Even if you have the best relationship, talking about intimate subjects like vaginal itching, odour and wetness, can be tricky. But as her mother, it's a good idea for you to bring these topics up so that your daughter doesn't panic when her body starts changing. You want to give her the confidence to recognise what's normal and what's not, and also to give her the courage to approach you with any further questions. By bringing it up, you're showing her that you are open to these kinds of conversations. Okay so now you're convinced that you should talk about it, but the question remains: how do you bring it up? Choosing the right time and place is key.

If you're like most parents, you probably spend about 1,000 hours a week on 'parental-chauffeur-duty'. This can be a good thing, because for some reason teens will talk openly to each other in the back seat as if you've somehow disappeared and the car is magically driving itself. Don't waste this information-gathering opportunity by turning up your favourite station in front–keep the radio off and do some quality eavesdropping. Once you and your daughter are alone in the car, now's your chance! She can't leave, but you two don't have to stare each other in the eyes. (Warning: Do not try this during the first 5 minutes of a 2-hour drive to Grandma's–remember that you want her to WANT to get in the car with you!)

So once you two are on your way (if you don't have a car, the tube, or a bus or train ride will do!) take a deep breath and… begin. As awkward as this sounds, you might want to start by talking about yourself. A lot of teenagers tell me they feel their parents have forgotten what it's like to be a teenager. Try talking about your own intimate health experiences – and be specific – like if you remember first experiencing discharge or any issues you've had (past or present) with itching – bring it up! Your daughter will feel really relieved not to be alone in what she's experiencing.

The most important message you can give your daughter is that if she's feeling itchy or experiencing new wetness or odours, and she feels uncomfortable, she shouldn't keep it to herself. Sometimes just figuring out what's going on (and knowing for sure that there isn't any problem) can make her feel 100% more comfortable. Or if her symptoms are not due to an infection but they continue to trouble her, there are products, including Vagisil® Medicated Creme*, that can help her feel better. Finally, since symptoms sometimes are due to an issue that needs medical attention, you need to be aware of them so you can help your daughter get the right kind of medical attention ASAP.

As your daughter grows and matures she will reach an age when she wants her privacy for doctors appointments even for routine matters like being worried about her skin or being unwell. Remember this is a time when your daughter is pulling away from you and that’s all totally normal. Many girls tell me they are nervous about going for a medical check up with their mums because they don’t want the doctor to reveal personal information to their mums, especially if they are sexually active, but girls often have these feelings even if they are still virgins. At the same time, it can be really supportive for you to go with your daughter if she has worries about her developing body such as breast size or period problems, or later on when she may want to discuss contraceptive choices. Make sure you know what and where are the appropriate local services for young women – then you can advise her accordingly. For the doctor-patient relationship to be most effective, your daughter needs to be able to ask the doctor questions in private (encourage her to make a list in advance so she doesn't forget anything–and even though you may be tempted: don't peek at the list!). You don't need to go in to the consultation with your daughter, just being in the waiting room will be reassuring.

Remember that the NHS Cervical Screening Programme offers a free cervical screening test for all women between the ages of 25 and 64 at a three to five year intervals, dependant upon age and risk. When you are called for your routine screening appointments it's a good idea to discuss this process with your daughter so she knows and understands what a cervical screening appointment entails - and she also knows that it is perfectly normal part of women's health.

Over and over again, teenagers tell me they are reluctant to bring up concerns they have about their bodies because they don't want their parents to assume that just because they have an itch that means they're sexually active. The truth is there are many reasons that young women, virgins or not, experience vaginal itching. So if your daughter does approach you and say that she's feeling itchy or experiencing discharge or a new odour, please don't jump to the conclusion that she's sexually active. Because honestly, symptoms that seem scary to your daughter may just be the normal changes that come with growing up. However, it's also possible that she's experiencing the symptoms of thrush, often a result of taking antibiotics for another condition; bacterial vaginosis (BV), the most common vaginal infection in the US, or, if she’s sexually active, a sexually transmitted infection like trichomonas.

All this means that you need to help her to work out what's really going on, but since you also need to encourage an open dialogue, it's important to make sure you don't sound accusing during this conversation. So: “Are you having sex!?!?” = Bad – your daughter will feel attacked. However: “Is there anything that's changed in your life recently that might be affecting your body?” = Good! Now you're just making conversation without judging, and you're teaching her that she can bring up difficult topics and you won't freak out. And what if you do feel like freaking out? Try to hide that in your voice and your expressions, so your daughter doesn't flee the conversation before you can find out what's up.

And whether the end result of your conversation is a doctor's visit or a trip to the chemist for Vagisil® Medicated Creme* (or both), make sure you tell your daughter you're glad she feels comfortable bringing up these delicate topics and that you're always willing to talk about this or anything else with her. That way you're leaving the door open for more conversations.

I often read letters from girls that first list symptoms (often mentioned are odour, wetness, and itching) followed by some variation of “What's wrong with me?” or “Am I normal?” When her body starts changing, it's easy for her to feel like something is wrong, especially when you combine those changes with the fact that no one often talks about exactly what's going on 'down below'… so many girls are left to guess: “Am I supposed to look, feel, and smell this way?” And when it feels like something's wrong with her body (or worse: it feels like something's wrong with her body, and she's fearful that other people might notice!) it can be very distracting and upsetting to her.

To help your daughter feel more confident and in-control, allay her concerns by talking about how her body is changing and what she can expect. There are lots of books that give specific talking points, but your own experience is also a great jumping off point. If she is experiencing symptoms like itching, help her to feel normal by telling her that most women experience vaginal itching at some point, and that itching can be caused by many factors, including her period, perspiration and hormonal changes.

It can be helpful to let your daughter know that if her symptoms are not caused by an infection, she may find relief with over-the-counter products, such as Vagisil® Medicated Anti-Itch Wipes. Empower her to take charge of her health and well-being by paying attention to her body and being sure to talk to you or another adult she trusts if she notices significant changes in discharge or odour, which could be signs of an infection, which merit a trip to the doctor. But above all, please stress that her body is designed to find its own balance and to have a unique odour and its own pattern of discharge &ndashthat's all perfectly normal. Encourage her to keep the dialogue open, and to make taking care of herself a top priority, as it is for you.