An important part of becoming an adult includes taking care of your reproductive health, and visiting a gynecologist is one way to support that.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294a3f4d8a-0cfd-46c9-adde-d48f7916cd0f Many young women and their parents feel unsure about when to schedule that first gynecologist visit.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e47cee52-82ab-44e8-b03d-7d7e9df8d43d You may have questions and, sometimes, a bit of worry — and that’s completely expected. Gynecologist visits are a good opportunity to learn more about your body and build a relationship with your healthcare provider.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e47cee52-82ab-44e8-b03d-7d7e9df8d43d Below, we’ll discuss when to make the first appointment with a gynecologist, what to expect, and how to prepare.
What Does a Gynecologist Do? About Gynecologists A gynecologist is a healthcare provider who focuses on female reproductive health, which includes everything related to your ovaries, uterus, and hormones.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f83ff994-47b4-4009-a8ec-2ba32336bb25 They can help with contraception (birth control), sexual health, pregnancy , and menopause . “A gynecologist can also help with concerns like irregular periods, pelvic pain, or infections,” says Kameelah Phillips, MD , a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist based in New York City. Gynecologists perform different types of exams. These might include pelvic exams, a Pap smear (a test that screens for cervical cancer), breast exams , and tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). They also provide health education and can prescribe medications when needed.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629de67a802-79c1-489b-a48d-616ca06766d3 But, not every visit with a gynecologist will include a pelvic exam. “The need for an exam depends on the patient’s health concerns and symptoms,” says Dr. Phillips. “The first gynecologist visit is often a discussion between the doctor and patient.”e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f1098caf-d3cc-4e8c-8706-eae4406c6e6b
Why Is It Important for Young Girls to Visit a Gynecologist? Why They’re Important During a gynecologist visit, you can learn about your body and how to take care of your reproductive health. It’s also a chance to ask questions about menstrual cycles and what to expect as your body changes.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c648fe35-d1b1-4f72-acb9-81268bf992b0 These visits also give you a chance to build a relationship with your gynecologist.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298384f736-58e7-4a22-9471-6963bcb61b57 Building this relationship early can help young girls feel confident about taking care of their health and reaching out for support when needed, says Kendra Collins, APRN , a nurse practitioner who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology at Axia Women’s Health in Lexington, Kentucky. Having that relationship can mean you’ll have someone you know and trust to talk to as new questions come up during your teen years and beyond.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629893aa426-1324-4125-81b6-4cffa4a8a49e Talking about reproductive body parts and sexual activity, particularly with a parent or a healthcare professional, can be awkward, especially for the first time, says Phillips. But, having these conversations and learning the correct terms for body parts and how your body works — including what’s typical and what might need attention — is an important step in taking charge of your health, she adds.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c648fe35-d1b1-4f72-acb9-81268bf992b0 It’s also important that the information comes from a trusted and experienced source, like a healthcare provider, says Phillips. “For example, there is a significant amount of information about birth control on social media, and it is not all accurate.”e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294d71a16e-a6ff-408a-855b-a309174aaf76 You can also speak up about your health needs and feel more comfortable discussing personal topics in a safe space.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c648fe35-d1b1-4f72-acb9-81268bf992b0 When you already know your gynecologist, you’ll be more likely to contact them if you ever have a health concern.
When Should You First Visit a Gynecologist? When Should You Visit The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that girls have their first gynecologic visit between ages 13 and 15.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629aa7ff664-bd21-4d9e-8ba2-2aeb8c3aa260 Collins notes that cervical cancer screening, which includes a Pap smear, is not recommended until age 21.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292d3f3bc8-5481-4600-8909-0d4a04b85d7c The timing can be different for everyone, though. Many young women visit a gynecologist before starting a new chapter in life, like heading off to college, says Phillips.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976291f9c29e8-75c2-4e62-9a61-4f2b7af83676 She typically suggests making that first appointment around the time they get their first period or if they’re considering becoming sexually active.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298148ab55-f916-418e-9570-7e23ad80a1a3 Thinking of birth control is another good reason to schedule an appointment.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294f0ab513-7fab-4a19-91ec-7907f9301d63 Your gynecologist can talk through different options and help you find what might work best for you. There are also a few signs it might be time to see a gynecologist sooner. If periods haven’t started by age 15 or if they are really painful or irregular, it’s a good idea to check in with a gynecologist.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298148ab55-f916-418e-9570-7e23ad80a1a3 It might also be worth scheduling that first appointment if there are concerns about puberty — like acne or unexpected hair growth — or questions about relationships or gender identity.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298148ab55-f916-418e-9570-7e23ad80a1a3 Phillips notes that gynecologist visits should happen alongside regular checkups with a pediatrician, since not all pediatricians provide gynecologic care.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629af5a90f6-571e-41c6-b8d4-54d02148e6b0 After that first visit, check-ups with the gynecologist will generally happen once a year, Collins says.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294f0ab513-7fab-4a19-91ec-7907f9301d63 But if you have any issues or questions before that annual visit, you can always reach out to make an appointment sooner.
