Female problems, need advice for teenager and am not familiar with signs/symptoms of STI's or STD's?

Female problems, need advice for teenager and am not familiar with signs/symptoms of STI's or STD's?My 13 year old niece called and asked me a question tonight and I really had no idea what to tell her because this isn't anything I've ever been through myself. She said for a few months now she has been having a lot of vaginal discharge and it's white or yellowish sometimes (possibly mixed in with her urine?) but other than that doesn't have any additional symptoms. I asked her if it had an odor to it and she said no but sometimes she thinks she smells odd herself, after going to the bathroom and such. I don't really have a lot to go on right now all I know is that she won't tell her mom to take her to the doc because she doesn't want her to know she is sexually active. She had been on antibiotics a few months ago and thought it might be a yeast infection (I have had experience with those and she hasn't had any of the other symptoms- itching, burning, etc.) but unless she thinks it's something she can blame on the meds she won't tell her mom. I am trying to figure out what this could be and how dangerous it is if left untreated as I am obviously worried about her.
*IMPORTANT SIDE NOTE: This is NOT my child and also not my place to interfere with her and my sister's relationship and communication skills- or obvious lack there-of. I have told her as her aunt that she is too young to be sexually active and quickly realized that the more I gave her my opinion the less she gave me the truth. I do not need advice on how to be a good role model or a better aunt or how to tell my sister to raise her child. I need advice on what this could be so that I can calmly and informatively explain to her why she should go to the doctor as well as what she might expect. It's obviously a delicate situation and I only ask because I do not have answers for these kinds of questions but feel that is important she finds answers from someone she trusts rather than doing nothing at all about it. Thank you :)

laxshmi
There's no easy way. It might be yeast, or a UTI, she has to go to a doctor to make sure, there is no other way. I'm certain she can go and doctors are not usually expected to tell the parents anything (ethics), (I'm not sure in this case sine she's a minor) if she requests to keep the information confidential. She needs to get it checked out because yeast or a UTI left untreated leads to a lot of trouble and costly treatments later on.

confused
vaginal discharge in females that young is quiet normal and does vary due to the hormones 'raging' in there body. take her to a sexual health clinic get her tested and pap smear done. then sit your sister down and explain the situation. she needs to be aware that her child is sexually active at such a young age and she is very vanerable to STDs and pregnancy if not properly educated.

Ask Kate
STDs can cause serious complications if they are not treated. If there is any chance this could be an STD, get her tested! I work for Identigene, and we offer at home collection for chlamydia and gonorrhea STD testing. (You can View a list of symptoms on our website at http://www.identigene.com/std-testing/index.php)

Most reported cases of STDs are young people between the ages of 15-24. The best way to protect yourself from an STD is to use a condom EVERY time. If she did have unprotected sex, again, get her tested any way you can. If she is not willing to see her doctor there are health clinics she can go to for testing and treatment. You would have to check your own state laws to verify at what age she can consent for herself to be tested and treated for STDs. States vary on age for which someone can consent for themselves when it comes to STD testing and treatment. Ages range from 12-16 as minimun ages. Some states dont have age requirements at all.

*Leah*
Sounds like regular discharge or thrush. It is good to advise her to use condoms though.

What do you think? Answer below! Learn about different types of STDs and the effects on the body in both women and men. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Info Blog.
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