Hi ❤️

This is a really common worry, so I'm glad you asked!

There is a myth that when you use a tampon for the first time, a "plug" breaks inside you. That isn't true.

What people are usually talking about is the hymen, which is a thin, stretchy ring of tissue around the entrance to the vagina. It is not a seal or a plug covering the vagina. In fact, if it completely covered the opening, menstrual blood wouldn't be able to come out during a period!

A good way to think of the hymen is like a soft hair scrunchie around the vaginal opening. It already has an opening in the middle, and when you insert a tampon, the hymen simply stretches and moves aside. For many people, the hymen has already stretched naturally through everyday activities such as sports, dancing, cycling, gymnastics, or simply growing up.

That's why using a tampon does not "break your virginity" and does not usually cause any damage. You can use tampons whether or not you've ever had a boyfriend or been sexually active.

If a tampon is inserted correctly, it should slide in quite comfortably. If it hurts, it may not be positioned quite right, and you can remove it and try again with a fresh one when you're feeling relaxed.

The idea of a tampon breaking a plug inside you is just a myth. Your body is designed to stretch, and the hymen is much more flexible than many people realise.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Firstly, please don't apologise. Questions like this are really common, and it isn't gross at all. 💖

From what you've described, it sounds like you're noticing smegma, which is a natural oily substance made by the body. It can collect between the labia (the "little flaps" around the vaginal opening) and may look white or creamy. Although it can look a bit strange if you've never noticed it before, it's completely normal and nothing to be embarrassed about.

Smegma helps keep the vulva moisturised and can reduce rubbing and chafing. It's just one of the many ways your body looks after itself.

When washing, there's no need to scrub, rub hard, or try to pick it all away. The skin in this area is very delicate. Simply wash your vulva gently with warm water when you shower or bathe. If you use a cleanser, choose one that is unperfumed and designed for sensitive skin. Strong soaps, scented products and vigorous scrubbing can actually cause irritation.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

It's a little bit of a myth that if you have period cramps one month, you'll always have exactly the same cramps every month. That's certainly not the case, especially during puberty when your hormones can be a bit unpredictable!

During your teens, it's very common for one period to feel quite different from the next. One month you might have stronger cramps, a heavier flow, and feel a bit tired or emotional. The next month, your period might be lighter and you may barely notice any cramping at all.

This happens because your body is still learning how to regulate its hormones and menstrual cycle. As a result, symptoms such as period pain, bloating, headaches, and mood changes can vary from month to month.

As you get older, your periods often become more regular, and you'll start to recognise your own pattern. Some people continue to have cramps, while others find they become milder over time.

Having a month with worse cramps doesn't automatically mean the next one will be the same. Our bodies are constantly changing, especially during puberty, and a bit of variation is completely normal.

Irregular period symptoms, changing period cramps, and puberty hormones are all common experiences for teens, so you're definitely not alone. ❤️

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

That's a great question! Growth spurts happen at different ages for different girls, depending on where they are in puberty. We are all different, so it's completely normal if your experience doesn't match your friends'.

For many girls, the biggest growth spurt happens between about 9 and 14 years old. It often starts a year or two before their first period arrives. You may suddenly notice that your trousers seem too short, your feet are growing, or you're getting taller much more quickly than before.

After starting their period, most girls will continue to grow, but usually at a slower rate. Many girls grow another few centimetres over the next couple of years before reaching their adult height.

The good news is that there isn't one "right" age to have a growth spurt. Some girls shoot up earlier, while others are later bloomers and grow more after their friends have finished growing.

Growth spurts, puberty, and first periods are all linked together, but everyone's timeline is unique. 💟🤍 Why not check out the blog below for more advice on this subject.

Growth Spurts & Growing Pains

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Yes, bloating can be a sign of endometriosis, although it does not automatically mean you have it. Many people with endometriosis experience what's sometimes called "endo belly", where their tummy feels swollen, tight, uncomfortable, or larger than usual.

However, bloating is very common and can also be caused by things like IBS, constipation, food intolerances, trapped wind, hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, or simply being due on your period.

If your bloating is accompanied by symptoms such as:

• Very painful periods
• Pain in your lower tummy or pelvis
• Pain when going to the toilet
• Pain during or after sex
• Heavy periods
• Extreme tiredness

then it may be worth speaking to your GP about whether endometriosis could be a possibility.

