Lifestyle Choices

Early Warning Signs of TSS

If you develop any of these symptoms during or just after your menstrual period, tell Mom immediately and see your doctor:

• High fever
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sore throat
• Aching muscles
• Lightheadedness
• Rash (resembling sunburn)

Remember, TSS can be serious, even fatal, but not if it’s caught in time and treated. So if you have any symptoms that worry you, don’t keep them to yourself.

You and Your Gynecologist

You may or may not have seen a gynecologist, a doctor whospecializes in the treatment of women’s diseases, hygiene, and medical care. As a part of a routine pelvic examination, the gynecologist will give you a PAP test. The PAP is both simple and painless. The doctor takes a small sample or smear from your cervix, which is later analyzed in a lab. This test reveals the presence of cancerous or precancerous tissues and can reveal other irregularities as well.

The doctor will also examine your breasts for lumps or hardenings. While the chances of your developing such problems are minimal at your age, the American Cancer Society says that early detection is the best form of prevention, and the habit of regular self-breast examination is a good one to cultivate.

The Society has outlined a self-examination that can be done routinely at home by women of all ages. Choose a time just after your period, so that your breasts are not likely to be swollen or tender. You can start by examining your breasts in the shower hands glide more easily over wet skin. With fingers flat, move gently over every part of each breast, using right hand for left breast, left hand for right. Check for any lump, hard knot, or thickening.

Then use the easy-to-follow illustrations as your guide:

1. To examine your right breast; lie down with a pillow or folded towel under your right shoulder to distribute breast tissue more evenly. Place right hand behind head. Using left hand, fingers flat, press gently in small, circular motions.
2. Beginning at outermost top of breast, slowly circle the entire breast. Move your fingers in an inch and keep circling to feel every part of your breast, including the nipple. This requires at least three more circles. Don’t be alarmed by a ridge of firm tissue in the lower curve of the breast; that is normal.
3. Finally, gently squeeze the nipple between your thumb and index finger. Any discharge should be reported to your doctor.
4. Repeat the entire procedure for the left breast, with pillow under left shoulder, left hand behind head, and using right hand.

Vaginitis

A malady that affects most girls and women at least once in their lives, vaginitis can occur at any age and is caused by a variety of factors. There are, in fact, several distinct types of the disease, and knowing something about the most common ones may help you in recognizing it if you ever do contract it yourself.

Moniliasis (also called candidiasis or yeast infection) is the most common of these conditions. Monilia is a fungus that is naturally present in small numbers in the vagina (as well as the mouth and digestive tract). Sometimes the use of antibiotics or vaginal douches or deodorants, or the wearing of tight-fitting clothing or nylon panties can cause the fungus to multiply. Common symptoms are a thick, white, cottage cheese—like discharge, a burning sensation upon urination, swelling, and itching. Moniliasis is treated with antifungal creams (prescribed by your doctor or sold over the counter) or vaginal suppositories. To avoid it, always wear cotton-crotch or all-cotton panties and maintain good hygiene, particularly in warm weather.

Trichomoniasis is another common vaginal infection. It is caused by a tiny parasite and transmitted by sexual intercourse or by the sharing of towels, washcloths, or other moist objects. The chief symptoms are a green, gray, or yellowish foamy discharge with a strong, unpleasant odor, a burning sensation upon urination, pain during intercourse, and itching. Treatment is usually a prescribed oral medication.

Gardenella was previously called non-specific vaginitis. The symptoms include a thin, gray-white, bad-smelling discharge, itching, and mild pain. It is treated with oral medication or vaginal creams or tablets.

If you suspect you have one of these vaginal infections, you should see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. None of the conditions is necessarily serious in itself, but if left untreated, complications could develop. For example, trichomoniasis, if left untreated, can invade the urinary tract and lead to cystitis, an extremely painful and sometimes serious condition. So don’t let shyness or embarrassment deter you from getting important medical care. There’s nothing wrong with having vaginitis only with not having it treated.

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