Generally, women enter puberty around the age of 10, with rapid development of their reproductive organs and the formation of secondary sexual characteristics. Menstruation begins, breasts become plump and protruding, and pubic and axillary hair gradually appear. At this point, comprehensive care, especially breast, perineal, and menstrual health, is necessary.
What kind of health care do adolescent women need?
1. Breast Health
After entering puberty, women's breasts begin to develop, which is a sign of maturity, showcasing the beauty of curves and preparing for future breastfeeding. At present, many women feel confused due to breast development. For example, whether to wear a bra, if the breasts are too small or too large, if the breasts are underdeveloped, if there are lumps or deformities in the breasts, if the sizes on both sides are different, etc. Women in the developmental stage should avoid wearing tight underwear as much as possible. Otherwise, it compresses the large blood vessels, heart, and lungs, affecting the normal development of internal organs. At the same time, the chest cannot be fully expanded, and lung tissue cannot expand, reducing the amount of inhaled air and affecting the overall oxygen supply. In addition, wearing tight underwear can also compress the breasts, slow down local blood circulation, retain blood in the lower part of the breasts, cause pain, itching, and nipple retraction. After breast development and shaping, it is necessary to choose appropriate underwear. Wearing a bra can demonstrate physical beauty, support the breasts, avoid sagging, and also reduce heart pressure, accelerate local blood circulation, which is beneficial for breast development. Choose the appropriate bra based on the size of the breasts, prioritize choosing a bra with soft texture and good water absorption, try to replace it once a day, and remove the bra before going to bed.
2. Menstrual health care
Some girls have little knowledge about menarche and fear is inevitable. They should learn about menstrual hygiene knowledge. Regularly rinse the area with warm water to avoid local blood accumulation. Shower as much as possible instead of showering. Otherwise, sewage will enter the vagina. Wipe from front to back after each bowel movement to prevent bacteria from the anus from entering the vulva. During menstruation, bloating of the lower abdomen, headache, low back pain, and breast swelling are normal phenomena. There is no need to worry too much. During this period, the mood is comfortable and can self regulate, reducing menstrual discomfort.
3. Perineal health care
Adolescent metabolism is vigorous, with increased secretion of sebaceous and sweat glands, which can nourish the surrounding skin. The wrinkled walls of the labia, large and small, can accumulate too much dirt, especially in obese girls. During adolescence, the ovarian function is active, vaginal secretions increase, and the physiological structure is unique, making it susceptible to fecal and urinary contamination, external genital itching, or secondary infections. Adolescent women should pay attention to perineal hygiene, wash their genitals with warm water before going to bed every night, avoid sharing pots and towels with others, and avoid wearing underwear. When there is a large amount of vaginal discharge, abnormal odor or blood color, it is necessary to seek medical attention immediately.