From a teen perspective, occasional bloating on its own is usually much more likely to be related to digestion or normal hormonal changes than endometriosis. But if you're finding the bloating is frequent, severe, or comes with significant period pain, it's a good idea to get it checked out. ❤️

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

That's a great question because discharge is completely normal, but lots of people don't know what it actually is!

Vaginal discharge is a fluid made by your body that helps keep the vagina clean, healthy and protected from infection. Think of it as your body's own natural cleaning system.

Discharge usually starts around the time of puberty, often before your first period arrives. It can look different from person to person and may be clear, white, creamy or slightly yellow when it dries on your underwear.

One of the clever things about discharge is that it changes throughout the month. The amount, colour and texture can vary depending on the levels of hormones in your body. Some days you may hardly notice it, while other days you might find you need a pantyliner because there's a little more than usual.

When you think about it, discharge is pretty amazing. It's your body's way of looking after itself and keeping your vagina healthy without you needing to do anything at all!

Vicki ❤️

What Is Vaginal Discharge? A Guide for Teens on What’s Normal and What’s Not

Hi ❤️ That's a brilliant question!

Although it only takes one sperm to fertilise an egg and start a pregnancy, millions of sperm are released at the same time. Most of them never get anywhere near the egg.

Many sperm don't survive the journey through the female reproductive system, some go in the wrong direction, and others simply run out of energy before reaching the egg. The sperm that do make it close to the egg help by releasing enzymes that assist the fertilisation process, but usually only one sperm actually enters the egg.

Once one sperm successfully gets inside, the egg changes its outer layer almost immediately. This creates a barrier that prevents any other sperm from entering. It's a bit like the egg locking the door once the first sperm has arrived!

So the short answer is that most sperm are naturally broken down and absorbed by the body, while just one sperm is usually responsible for fertilising the egg.

I think it's pretty amazing when you consider that pregnancy can begin with just one tiny sperm out of millions!

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

That's a really interesting question!

The vagina is incredibly stretchy. Most of the time it's actually a collapsed muscular tube, with the walls resting gently against each other in folds rather than being held open. This means it can expand and contract when needed.

For example, the vagina stretches enough to allow a tampon to be inserted and removed, and in adulthood it can stretch much wider during sexual activity or childbirth. After stretching, the muscles usually return close to their normal shape again.

During puberty, some girls worry that using tampons, exercising, gymnastics, dancing, or swimming will "stretch out" the vagina, but that's not how it works. The vaginal muscles are designed to be flexible and elastic.

If you're wondering whether the vagina can become permanently stretched by normal everyday activities, the answer is no. The body is very good at maintaining the shape and function of the vagina.

It sounds like your body is making you curious about how everything works, and that's completely normal. Learning about your anatomy can make puberty feel a lot less mysterious!

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

It sounds as though the Daisy deodorant may have irritated your skin, and that's not unusual. During puberty, underarm skin can be quite sensitive, and some deodorants contain fragrances or ingredients that don't agree with everyone.

I'm not personally a huge fan of deodorants for younger teens, as they can sometimes leave a residue on the skin or cause itching and irritation. If a product is making your armpits itchy, that's usually a good sign that it's not the best match for you.

As for Wild deodorant, lots of people use it without any problems, but because you've already had a reaction to another scented product, it's worth being cautious. If you do decide to try it, stop using it if you notice itching, redness, soreness or a rash.

You may find an antiperspirant works better than a deodorant if your main concern is sweat and body odour. Antiperspirants help reduce the amount you sweat, while deodorants mainly help to mask odour.

Personally, I tend to prefer a simple roll-on antiperspirant. You only need one quick swipe under each arm, and they can be gentler than some sprays. Products such as Mitchum Unscented or the Sure Sensitive range are often good options for people with sensitive skin.

If your underarms are still itchy even after stopping the Daisy deodorant, give your skin a few days' break and just wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and water. If the irritation doesn't settle, have a chat with a parent or carer and consider seeing your GP or pharmacist.

From what you've said, I suspect you've simply found a product that doesn't suit your skin, which is something that happens to lots of people.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Firstly, please don't worry about asking lots of questions. That's exactly what Ask Vicki is for! ❤️

When it comes to pubic hair, there isn't a magic age when you should start shaving. Some people choose to remove it, some simply trim it, and plenty of people leave it exactly as it is. Pubic hair is completely normal and actually has an important job helping to protect the delicate skin around your vulva.

Don't feel under any pressure to remove it because friends are doing it or because of things you've seen on social media. We are all different, and there is no "correct" amount of pubic hair to have.

