Many women complain of this symptom. More than likely it happens because there is more blood flow into the vaginal area before your period. If the itchiness goes away once your period is over, it is probably nothing to worry about. If the itching is uncomfortable, Vagisil® Medicated Creme* can help relieve it. If the itching does not go away, you may have an infection, which will need to be treated by a doctor.

Thrush results from an overgrowth of a yeast fungus called 'candida'. Cases of thrush can occur if you have been taking certain antibiotics, or have been wearing tight clothing (such as workout gear, tight jeans, tights or underwear) or, for some women with a metabolic disorder such as diabetes, from eating too many sweets. These things can change the normal vaginal flora and cause the yeast to grow out of control.

Symptoms of thrush are a thick, curd-like discharge with intense itching and irritation. If you have never had thrush but think you have it now, see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Cases of thrush are treated with antifungal medication available over-the-counter or through your doctor by prescription. However, antifungals need time to work – in fact, it can take a few days before the burning itch has gone. Vagisil® Medicated Creme* can be used externally to relieve itching quickly.

Most women who are expecting their period, or teens who are expecting their periods for the first time, will experience some degree of vaginal discharge beforehand. It is usually clear or milky-white in colour and does not have an offensive odour. It is due to the rising levels of hormones. Vagisil® Feminine Powder can help you feel fresher and drier. However, you should see a doctor if your discharge is thick and curd-like or has an unpleasant or fish-like odour as this may be a sign that you have an infection.

Yes, it is normal for all girls who have periods, or who are about to get their first period, to experience vaginal discharge. Due to the normal rise and fall of hormones, the discharge may appear heavier at times. Normal discharge is our body's own way of cleansing itself. To help you feel fresh, dry and comfortable, try Vagisil® Feminine Powder. Sprinkle it on your knickers, pantiliners or pads for extra protection. To cleanse away wetness and odour, try Vagisil ™ Feminine Wash. This gentle wash needs no water or rinsing. Just apply to toilet tissue, cleanse and flush. To experience cleansing freshness away from home, try Vagisil ™ Medicated Wipes.

Every woman has some degree of vaginal discharge, which may have a distinct odour. If you think the odour is related to a vaginal infection such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), you should see your doctor immediately. BV can have a fish-like odour.

To feel fresher and drier from normal discharge and odour, take these steps:

• Practise good hygiene with daily showering or bathing and washing of the genital area.
• Wear cotton underwear and try to find tights with a cotton gusset.
• Between showers, use Vagisil™ Feminine Wash to cleanse away wetness and odour. Simply apply to toilet tissue, cleanse and flush. You'll feel clean and fresh.
• Sprinkle Vagisil® Feminine Powder in knickers, on pantiliners or pads to help absorb wetness and eliminate odour.

Yes, Vagisil® Feminine Powder is safe and effective for use in the genital area.

Vagisil products are available in the feminine hygiene section of most chemists and supermarkets, as well as online.

Vagisil® Medicated Creme* is applied externally -- outside the vagina. Using your fingertip, apply a fingertip amount (approximately 1 inch strip) to the affected area at the labia/vulva area. Products that are applied internally, like some thrush products, come with an applicator.

Everyone is different but it is usual for your periods to begin sometime between the ages of 10 and 16. The average age is 12. Some indicators that you can expect to menstruate soon are breast development, pubic and underarm hair and vaginal discharge. If your periods have not started by the time you are 16, you could talk this over with your GP.

It is fairly normal to have an irregular menstrual cycle for the first several years after your periods begin. Some girls miss periods or get two periods in one month, while others may get their first period and not get a second one for more than a year. If you reach the age of 16 and a regular cycle has still not established, have a word with your doctor. If your periods are late and there is any possibility that you could be pregnant, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

A period can range from two to ten days. On the average, it lasts from five to seven days. The flow will often be heavy for the first few days then taper off and eventually stop.

You can feel clean and fresh between showers, even when you're away from home with Vagisil™ Feminine Wash. This gentle wash fits in your bag and needs no water or rinsing. Just apply to toilet tissue, cleanse and flush! You'll always feel clean and fresh when you need it most.

Period pains or menstrual cramps are very common in teenage girls. You may outgrow them in your 20s. In the meantime, take over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, with permission from your parents or guardians. Exercise can also help with period pains, as can proper diet and rest.

No, you merely have to insert tampon carefully into the vagina, following the instructions on the box – or ask someone for advice. Even if you are a virgin there is still an opening into which you can insert a tampon without damaging or seriously tearing the hymenal ring. It may be uncomfortable for some, but there are smaller tampons available for teens with lighter periods, some with applicators and some without.

Contraceptive pills can sometimes help decrease period pains. In fact, this is one medical reason for going on the pill. However, oral contraceptives do not protect you from STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections), so it is important always to protect yourself by using a condom every time you have sexual intercourse.

