Dear Dr Mitchell,
I am 16-years-old. At around age 11-12 I received oral sex and from then I started having some discharge. I wasn't sexually active. At 15 I told a doctor about the discharge and he took a look.

For the discharge he wrote the name of some pills - which he described as long in length - to take orally because I am not sexually active. I lost the paper with the prescription and I can't go back to the hospital as I can only go when I accompany someone there. My mother works five days a week and she'll never find the time for me. All I need is for you to help me to find the name of these tablets or any other pills that can help me. Sometimes my discharge changes. Before it looked white and milky, now at 16, it looks like cold. It has a foul smell.

I am truly sorry to learn about your unfortunate sexual problems and the fact that your mother does not seem to be able to find the time for you. I respect the fact that she has to work to support the family but then it is important for her to recognise that she has to create a balance. It is indeed a difficult task but she will only lose out in the long run if you do not get the care that you deserve as a child.

It is also unfortunate that you were the victim of sexual abuse at the age of 11-12 years. This should have been reported to the police and criminal charges laid against the person who committed the act. It is important for you to discuss this with your mother since you will need counselling in order to deal with this history of sexual abuse. The history of a foul smelling vaginal discharge suggests that you have a significant infection which needs to be dealt with urgently. The most common cause of this is bacterial vaginosis. This is a bacterial infection which presents with a fishy odour and frothy, grayish-colour vaginal discharge. It can occur even if you are not sexually active. It may also cause severe vaginal and vulval itching.

Health care is now free in Jamaica if this is obtained at any of the public hospitals in Jamaica. This includes all hospitals and health centres except the University Hospital of the West Indies. There are competent doctors and nurses who are employed who will be able to treat your problem easily. I respect the fact that your mother has to work but she needs to take the time to take you for medical attention. However, at the age of 16 years you can access health care without the presence of an adult or parent, so you might have to go on your own.

I will be very happy to see you free of cost if you are in the Corporate Area, but you should advise your mother that you plan to seek medical care. Contact All Woman and you will be advised on how to reach me and I will do my part to resolve any problems that you have. It would be preferred that you bring your mother along, otherwise I will be willing to see you on your own.

Mothers can't father

Trousers in Denim

Cream of the 'Crop'