If you're finding the hair is becoming a bit unruly or is visible around the edges of swimwear, you may prefer to trim it back. It doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing decision. In fact, trimming is often a good option for younger teens because it's easier to manage and there's much less risk of cuts, irritation or ingrown hairs.

If you do decide you'd like to shave, take your time and be careful, as the skin around the vulva is very delicate. Hair removal is a personal choice, and it's worth remembering that once hair is removed it will grow back, so it does require regular maintenance.

I've actually written a blog about pubic hair removal and shaving, which explains the different hair removal methods, how to stay safe, and the pros and cons of each option. It's well worth a read before you decide what, if anything, you'd like to do.

Personally, I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with simply trimming pubic hair if that's what feels comfortable for you. The most important thing is that any decision you make is because you want to, not because you feel pressured by anyone else.

When Should I Start Shaving? A Simple Guide for Teens

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

This is a really important question, and one that confuses lots of people.

Firstly, it's helpful to know the difference between your vagina and your vulva. Your vagina is the part that's inside your body, and it doesn't need cleaning at all. Your body does an amazing job of keeping your vagina clean by itself.

The part on the outside that you can see is called your vulva. For most people, plain warm water is all that's needed to keep the area clean and fresh.

If you do want to use a product, choose something gentle and unperfumed, such as a mild shower gel or an intimate wash designed for that area. Strong soaps, scented products, and lots of scrubbing can irritate the delicate skin and may actually make discomfort more likely.

When washing, be gentle. A quick, gentle cleanse is more than enough. Your body is very good at looking after itself, and keeping things simple is often best.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Vaginal discharge is completely normal and is one of the ways your body keeps the vagina healthy and clean. You do not need to try to wash discharge from inside your vagina.

When washing, simply clean the vulva (the outside area of your genitals) once a day with warm water. If you prefer, you can use a gentle, fragrance-free wash designed for sensitive skin. You can also use a fragrance-free feminine wipe when you're out and about, but plain water is usually all that's needed.

Avoid putting soaps, washes or wipes inside the vagina, as this can upset its natural balance and may cause irritation.

If discharge dries on the skin, gently washing the area during your normal daily wash is enough. Wearing breathable cotton underwear and changing it daily can also help you feel fresh and comfortable. ❤️

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Firstly, can I just say that you sound like an amazing young person. Balancing school, sports, clubs, rehearsals, friendships and everything else that comes with being a teen is no small thing!

You're also absolutely right that being very active can sometimes affect your periods. When your body is putting lots of energy into training, competitions, performances or other demanding activities, it may occasionally decide that a period isn't its top priority. As a result, your periods might come later than expected, become irregular, or even skip a month from time to time.

From what you've said, it sounds like you've noticed that changes in your training and weight can sometimes affect your cycle. Many athletes and very active teens experience this, and it doesn't necessarily mean there's anything wrong. Our bodies are constantly adapting to what we're asking them to do.

That said, it's still important to look after yourself by eating enough nourishing food, staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and giving your body time to recover between activities. If your periods stop for several months, become very irregular, or you're worried about any changes, it's always worth having a chat with a parent, guardian or healthcare professional.

I also love the message you shared for other readers. Being a teen girl can feel overwhelming at times, and it helps to know you're not the only one juggling a million things at once. So I'll echo your words:

To anyone reading this, you're not alone. Things won't always feel this busy, stressful or confusing. Be kind to yourself, take things one day at a time, and remember that nobody has everything figured out.

Keep doing the things you love and remember to give yourself credit for everything you're managing. 

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Yes, it can! Pubic hair, underarm hair and leg hair can all turn grey or white as we get older, just like the hair on our heads.

Hair gets its colour from a pigment called melanin. As we age, the cells that produce this pigment can slow down or stop working, which is why some hairs start to look grey, silver or white. This doesn't just happen on the scalp. It can happen to hair anywhere on the body, including the pubic area, underarms and legs.

Not everyone notices it though. Some people develop grey hairs quite early, while others keep their natural hair colour for much longer. We are all different, and ageing affects everyone differently.

So the short answer is yes, pubic hair and leg hair can go grey or white as you get older, just like the hair on your head.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Yes, 10 hours of sleep is completely normal for a 9-year-old. In fact, children your age generally need around 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, so 10 hours sits comfortably within the healthy range.

