Especially For Teens – Your First Gyn Visit

Introduction

Teenage girls should see an OB/GYN between the ages of 13 to 15. While pelvic exams are rarely required during this first visit, this visit helps to establish a relationship with the doctor of your choice and to go over your medical and sexual history (even if you have not had sexual intercourse.) This is a good time to ask questions about sexually transmitted diseases and contraceptives.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or ACOG recommends that Pap smear testing begin within three years of sexual intercourse, or by age 21. Even young women who have not become sexually active need to visit a gynecologist by age 21. The ACOG further recommends yearly Pap smears until age 30 when healthy women who have had at least three consecutive normal Pap smears may begin to have the test every two or three years, or as often as their gynecologists suggest.

What to Expect

Young women should have their first gyn visit between the ages of 13 and 15 years. The first visit may just be a talk between you and your doctor.

Your doctor may ask a lot of questions about you and your family. Some of them may seem personal, such as questions about your menstrual period or sexual activities. Giving open and honest answers to these questions is key to your care.

Exams

You may have certain exams at the first visit. It depends on your age, if you have had sex, or if you have any problems. This visit may include:

* General physical exam
* Breast exam
* Pelvic exam
* Pap test
* Vaccinations

General Physical Exam

During the general exam, your height, weight, and blood pressure will be checked. You also will be examined for any health problems you may have.

The Breast Exam

During this exam, your doctor may check your breasts for growth and signs of any problems, such as a lump.

The Pelvic Exam

Many times your first gyn visit will not include a pelvic exam. But if you have had sex or are having certain problems, a pelvic exam may be needed.

The pelvic exam has three parts:

1. Looking at the vulva
2. Feeling the internal organs with a gloved hand
3. Looking at the vagina with a speculum

For the pelvic exam, the doctor will place one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into the vagina and up to the cervix. The other hand will press on the abdomen from the outside. The doctor also may insert a finger into the rectum. This helps the doctor check the size, position, and shape of the internal pelvic organs

The doctor will look at your vagina with a speculum. He or she may take a sample of your cells to check for some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Another sample may be taken for a Pap test.

The Pap Test

Girls who have had sex may need a Pap test. It is done to check for abnormal cells in the cervix that could lead to cancer.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations or immunizations are shots that protect against diseases caused by bacteria and viruses.

Special Concerns

Many young women share the same health concerns. These include:

* Cramps and problems with menstrual periods
* Acne
* Weight
* Sex and sexuality
* Birth control
* STDs
* Emotional ups and downs

Most of these concerns are a normal part of growing up. Talking with your doctor about these issues is a key step to staying healthy.

Finally…

Your first gyn visit is a great chance to take charge of a healthy lifestyle. You may be nervous at first. Knowing what to expect will help ease your fears.

Be involved in your health care. Follow up with your doctor to find out test results. Ask questions. See your doctor on a routine basis to be sure you have all the tests and vaccinations you need to stay healthy.

This excerpt from ACOG’s Patient Education Pamphlet is provided for your information. It is not medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for visiting your doctor. If you need medical care, have any questions, or wish to receive the full text of this Patient Education Pamphlet, please contact your obstetrician-gynecologist.

To ensure the information is current and accurate, ACOG titles are reviewed every 18 months.

This information is provided for your information. It is not medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for visiting your doctor. If you need medical care, or have any questions, please contact your obstetrician-gynecologist.