Mom's Guide

How to help your daughter feel good about herself as she experiences odor, itching or wetness?

When your teen's body starts changing, it's easy for her to feel like something is wrong. Especially since talking about "down there" is so difficult for many people, any 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 and she thinks that other people can 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 starting 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. Let her know that she should talk to you or another adult she trusts if she notices significant changes in discharge or odor, which could be signs of an infection and merits 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 odor and its own pattern of discharge-that it'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.