Dear BeingGirl Experts,

I get a white discharge, and I haven't seen my period now for two months. The doctor is saying that everything is fine, but I feel like I have an infection. Can you please help me find out what my problem is? This is very important to me because I feel like I can't even have kids now.

A.R.

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Dear A.R.,

Having an irregular menstrual cycle, including the period, is normal during your teen years. We recommend if you go for more than two months without a period to discuss this with your gynecologist/healthcare provider. You mentioned your doctor said not to worry so it sounds like you have had a visit about this. This was smart to do.

Keeping a menstrual calendar and recording each period, including the flow pattern can be helpful in understanding your cycles. Bring the calendar in with you when you have your next doctor's appointment; it will help explain your irregular flow to him/her.

Daily vaginal discharge is normal. It begins a year or so before you start having periods and lasts for most of your adult life. Some days during your cycle the discharge is wet and liquidy, other days it is thick and ropey. You can protect your panties with a pantiliner if you don't like the way discharge feels. The pantiliner will absorb the vaginal discharge and help you feel fresh and dry.

There are changes to the discharge and your body you need to be aware of because they are signals you have an infection. They are: change in color or texture (greenish, grayish, or discharge resembling pus); change in odor; vaginal itching, redness, burning or even swelling in your vulva area; and/or any spotting or bleeding that isn't your period. Infections won't go away without the right medication. So when you notice one or more of these, this means it is time to see your gynecologist/healthcare provider to find out the cause and to determine the best treatment. Infections won't go away without the right medication.

Hope this is helpful,

Your BeingGirl Experts