problems that may be present.  Remember however, that for many teens it's not just period pains you are experiencing but also growing pains too, and these can be noticed at any time of the month. To help alleviate this discomfort, keep as active as you can, as this helps to relax the muscles surrounding the uterus, than can cause the discomfort.