As we grow, our bodies are doing lots of work behind the scenes. Not only are we getting taller and stronger, but our brains are learning and processing huge amounts of information every day. That's why sleep is so important.

If you're getting 10 hours of sleep and:

• Waking up feeling rested
• Managing school okay
• Having enough energy to play and be active

then there's usually nothing to worry about.

Sometimes children and teens go through phases where they need a little more sleep, especially during growth spurts, after being busy, or if they've been unwell.

Try not to worry. Getting a good night's sleep is actually a sign that you're looking after your body well. 😊

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

It can be really confusing when you get cramps or aches but your period isn't due. Many teens assume any lower tummy pain must be a period cramp, but there can be a few different reasons why this happens.

Sometimes, if you're getting lower tummy cramps, back ache or leg pain between periods, it can simply be your body growing and changing. During puberty, muscles, bones and joints are developing quickly, and this can sometimes cause aches that feel surprisingly similar to period pains.

You might also notice mild cramping around the middle of your cycle when your body releases an egg (ovulation). This is completely normal and can happen even if your next period is still a couple of weeks away.

If the pain is mild, comes and goes, and you're otherwise feeling well, it's usually nothing to worry about. However, if the pain is severe, keeps happening, wakes you up at night, or is affecting your daily life, it's a good idea to speak to a parent, guardian or healthcare professional.

During puberty, it's very common to experience aches and pains that don't always have an obvious explanation, and our bodies don't come with instruction manuals! Keeping a note of when the pain happens can sometimes help you spot a pattern.

Check out my blog below on Growth Spurts & Growing Pains

Growth Spurts & Growing Pains

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

How often you change your pantyliner is really a personal choice and depends on how much discharge your body produces. Some people find that one pantyliner lasts all day, while others prefer to change theirs a few times throughout the day to feel fresher and more comfortable.

If your pantyliner feels damp, uncomfortable, or no longer feels fresh, it's a good idea to change it. You should also make sure you're changing your underwear regularly and keeping the area clean with warm water.

Remember having discharge is a completely normal part of puberty, and many girls choose to wear pantyliners simply to protect their underwear and feel more confident throughout the day.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

It can definitely feel like discharge is there all the time during puberty, especially when you're checking your underwear every day. But from what you've described, constant discharge is usually completely normal and is actually a sign that your body is doing what it's supposed to do.

Discharge helps keep the vagina clean, healthy and protected. During puberty, your hormones become more active, which means your body may produce discharge most days, even before your periods have started.

You may notice that discharge changes throughout the month too. Sometimes it can be:

• Clear and watery
• White or creamy
• A little thicker or stretchy
• More noticeable in your underwear than at other times

All of these changes can be perfectly normal.

If you find discharge uncomfortable or you're worried about it showing in your underwear, you may find a pantyliner helpful. 

What you're experiencing sounds like a very normal part of puberty and nothing to be worried about.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Yellow discharge that has dried and become a bit hard or crusty in your underwear is often completely normal. Discharge can change colour slightly as it dries, and what starts off as clear, white, or pale yellow discharge can look darker, yellowish, or crusty once it has been exposed to the air.

This is a common part of puberty and happens because discharge naturally dries on your underwear. Many girls notice this and worry something is wrong, but in most cases it's nothing to be concerned about. ❤️

If the dried discharge is bothering you, you might find that wearing a pantyliner helps keep you feeling fresh and comfortable throughout the day.

However, if the discharge has a strong smell, causes itching, soreness, or is a very bright yellow, green, or unusual colour, it's worth having a chat with a parent, carer, or healthcare professional.

From what you've described, it sounds like normal discharge that has dried in your underwear, which is a very common part of growing up.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Vaginal discharge is a normal fluid made by the body to help keep the vagina clean and healthy. Most girls start noticing discharge before their first period arrives.

Discharge can look different depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. Sometimes it may be clear and watery, while at other times it can be white, creamy, thin or slightly thicker. You may also notice that there seems to be more of it at certain times of the month than others.

We are all different, so the amount and appearance of discharge can vary from person to person. As long as it doesn't have a strong unpleasant smell, cause itching, soreness, or discomfort, it is usually nothing to worry about.

Many girls notice discharge in their underwear and wonder if something is wrong, but it's actually a normal sign that your body is growing and developing.

Why not read my blog on Discharge and Teens for more advice.

What Is Vaginal Discharge? A Guide for Teens on What’s Normal and What’s Not

Vicki ❤️