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Girls’ Sex Stuff - what every girl needs to know

In a world focused on body image, many girls forget about the importance of their sexual health. Using safe and effective contraception, protecting yourself against sexually transmissible infections (STIs), keeping up to date with Pap smears, and getting things like painful sex or heavy periods checked by a health professional are all part of looking after your sexual health.  Taking care of your sexual health helps you to feel good about yourself, and contributes to your overall wellbeing. 

Vagina stuff

My vagina’s leaking!
Secretions from the cervix (the lower end of the womb) and the glands at the entrance of the vagina help to keep it clean and healthy. These secretions vary during the menstrual cycle and are part of a normal, healthy vagina. Fluid also passes through the vaginal walls in response to physical activity and sexual arousal. All these secretions make up the vaginal discharge that a girl normally notices. Usually discharge is whitish, drying yellowish on underwear, and varying in amount throughout the cycle. It has a characteristic (but not bad) smell unnoticeable to you or others if you wash regularly.

If you notice your discharge is different from usual (such as heavier, or with a different or unpleasant smell), see a doctor, as this can indicate an infection. Remember that the vagina is very sensitive.  Avoid irritation by using plain water or a soap-free wash to bathe the area, rather than soap or antiseptics, and don’t use perfumes, deodorants or talcs on the vagina.

Masturbation
Most girls (and guys!) masturbate and as long as it is done in private or with a partner, masturbation is a normal and healthy way of experiencing pleasure and understanding what feels good for you.  There are lots of different ways to masturbate, and frequency of masturbation varies from person to person – everyone is different.

Health stuff

Pap smears
A Pap smear is a simple test used to detect early changes in the cells of the cervix. Without treatment, these changes can lead to cancer. Regular Pap smears help detect early warning signs of cervical cancer and allow women to receive treatment before the cancer develops.

All girls who are sexually active (with girls or guys) should start having Pap smears two years after first having sex or when they turn 18, and continue to have a Pap smear every two years until they turn 70. Your clinician may recommend you have more frequent Pap smears if a previous one showed significant cell changes. An abnormal Pap smear result very rarely means you have cancer, but it is important to discuss your results with a doctor and what treatment, if any, you should have.

A Pap smear can only be performed when you don’t have your period, with the ideal time being a week or so after you have stopped bleeding. An instrument called a speculum is gently inserted into the vagina so the cervix can be seen clearly (you can insert the speculum yourself if you want). Cells are collected from the cervix and sent to a laboratory for testing. While some women find Pap smears mildly uncomfortable, they are rarely painful and usually only take a few minutes.

One of the main causes of cervical cancer is the Human Papilloma Virus, which is contracted through sexual activity.  A free cervical cancer vaccine is available for young women – talk to a doctor or FPWA clinician for more details.  You can also get tested for STIs at the same time as your Pap smear if you wish.

Breast aware
There is no standard shape or size for breasts, and every set is different.  It is normal for breasts to change in size and shape at various times in your life - menstruation, pregnancy, age and weight changes can all alter the shape and size of a girl’s breasts.  It’s also normal to have two different-sized breasts.

It’s important for all girls to be aware of their breasts.  Become familiar with your breasts and know their look and feel. Things to look for include:

  • A lump or thickening in the breast
  • Any sudden change in breast size or shape
  • Changes to the skin of the breast, such as dimpling or a rash
  • Persistent or unusual pain
  • Discharge from the nipple 

If you notice any of these changes, see a doctor immediately. Remember – breast pain or lumps in the breast rarely mean you have cancer.

Period stuff

Periods explained
Periods are part of the monthly menstrual cycle. They are caused by the changes in a girl’s body that happen when an egg is released and the body prepares for a possible pregnancy. This preparation happens each month when the lining of the uterus (womb) becomes thick with blood. If a pregnancy doesn’t occur, the blood-thick lining breaks down and is passed out of the body through the vagina.  This bleeding is called a period.

A girl’s menstrual cycle begins on the day she gets her period (ie when she starts to bleed). Most menstrual cycles last for around 1 month (from the first day of one period to the first day of the next), but this varies for each girl. Things such as stress and weight loss can affect the length of the cycle. A period usually lasts for 3 to 7 days.  The amount of blood lost is different for each girl, but is usually around 1-2 tablespoons.

Some girls feel fine when they have their period, while others feel a bit sick or sore in the lower tummy, sometimes with cramps. Taking a mild painkiller can help, as can having a healthy and active lifestyle.

PMS
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to physical and emotional changes that some girls experience in the second half of the menstrual cycle before their period begins. Many girls experience some symptoms of PMS, but for most they are mild.

Girls can experience some or all of the following:

  • Mood changes, such as irritability, depression or anger
  • Tiredness, nausea and headaches
  • Food cravings
  • Aches and pains, including sore breasts
  • Abdominal bloating

Symptoms that persist throughout the entire month may not be related to PMS and should be discussed with a doctor.  While PMS can't be cured or prevented, having a healthy and active lifestyle can help lessen symptoms.  Changing your method of contraception or taking over the counter medication can also help – talk to a doctor for more information.

Sex stuff

When can I have sex?
The legal age to have sex in WA is 16.  This applies to both guys and girls, regardless of who you are attracted to.  If you are supervising or responsible for young people under the age of 18, it is illegal to have sex with them.

