How to tell my mom I might have bacterial vaginosis (complicated)?
This is a serious question. For a few years now, I’ve noticed a fishy odor and white discharge, which I know are symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. I also know this has caused me to smell bad, which isn’t exactly a pleasant thing to know. It’s had a dampening effect on my ability to socialize, because I worry more about whether people can smell me or not. I wear perfume to mask it, but because I can’t smell myself, I have no idea how effective it is. I’m sick of it, and I’d like to get it treated. The thing is, I’m scared to tell my mom. She’s asian, and kind of strict, and likes to jump the gun with things like this. I’m pretty sure she’d assume the worst and say it’s because I had sex and freak out. I’m a virgin, but I have a boyfriend and I’m over at his house often. I know it can be caused by many other things, but I’m worried if I bring this up she’ll think I just made an excuse.
Also, I’m afraid if I go to a doctor, they’ll ask to look down there. I’m not shy about that or anything, but about a year ago I masturbated once with a long marker, and now there are almost "imprints" on the labia (it’s a marker with straight lines on the cap). No judgment, please. So I’m afraid the doctor will point this out and ask me, and since my mom will be in the room, she’ll find out and I’ll be screwed. My hymen was also torn a while ago (from stretches as a kid, I used to take martial arts), but since my parents are a little behind on the times, I’m afraid they’ll also think it’s because I had sex. I want to get this treated as soon as possible, because I’ve read it can lead to infertility and I want to have children, but I’m also really uncomfortable talking to my mom about this.
How can I go through with this without her berating me, or better yet, if I go to a doctor, will they ask to poke around down there? PLEASE HELP!!
I’m a minor, if that helps in any way.
By Asian, I do mean Chinese.
I won’t reveal my age, but suffice it to say that I’m nearly an adult.
Filed under: Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms
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I work for a gyne office so here’s my opinion. You really need to go to the Dr. but before you do you should call the office and see what their requirements are because sometimes your parent doesn’t even have to go. There is a medical law called hippa and what it means is that your medical issues unless they are life threatening, are not to be given or told to someone else parent or not. I don’t know how old you are but the law should work for you. worse case scenario you have to tell your mom and all you can do is tell her the truth, you are a virgin if she needs proof, the dr. can tell weather you are or not. As far as the check up, the doc will definitely need to check you "down there" but don’t worry about your scars if you have to explain in private why you have them, she’ll understand. About the odor you can use this over the counter spray from summers eve that will keep you fresh just don’t over do it some people are sensitive to it test it out first. hope this helps. good luck
P.S. you have to mention to the Dr. that you want to sign the HIPPA form for your privacy, that way if they do tell her you can actually take them to court it is a law
if your a virgin then they won’t look down there also it could be some foods you eat like fish and sodas
You know I really can’t answer your question, but its good to find somebody like you that has the same problem as me. I am not 100% sure if its caused by a infection or what. But I have had the same things as you. I have had discharge for almost 3 years, I haven’t gotten my period, I’m 12 years old, a virgin, and it smells. I’m scared and not sure if it can hurt me.
First of all….I need some clarification on a few details…..you said asian, that being asian as in Indian or like chinese? I’m Indian and I know where you are coming from with regards to a strict parent…..secondly, you’re obviously not a virgin…c’mon now really, you dont have to lie about it over the internet….and lastly you said you are a minor but how old? When you reach a certain age you are legally allowed to make certain judgment calls in regards to your healthcare….as in you can choose to not have your mom present during a physical….anything you say to the doctor is held in confidence regardless of your age unless your like 13….and they can lose their liscense for telling your mother.
Just go to the doctor, and get some douche in the meantime, seriously……and if you aren’t a virgin, which is really no big deal….like I said I’m indian an I know where you’re coming from but regradless….it really isn’t that big of a deal….just tell the doctor and get yourself taken care of.
Hope this helps.
let her read this article you wrote, nothing to be ahamed of, she,ll under stand and get you a good female dr. its nothing all women havent gone threw includeing your mom.
I think you should know that bacterial vaginosis is not always the consequence of having sex. Women (including teenager) who had never had sex could also suffer from this infection.
If sex is not the case, then most probably you are getting bacterial vaginosis because of:
-using the perfumed tampons
-using perfumed/ chemically contained soaps
-douching
-using fragrance vaginal spray
-using undergarments with materials that cause high moisture level in vaginal area. You need to keep your vaginal area dry and healthy at all time.
To prevent and to help the healing process, you need to get away of those things above.
Some women will get rid of bacterial vaginosis without having any treatment, but most others will need treatments.
Your options:
1.You could explain your mother that those things above could cause you or any teenagers or any women to get Bacterial Vaginosis. So it’s not only because of sex.
2.There are actually bacterial vaginosis natural treatments you can consider, which are effective and save. Before telling your mum, may be you could try out this natural treatments and save your butt!! (just kidding).
Good luck and cheers!
Bacterial vaginosis is something that affects almost 70% of women during their fertile years. It is more common among women who are sexually active but can affect virgins too. Since this is a common vaginal infection I am sure your mom would understand. Some of its symptoms like vaginal discharge and fishy vaginal odor are embarassing- but this infection is so common that you mom or someone known to her must have sufferred from it. To reassure her ask her to look up on the internet to satisfy her that vaginosis affects virgins too. Luckily this infection responds very well to bacterial vaginosis natural cures which provide safe and permanent cure from the problem.
http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Cure-Bacterial-Vaginosis-at-Home—3-Bacterial-Vaginosis-Home-Remedy-Ideas-For-Self-Treatment&id=4677972