How to Prepare for Your First Gynecologist Visit How to Prepare Visiting a gynecologist for the first time can feel a bit nerve-wracking.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762931c4d0c7-b583-470c-af62-0dffc8eb5788 But knowing what to expect and being prepared can make the experience much more comfortable. Here are some things to consider: Have an Open Conversation “As a parent, you can help your daughter feel prepared and confident by creating an open dialogue,” says Collins. Take time to discuss the importance of the visit, explain the kinds of questions the gynecologist may ask (like about family history, periods, and lifestyle), and reassure your daughter that the goal is to support her health.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762931c4d0c7-b583-470c-af62-0dffc8eb5788 Be honest and clear about what might happen during the appointment, especially about personal topics that might come up, like sexual activity or contraception.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ecd41e5d-0c5f-4f10-83a7-10c5e9affa85 This can help keep her from feeling caught off guard during the appointment, Collins adds. Prepare Questions It’s completely normal to have questions, whether they’re about your body, periods, or things you’ve heard from friends or social media.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ecd41e5d-0c5f-4f10-83a7-10c5e9affa85 Writing down any questions or concerns you have beforehand can be really helpful, says Collins. This is your chance to ask the gynecologist anything that’s on your mind, and it’s a great way to make sure you get all the information you need. Here are some questions Collins suggests to help get you started:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ecd41e5d-0c5f-4f10-83a7-10c5e9affa85 What are the signs of a healthy period? How can I manage period pain or irregular cycles? What are my choices for birth control? What are my options for STD testing, and how often do I need those? What is the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine , and is it something I should get? What should I do if I notice any unusual symptoms, such as vaginal discharge or bumps? Are there any screenings or tests I should have based on my age or family history? What is the purpose of a pelvic exam, and when will I get one? As a parent, you can reassure your daughter that the gynecologist is a trained professional who’s there to listen, help, and clear up any confusion. Decide Who Will Be Present Before the appointment, discuss who will be in the exam room.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ecd41e5d-0c5f-4f10-83a7-10c5e9affa85 Phillips recommends families talk about whether parents or caregivers will join the visit or if the teen prefers some time alone with the provider. “I also encourage older patients to feel free to have the appointment without their parents present,” says Phillips. “I find they are more likely to share their own experiences, and it helps them establish independence and autonomy over their body.”e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ecd41e5d-0c5f-4f10-83a7-10c5e9affa85
What to Expect During the Visit What to Expect At your first gynecologist visit, you typically won’t have a physical exam unless you have symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding or painful urination .e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629869e9999-97e2-4c82-bc3e-11999b7784fe This visit is more about talking through your health and sexual activity, and answering any questions you might have.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629869e9999-97e2-4c82-bc3e-11999b7784fe “Typically, during a first visit, the provider will want to go through some basic health information, including understanding your family history, menstrual cycle patterns, and diet and lifestyle,” Collins explains. Some questions the gynecologist asks may seem personal, but the answers are important in helping your provider understand your health history and how to best care for you.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629869e9999-97e2-4c82-bc3e-11999b7784fe And any information shared during the visit is kept confidential, Collins notes. If a physical exam is needed, many gynecologist offices automatically provide chaperones (a medical assistant or nurse who stays in the room during the exam).e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ea62a17d-8fdb-464c-8cce-8b73fbe95d54 You can ask for a chaperone if one isn’t offered. If you’re uncomfortable and a chaperone isn’t available, you can always choose to skip or postpone the exam. Parents can encourage their daughter to speak up if she feels uncomfortable at any point during the visit. Special Considerations For teens with special needs, Phillips explains that a gynecologist can adjust how they communicate and provide care based on what works best. This includes addressing things like period management, pelvic pain, and birth control options.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290069f93a-589a-4bc1-9a22-a7e1b5ec3ca0 Talking with the gynecologist’s office ahead of time about your daughter’s needs can help make the visit more comfortable and helpful.
The Takeaway Girls should see a gynecologist for the first time between ages 13 and 15. But earlier visits may be necessary for concerns like delayed or painful periods, or if they become sexually active. During a gynecologist visit, you can learn about your body, get reliable health information, and build a trusted relationship with a healthcare provider. Prepare for the first visit by having open conversations about what to expect and deciding whether a parent or caregiver will be in the room. Writing down your questions ahead of time can make it easier to speak up and get the information you need.
Resources We Trust Cleveland Clinic: Can You Go to Your Gynecologist Appointment When You’re on Your Period? Mayo Clinic: Preparing for Your First Pelvic Exam The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Your First Gynecologic Visit Johns Hopkins: 7 Things You Should Always Discuss with Your Gynecologist University of Michigan Michigan Medicine: When and Why a Teen Should Start Seeing a Gynecologist
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