Need Advice About 9Yo Girl and Dirty Undies!

Is your other child (high school) a girl? Just curious because knowing when she hit puberty may very well give you an indication of when your 9-year-old will. But honestly, so many girls have been hitting puberty earlier and earlier that a 9-year-old could very well be starting with all of those changes. My stepdaughter got her first period at 11 and had many changes in the year or two prior to that, including more discharge, so unless it is smelly or itches, it is probably just normal.

Hey JB! I have three girls and to be honest it is more than likely it isn't "discharge"...its not quite making it to the bathroom, a little "leak" when laughing too hard, sneezing and yes...NOT wiping. You will know when she starts into the wonderful world of hormones...her moods will swing faster than the swing in the back yard!! With my three that started between ages 10-12. Even though their peroids didn't start until they were around 13 or so. The mood thing seems to start way in advance (much to my hubby's dismay!)

Just talk to her (once!) this is not a subject you want to nag about. Explain that she really needs to take care of herself and wipe completely. (she may not be wiping at all in school due to lack of toilet paper etc). buy white undies that you can bleach once a week or so, and let it go. She'll learn and take better care as she gets just a bit older. Good luck, the best is yet to come!!

From what I understand, girls are developing more quickly today than in years past. There are scientific studies that attribute this to all of the hormones in our foods.

That said, I have to say that a good part of it will also depend on family history. In my family, we have a history of developing early. I started menstruating at the age of 10 as did my mother. It is not to early for her body to be starting to prepare for this. However, I wonder more if it could be attributed to not wiping properly and not cleaning herself properly down below when she is showering (part of which she blamed it on). You might start by explaining to her the importance of proper cleaning in those areas to prevent infection and odor and see if that helps clear it up. Also, you might want to mention it to her doctor at her next checkup/sick visit to make sure that it isn't something that she be checked out further. I really think it is probably just the normal process of growing older and being 9 and not very adept at cleaning oneself when there are other things to do instead. ;)

Good luck. Hope this helps.

Some girls just have more discharge than others. I myself had discharge at a young age (and still do) and I hate it. If she's going to the doc regularly, not complaining of itching, etc then she should be fine. This type of problem seems to be hereditary for me. My grandmother had it, my mom, and me too. My daughter is only 5 now but I pray she doesn't have so much! It can get quite annoying.

It's not unusual for a 9 year old to start those puberty signs. But kids are notorious for not wiping well or waiting until the last second to run to the bathroom. You might have her wear panty liners. Even if she kicks up the hygiene a notch the discharge is coming, if it isn't here already. Whether it's pee or discharge, it's all normal. If it makes you more comfortable, I'm sure her pediatrician can give her a little "woman to woman" talk and handouts, and it'll reinforce what you've been telling her. Plus it would be much less traumatic than an ob/gyn visit!

Hi JB
both of my daughters started having a white to yellowish discharge in their panties around age 9 to 10. Probably right between 3rd and 4th grade. So, I believe that is a normal time for this to occur. I don't think it is out of the ordinary at that age....many of my friends who have daughters also had the same experience with this. There were even some girls who already had their mentstural cycle start up by 4th grade. However, my girls just had the discharge for several years, and did not get their period until they were 12, nearly 13 years old. I'd ask the pediatrician about this, so you will feel better about it, but I think it is totally normal at this age. Good luck!

My daughter blossomed at 8 years old, there was no reason except that she was maturing... it didn't start with a discharge though, it just came on.. She might have an urine infection, and you have to take blood for that.. When I get them I don't get the feaver till it's to late.. So have that checked out, but I would also set up or talk to a gianacolgist, don't think I spelled that right, as well... It is no real big deal if she is maturing, my daughter hated it cause of the pad thing at 8, and I felt bad as well, but it has no health issues, or is not a sign of some condition.. So people just mature earlier then others...

Yes, I would address this issue with her pediatrician. I would not take her to an OB/GYN at this point unless the ped thinks it is necessary. Gently explain the importance to your daughter about wiping herself properly, front to back, and washing well when she showers. Also, have you talked to her yet about the changes her body is or is getting ready to go through? If not, do this, age appropriately, and let her know how special it is to be a woman. Also, let her know that if she is peeing on herself a little, this may begin to smell (and you know how mean kids can be). Maybe try having her wear a breathable, unscented panty liner and keep an extra on in her pocket. This way when she can change it if she needs to. Good luck! Take care. :)

I would call your own ob/gyn...the one you already have a good relationship with and ask that person what direction you should go just to put your mind at ease. It sounds to me like something completely normal, some girls get their periods earlier than others and vaginal discharge goes with the territory. External exams are a normal part of an annual visit to the pediatrician whether you are a boy or a girl and the pediatrician can handle most routine puberty issues.

First, why is she having regular external exams? Are there other issues? If it's from not wiping properly maybe some baby wipes would be beneficial. If she doesn't have her period yet, it could be a sign that it is approaching. I would have her checked by an Obgyn if possible to rule out any infections.

Good luck