I haven't started menstruating yet and I have a pain in my private area. Is this normal?

Look, having pain in your private area, even before your first period, can be normal, but it's good to pay attention to what you're feeling. Sometimes, we feel different kinds of pain as our body prepares for menstruation or goes through other changes during puberty.

What could it be?

It could be that your ovaries are starting to work, kind of getting ready to release an egg, you know? This can cause mild pain in the lower part of your belly, kind of on the sides. Or it could also be that you're having more vaginal discharge, which is super normal before your period and can cause a different sensation down there. Sometimes, even a small inflammation from soap or tight clothing can cause pain.

What to do?

If the pain is mild, like a discomfort, and disappears quickly, it's probably nothing serious. But if the pain is strong, doesn't go away, or if you feel other strange symptoms, like itching, a different smell, or if you're very worried, it's best to talk to a trusted adult, like your mom, dad, or an aunt. They can help you understand what's happening or see if it's a good idea to talk to a doctor. It's always good to tell someone when you feel something different in your body, okay?

And if you want to get an idea of how close is my first period?, there's a quiz here on the site that might give you some tips!