Dear whocanitbenow,

Many teenagers find it stressful to find out that they're pregnant — especially if they don't want to be. The best thing you can do for your friend is to let her know that she doesn't have to go through this alone. Talking about how she feels can help relieve her anxiety and begin to make decisions about her pregnancy.

Hopefully your friend can talk with at least one of her parents, but if she can't, she can turn to a relative, a friend's parent, a counselor at school or at a clinic, or a religious advisor. Although it's great that she has you to talk with, she should also try to find an adult that she trusts. An adult may better understand the legal and medical choices she'll have to make.

• Consider going without underwear when sleeping to give the vulva some breathing room.
• Wash underwear in mild, unscented soap — detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners can cause irritation.
• Wash the vulva with water and one's hand only — soaps can dry out or irritate the vulva, and a washcloth or loofah may be too harsh.
• Avoid using fragranced products (such as perfumed shower gels) on the vulva.
• When possible, avoid wearing pantyhose, tight jeans, wet bathing suits, and tight-fitting Lycra or spandex workout clothes.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.