The question of when a teenager has to go to an obstetrician/gynecologist creates uncertainty among many parents of young girls.
The American Obstetrics and Gynecology Council and the North American Pediatric and Youth Gynecology Society recommend an annual Papanicolaou test for cervical cancer screening starting at age 21 regardless of sexual activity. However, problems can occur long before that.
The median age at which menstruation begins in the United States is 12 years and 9 months, so it is appropriate for girls to see an obstetrician and gynecologist as early as 13 years. Brighton Center for Specialty Care and Women’s Hospital
Dendrinos details when and why a teenage girl sees an obstetrician and gynecologist, and what her parents need to know before going.
Table of Contents
First visit
The majority of patients do not need to start Papanicolaou screening for cervical cancer until they are 21 years old, but Dendrinos is a gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 15 regardless of whether she is pregnant or not We advise you to see a gynaecologist for your daughter. Not having a period or being sexually active.
In most cases, the first visit does not require a pelvic examination, and young girls need to know this in advance for peace of mind.
“It’s important for girls to know that there are doctors who can solve reproductive health problems,” says Dendrinos. “Some GPs may find it comfortable to provide this care, so you can always talk to the GP first to see if you feel more comfortable.” Height, weight, and blood pressure measurements. Include inspections. Doctors may do a simple external genital examination, but the visit will be more like a conversation than anything else.
“Internal examinations are rare, but there are certain problems that require some sort of pelvic examination,” says Dendrinos. “Tell your daughter that you are likely to talk to your doctor alone as part of your visit. This is a good time to discuss more private topics.”
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In most cases, your daughter’s first appointment is an opportunity to talk about her development and develop a relationship with her OB / GYN.
During the visit
Dendrinos counsels patients on risky activities including smoking, substance and alcohol abuse, and dangerous sex. And unless your daughter does something that could hurt her or someone else, it’s kept secret.
“We can talk about adolescence, cleanliness, sexually transmitted illnesses, contraception, exercise, and mental health, among other things. The list goes on and on “Dendrinos agrees. “Interviews are tailored to the patient’s needs and concerns.”
Vaccination against the human papillomavirus is another prominent issue in many first-patient visits (HPV for short).This sexually transmitted disease is associated with most cervical cancers. Doctors advise that one of the most effective preventative measures is the HPV vaccine, ideally two or three injections at age 11 or 12.
Vaccination is to protect a daughter before she wants to be sexually active. According to Dendrinos, the vaccine works well after sexual activity, but it is less effective. If parents are nervous about the vaccine, track its efficacy and safety on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Knowing what is “normal”
How often do you need to see an obstetrician/gynecologist? according to.
“For many years after the exam, you may not need another visit.
“However, at this stage, an obstetrician and gynaecologist can counsel you,” Dendrinos explains. “You should make an appointment if you have specific issues, such as menstruation abnormalities or yeast infections.”
All children are different, but generally by the time the girl is 13 years old, Does not show such secondary sexual characteristics. Breasts and pubic hair, need to be investigated. If your chest and pubic hair are growing by the age of 15, but you do not have menstruation, you should see a gynecologist.
Even if a girl’s period isn’t regular at first, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. The first two years of menstruation often deviate from the strict four-week cycle or miss a month.
However, significant menstruation cramps should be avoided. Menstrual cramps are normal, but according to
Dendrinos, girls should be able to manage their daily cramps with over-the-counter painkillers.
“If your period is very long and you have to change tampons or pads every hour, or if the pain interferes with your daily routine, you need to make an appointment,” says Dendrinos. “It’s also important to determine whether menstruation lasts more than 3 weeks or less than 6 weeks on a regular basis.”
Similar to seeing a cardiologist for heart disease, if the daughter relapses, ask her parents. We recommend that you see a pediatric gynecologist. If she has a problem or is concerned about her development.
