Who said that you had to see a doctor at eighteen? You don't if you take care of yourself. Don't engage in risky sexual behavior, watch your diet,etc. and you'll be fine. Stress will make the periods a little weird. Sounds like you're stressed out and I'd advise calming down first.

I seem to recall having fairly heavy discharge when I was young. (I'm 49 now).

I was always taught to douche, but now I think medical advice is to just wash the area with a good soap. I do best with something like Ivory - anything scented makes me itch.

Since I have had Breast Cancer and a pre-cancer of the cervix, I am a big proponent of PAP tests. The cervical pre-cancer was caught very early because of that test.

However, that's just my feeling, and everyone is different. Would you be more comfortable with a female Physican's Assistant or gynecologist? If so, try to find one. I wouldn't think it's anything you need to get overly stressed about, but it might be good to be a little accustomed to this type of exam before you decide to have children.

It truly is something that I got used to. I realized that to the doctors it's just part of their job and I was never made feel uncomfortable or uneasy by them. Any doctor, male or female, will have a nurse in the room too. Feel free to tell them you're extremely uneasy. I'm sure they'll understand.

Years ago women called in other women, midwives, to help birth their babies. There's been a resurgence in midwifery over the last 20-25 years, so that's an option too.

Best wishes to you.

~Elishebeth