Helping your daughter prepare for her first gynecology visit

You may not have seen a gynecologist until you were out of high school or in your 20s, but today, physicians recommend that girls have their first gynecology visit between the ages of 13 and 15. Your teen may feel scared or embarrassed because she doesn’t know what to expect. Our San Antonio OBGYNs have made a list of questions your daughter may have to help you prepare your teen for her first annual wellness exam.

Why do I need an annual wellness exam with a gynecologist?

Once you start having periods, you’ve entered your reproductive years. A gynecologist specializes in monitoring, diagnosing and treating any female problems. During your yearly appointments, our physicians update your health history, perform examinations to see if there are any changes that could signal problems, and talk to you about healthy lifestyles. Your gynecologist cares about you and your overall health, not just your reproductive wellness.

What will happen during my appointment?

During your first gynecology visit, your gynecologist will spend some time talking to you and getting to know you. They may just talk to you about changes to your body, sex, safety in relationships and mental health issues, waiting until your next annual wellness exam to perform a physical examination. Your doctor will also ask you questions about your and your family’s health, your vaccines and your periods.

Your OBGYN also needs to know about other parts of your life. Here are some things you and your doctor may talk about during your appointment.

• Your periods – when they started, how long they last, if they are painful or cause mood changes
• Your sexual health – whether you are sexually active, and, if you are, whether you practice safe sex or use birth control. Our physicians also take the time to answer any questions you have about sex, protection and sexually transmitted infections.
• Your mental health – discussions about depression, anxiety, stress, abusive dating relationships and bullying

During your first gynecology visit, our team will weigh you, check your height and take your blood pressure. Sometimes, your doctor performs a general physical exam, like your family doctor or pediatrician does. This physical may or may not include a brief external genital exam. Most of the time, unless you are sexually active or having problems, you won’t need a pelvic exam during your first visit.

Our San Antonio OBGYNs want your daughter’s first gynecology visit to be a positive experience

Our physicians are compassionate, caring professionals who work hard to make girls and women feel as comfortable as possible during their first visit. If you have more questions about your daughter’s first gynecology visit, feel free to get in touch. Contact us for an appointment.