Cervical screening is a method of preventing cancer by detecting and treating early abnormalities which, if left untreated, could lead to cancer in a woman's cervix (the neck of the womb). The process involves collecting cells from the cervix, commonly known as a cervical smear, and involves a pelvic examination. The doctor or nurse uses a speculum to widen the vagina and allow a view of the cervix. Using a special brush (a cotton swab with a brush at the end), the cervix is gently brushed to gather some cells. These cells are placed on a slide or in a special vial to be looked at under a microscope. At the same time the health of the vulval and vaginal area can be assessed and infections such as BV as well as STIs can be detected.

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. The NHS call and recall system invites women who are registered with a GP for a screening appointment. It is important that all women make sure their GP has their correct name and address details and that these are kept up to date after a move.

It is also important that you see your doctor for advice if you have any or all of the following symptoms

• Vulval pain, swelling
• abnormal vaginal discharge or odour
• severe menstrual cramps
• blood in the urine
• abnormal breast changes

You may also like to access your local NHS family planning services or Well Woman clinics for women's health and contraceptive advice if you are, or are planning on becoming sexually active.

Cervical cancer is rare in women under 20. Teenagers' bodies, particularly their cervix, are still developing, which means young women may get an abnormal smear result when there is nothing wrong. Under the age of 25 years, invasive cancer is extremely rare, but changes in the cervix are common. Any woman under 25 who is concerned about her risk of developing cervical cancer or her sexual health generally, should contact her doctor, Well Woman or Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic. Many areas of the UK may also provide specialist NHS young people's sexual health services.

Chlamydia is the most common STI in England. Up to one in ten sexually active young people are thought to have the infection which, if left untreated, can cause such complications as infertility. However 70-80% of infected women and men will not show any symptoms which can make detection difficult. If you do have symptoms these may include an unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, pain on passing urine, bleeding between periods or related to sexual intercourse. If you have these symptoms, or you are concerned you may be at risk of having chlamydia, even if you do not have symptoms, seek advice from your doctor, Well Woman or GUM clinic. A simple urine test can be used to detect chlamydia infection or a swab can be taken during cervical screening or pelvic examination. Treatment is a course of antibiotics for you and your partner.

HPV stands for human papilloma virus, which is the most common viral sexually transmitted infection in young people today. There are over 100 types of HPV and 30 of these can infect the genital area. Two types of HPV are the cause of most genital warts which are warty growths of varying size and shape that occur in the genital area of both men and women. More importantly, other types of HPV can cause precancerous changes in the cells of the cervix, which, if not detected, could lead on to developing cervical cancer. In fact, 99 per cent of cervical cancer patients show evidence of these particular HPV infections. These precancerous changes would show up in your regular cervical smear. Some people who are infected develop warts, but others often do not know they have the virus. HPV is very contagious and it can easily be passed around. If you think you have this infection or have been exposed to it, you should see your doctor or visit a Well Woman or GUM clinic for advice and a cervical smear. Given the link between some HPV infections and the development of cervical cancer later in life, it is also very important that you attend your regular cervical screening appointments.

The good news is that scientists have developed a vaccine against certain strains of human papilloma viruses which should protect women against the viruses responsible for about 70 per cent of cases of invasive cervical cancer.

The Department of Health in the UK has agreed, in principle, that HPV vaccines should be introduced for girls aged around 12-13 years and routine vaccination of girls could start as early as autumn 2008. Details of the programme will be finalised following further discussions within the NHS on its implementation.

However is important to remember that even if a woman has been vaccinated against HPV infections she should still see her family or clinic doctor for her routine well woman and cervical screening services as these consultations cover a wide range of women's health issues in addition to screening for cervical cancer. Also, the vaccine does not protect against all types HIV infections that may cause cancer.

Most women have some degree of 'asymmetrical' or 'uneven' breasts. However, if there is a big difference in size, it will likely correct itself over time as your breasts develop. If it is a small or subtle difference, that is probably the way your breasts will stay. Keep in mind that this is very common.

The trend is growing in popularity, especially among younger women, who are more likely to feel that they or their partners prefer a ’manicured‘ look. In fact, according to a recent UK survey 99% of UK women removed some hair. The most common areas were from the underarms, legs, pubic area and eyebrows. Shaving and plucking were the most common methods. It’s estimated that the female UK population spend £280m a year removing body hair.*

Some women even prefer the more exotic Brazilian wax, which is the complete removal of pubic hair, giving you an ultra smooth look. Though shaving or waxing can make you feel attractive and sexy there are some possible health risks involved that women should be aware of.
Women can develop skin infections just days after waxing such as folliculitis (infected hair follicles).
Extensive shaving and waxing of the genital area can also cause non-infectious, yet uncomfortable reactions, such as skin irritations and rashes. Post hair-removal irritation can be soothed with over-the-counter product such as Vagisil® Medicated Creme.