Your 10 most embarrassing body questions answered: you're going through puberty , and you have questions . The only problem? You're afraid to ask! No worries—we took your most baffling body Q's to the experts for you

Girls' Life, Feb-March, 2004 by Kristen Kemp

5 When I wear pads, I swear people can smell them. Am I imagining things?

Yes! Lots of us worry about smelling funky--and rarely does anyone else notice. Stay fresh "down there" by following fool-proof guidelines for maxi-pad use. First off, change the thing every four hours, explains Dr. Nar- done. "As blood dries, it smells," she says. Bacteria get into the pad, and the blood begins to decompose (hold your nose) and, well, we'll spare you the rest. This is a normal, natural process. But to keep odor-free, put on a fresh pad when you see a lot of blood on it, even if it's only been an hour or two.

To fight odors, you can try deodorant maxis, Dr. Nardone says, but many girls are sensitive to the perfumes and should stick to unscented. Also, shower daily--with or without a mild soap--for good vaginal hygiene. If something still doesn't smell right, see a doc. You could have an infection that needs an easy (we promise) prescription treatment.

6 How do I tell my mom I want to use tampons instead of pads!

No need to be embarrassed. Your morn has probably been using tampons for decades, so this stuff is like talking about the weather. She'll appreciate that you came to her for advice, says Dr. Gilda Carle, psychologist and author of The Teen Guide to Dating. "She wants you to feel good about yourself, so she'll try to help you." Dr. Carle says. Don't worry about the myths you've heard about tampons--they don't mean you're sexually active in any way. To make it easier, tell your mom. "I read that a doctor says tampons are a nice option for girls who are active or don't want to wear bulky pads." Then add, "I also heard some are made especially for young teens. Could we buy them next time we're at the store together?" Take a deep breath, and try to be comfortable. It's worth it--tampons are convenient and can make life less messy when you want to go swimming!

7 I can't insert a tampons without it hurting. Is something wrong? How do I get it in right?

Tampon can be tricky at first, but they shouldn't be uncomfortable or painful at all, insists Dr. Wibbelsman. You probably need to learn precisely how to put them in place. Start by buying the slender regular sizes (they are the smallest and easiest to insert).

Now, follow these steps. 1) Sit on the toilet, or stand in front of it with one foot on the floor and one on the toilet seat. 2) Toss the wrapper (duh!), and put the rounded tip against your vaginal opening. With your forefinger on the plunger (the end pointing downward) and your middle finger and thumb on the upper part of the applicator, gently push the tampon inside your body, aiming toward the small of your back Once you've pushed the inner tube all the way into the outer tube--this pushes the cottony absorbent part into the perfect spot--withdraw both robes, leaving the string hanging outside your body. A few more tips: It's easiest to insert a tampon when your flow is heaviest, like the first three days of your period, because you're more lubricated. You may want to use pads on lighter days. Or try an over-the-counter vaginal lubricant--K-Y Jelly is a brand doctors recommend--on the end of the tampon before insertion. This is a safe way to make the whole process sticker. Once you've got it in right, you shouldn't feel a thing!