“Self Portrait” by Katie McDowell (18), New Orleans Center for Creative Arts "An Old Man in Military Costume" by Simone Wuttke (18), Dartmouth College (recent Benjamin Franklin High School graduate) "This oil on canvas painting is inspired by Rembrandt's 'An Old...
Whatever your questions may be, Geaux Girl’s very own sex ed and girls’ health expert, Dr. Florencia “Renni” Polite, and her team of doctors at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine are here to answer them.
Dr. Polite, an award-winning OB-GYN and a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, can’t wait to answer your questions so let’s get real! You can email info@geauxgirlmagazine.org for submit your anonymous questions.
A friend of mine has lost a lot of weight and is very skinny. I believe she has an eating disorder. Should I say something to her or will that make it worse?
Girls’ bodies go through many changes in childhood and teenage years. Changes in weight can be the result of natural events like growth spurts, or behavioral changes like different eating habits, or doing more or less physical activity. While it’s natural to adjust what and how much we eat over time, as well as how much physical activity we get, some changes can be unhealthy. Eating disorders are a group of illnesses that affect girls and boys, but are 2.5 times more likely to affect girls. People with eating disorders become obsessed with eating and weight. Someone with an eating disorder may eat smaller amounts, or may eat large amounts at one time and later throw up or exercise a lot to “get rid” of what they ate. Eating disorders can cause a lot of serious health problems and can even be life-threatening. If you are worried that someone you know might have an eating disorder, try to have a one-on-one supportive conversation with him or her. Encourage them to visit a doctor for a checkup. You or your friend can also call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237 for help.
Anna Kuan, M.D.
I have never been sexually active, but my vagina itches and burns. Is it possible that I have an STD?
If you have never been sexually active (meaning no vaginal, oral or anal sex) it is not possible to have an STD. Vaginal burning/itching in this case can be due to other common causes including yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis (due to an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina), which are NOT sexually transmitted. If you have burning when you urinate, are urinating a lot more than normal, feel like you need to urinate all the time, or have foul-smelling urine, you may have a urinary tract infection, which is very common in women. If you have any of these symptoms, please see your OBGYN for a checkup and possible treatment.
Jahan Jadauji, M.D.
My boyfriend wants to have sex with me and has been trying to make me give in for weeks. I don’t want to disappoint him, but I’m not ready yet. I don’t know what to do!
First and foremost, understand that YOU hold the POWER and this is YOUR CHOICE! You should definitely sit down with your boyfriend and have a conversation with him discussing why you do not want to have sex. Let him know that you are not ready yet and there are multiple things that you do not want to risk. The risks that come with having sex are sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy. These can be life-altering events which can make accomplishing your future goals really difficult. Stand firm by your decision and if your boyfriend truly cares, he will RESPECT your decision!
- BE CONFIDENT
- KNOW YOUR WORTH and
- KNOW NO MEANS NO!
Markeiya Polite, M.D
I haven’t gotten my period yet, but I’m guessing I’ll probably get it soon since I have friends who have their periods already. I’m not worried about the idea of having my period, my biggest worry is that I’ll get my period for the first time at school or when I’m out somewhere. What if the blood shows through and I don’t even know it? I can’t think of anything more embarrassing! What can I do since I don’t know when I’ll get it for the first time?
It is totally normal to be nervous about starting your period! Even as an adult, you might start your period when you do not suspect it. The best advice is to be prepared. Make a small bag of supplies to keep in your purse of locker. This can include a maxi pad, tampon, change of panties, and a change of pants. You can also tie a sweater around your waist until you have time to change. If it happens at school, just quietly ask a female teacher to be excused. Usually us girls look out for one another. If there is blood on your clothes, one of your girlfriends usually fills you in before anyone else notices!
Megan Savage, M.D
When do breast start to develop? My best friend is already starting to show, but I have nothing yet.
Everyone is different and will go through puberty at different times. Usually, most girls will start to grow breasts anywhere from 8 to 11 years old. As breasts start to develop, mall lumps of buds under the nipples will start to paperer. Sometimes, these lumps can hurt and be very tender. Over time that tenderness will go away. Also, it is normal for the nipple (or the areola) to change in color and size as the breast develop. So… if your friend has breasts and you do not, don’t worry! If you have breast already and your friends do not, have no fear, they will catch up! Most girls will start to develop breast buds them public hair. This is all part of maturing into a woman. The important thing to remember is to love yourself no matter how you look compared to other.
Nia Thompson, M.D
I have heard that masturbating can make people go crazy or cause anything from badder infections to blindness and infertility. Is masturbation bad for me?
Many myths exist about masturbation, but the reality is that masturbation is a safe and natural way that menu people discover their bodies. Masturbation, although often not discussed with teenagers, is common among teens and their peers, with more than half of all teenagers reporting that they have masturbated in the past. Some people masturbate using only their hands, while others might use toys or vibrators. While these are all safe, you should always make sure your hands and toys are cleaned with soap and water both before and after using them.
Elise Boos, M.D