Remember both partners must consent to having sex for it to be legal (you must both want to do it).  Forcing someone to have sex is a crime, and so is taking advantage of someone if they have been drinking or taking drugs.

But what if I don’t want to have sex?
It’s important not to feel pressured when it comes to relationships and sex – take your time deciding what you want to do.  A happy, healthy relationship doesn’t necessarily mean having sex.

No-one has the right to make you do sexual things you don’t want to, or to make you feel unsafe.  Abuse and violence is not acceptable in any relationship or situation, and is against the law.  It you have experienced sexual assault remember it’s not your fault, and help and support is available.

STIs
An STI is an infection that can be passed on through vaginal, anal or oral sex. Most STIs are transmitted through an exchange of body fluids, but some can be passed on through skin to skin genital contact.

STIs can cause a wide range of health problems, from mild irritation to serious illness. Some STIs are easily treated with antibiotics if detected early, but can have long-term consequences if left untreated, including infertility (when you can’t have children). While others can’t be cured, treatments are available to ease symptoms.

Many girls with an STI have no symptoms, so it’s possible to have one and not know it.  Symptoms can include:

  • Unusual discharge from the vagina
  • Itchiness around the genital area
  • A burning sensation when peeing
  • A rash, sores or small lumps on or around the vagina or anus
  • Unusual bleeding from the vagina 

If you notice any of these symptoms, or if you’ve had unprotected sex in the past, get tested by a doctor or at FPWA. Consider discussing your symptoms with any sexual partners.  Testing for STIs is quick and painless - it only takes a few minutes and usually involves a urine sample and a vaginal swab (you can take your own swab if you want).
Sometimes symptoms go away by themselves, but this doesn’t mean the infection has gone.

Safe sex
Condoms and dams help reduce the risk of getting or passing on an STI (a dam is a thin latex square held over the vaginal or anal area during oral sex) by stopping semen, blood and vaginal fluids from being exchanged. As some STIs can be passed on through skin to skin contact, it’s important to remember that condoms and dams only protect the area of skin they cover.

Always use water-based lubricants with condoms, as oil-based lubricants like Vaseline and massage oil weaken condoms and increase the risk of breakage.  Use a new condom or dam everytime you have sex and check the expiry date before use. Condoms need to be kept in a cool, dry place.  If exposed to heat they are less effective, so don’t keep them in your car or purse. Condoms must be put on before any penis/vagina contact for them to be effective, as some sperm can leak from the penis before ejaculation. 

Using condoms and dams is the only way to reduce the risk of getting or passing on an STI – being on the Pill doesn’t protect you from infections!

Sex hurts – and I can’t orgasm!
Many girls experience painful intercourse.  This can often be caused by a lack of vaginal lubrication, anxiety, or not being aroused enough.  Over-the-counter lubricants can be helpful.  If you are experiencing persistent painful sex see a doctor straight away, as you may have an infection.

Lots of girls find it difficult to have an orgasm and there are many factors which can be the cause. Good communication with your partner and lots of practise can often be the best way to enjoy sex. Many girls are able to experience orgasm through clitoral stimulation rather than vaginal penetration. Practising on your own (masturbation) and working out what feels good can help, as can spending more time on foreplay.  Remember that most girls take more time to become aroused than guys do.

Another common problem for girls is low libido.  This can be related to a variety of factors, including contraception, relationship problems and stress. Sometimes changing the form of contraception you are using can improve the situation – speak to your doctor for more details. Counselling is an option if you think the problem may be relationship-related.

Baby stuff

I don’t want to get pregnant!
There is a wide variety of reliable contraception available for girls wanting to prevent pregnancy.  It’s important to discuss the options with a doctor to make sure you choose one that suits your needs.  Remember a girl can get pregnant at any time, including the first time she has sex, and ‘pulling’ out isn’t a safe form of contraception.

Sometimes accidents happen.  If you’ve had unprotected sex or the condom breaks or comes off during sex, emergency contraception can be taken to reduce the risk of pregnancy.  Emergency contraception is available over the counter at pharmacies, and is most effective when taken within 24 hours of having sex (though there is some effectiveness for up to 5 days afterwards).  You and your partner, whether they are male or female, may also want to consider getting tested for STIs.

Hang on – I want to have a baby!
A girl’s fertility largely depends on her age. Girls are most fertile between the ages of 17 and 25, with a gradual decline into their 30s and a sharp decrease after the age of 35. It is normal for a girl in her 20s to take up to a year to conceive, though for a lot of women it happens the first time they try! Seek professional advice early if you are concerned that you may have a fertility problem.

There are lots of things you can do if you are preparing for pregnancy. Most doctors recommend that you avoid alcohol altogether, and cut down on caffeine. It is best to give up smoking before you get pregnant, and if you are taking any illicit drugs, to consider stopping, as they can have a negative effect on both fertility and a developing baby.  It is recommended you take a supplement of folate (0.5 mg per day) in the 4-6 weeks before conception and into your pregnancy, and exercise regularly and have a healthy diet.

As many girls with an STI have no symptoms, it is possible to have one and not know it.  STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis can be passed onto the baby at birth. For this reason it is a good idea for both partners to consider testing before trying to conceive.  If left untreated, some STIs can also lead to infertility.

(c) Family Planning Association of WA (Inc) June 2007

 

Page last updated Tue, 28 Aug 2007 12:02