May 11, 2016 3 min read

Question 1: I didn’t start my period yet. Is that strange? All my friends have started.

12-year-old

Mary Jo’s response: It’s not strange at all, although it may feel as if you’ve been left out of a growth experience. Menstruation (periods) in the United States, typically begins at your age (the average age is 12), but periods can start as early as 8 and as late as 15.

What’s normal for your body is the right time to start.

Have you tried talking with your mom or an adult you trust?

Finding out when adult women began their menstrual cycles (another way to say periods) would help you feel less alone.

Here’s a hint: Most young women start their periods 18 months to two years after their breasts begin to develop.

There will be times when your period is an annoyance. You may start your cycle on the first day of a beach vacation, for example. Having a period is part of being a woman; each person is unique. Try not to worry and rush growing up. You’re OK.

Question 2: I don’t ever want to use tampons. My friend told me I’ll have to someday. Is that true?

12-year-old

Mary Jo’s response: You don’t need to use tampons. Many women find using a tampon instead of a sanitary napkin makes their lives easier. If you plan to swim during your period, using a tampon is necessary. Wait until you’re ready to use one. Talk with your mom or a trusted adult. In time, you may enjoy using tampons, but it’s not necessary.

Question 3: If a guy thinks he doesn’t ever want to be a father, could he get a vasectomy when he’s a teen? And then reverse it if he needs to?

12-year-old

Mary Jo’s response: Vasectomies are considered permanent sterilization. The vas deferens is blocked so sperm cannot leave the body. It is possible to surgically reverse the procedure, but a man should be serious about not having babies before he has the surgery. It is not always possible to reverse a vasectomy.

A teen is considered too young to make such a serious decision. I don’t know any surgeons who would perform a vasectomy on someone your age.

Remember, a vasectomy will prevent a pregnancy but will not protect against STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Let’s talk about your plans for life. Please continue texting.