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First Gynecological Visit

Ask Our Doc Q & A at Women's Healthcare Topics

When should you bring your teenage daughter in for their first gynecological exam? The answer may be sooner than you think.

Determining the right time for the first gynecological visit is but one of many questions that parents of teen girls have to face as their daughters blossom into young women.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that most teens visit their gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 15.

This visit may not include a pelvic exam and Pap smear however. Many patients automatically assume that a Pap smear is required at all visits; however this is not necessarily the case.

Most young women in times of old began receiving Pap smears at the age of 18 or when they became sexually active. This was largely due to the belief that it was critical that young women be screened for cervical cancer at an early age.

Studies have proven that sexually transmitted diseases caused by the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV cause the cellular changes responsible for cervical cancer.

Generally this virus results in changes after a period of three years. Thus, Pap smear screenings are now recommended at the age of 21, or three years after the onset of sexual activity. Tests earlier than this will not result in earlier detection of cervical cancer in most instances.

The First Gynecological Visit
So what will occur during the first gynecological visit? At the first visit, the gynecologist will discuss important health issues that are relevant to adolescence and early adulthood.

The physician can also determine whether your daughter is developing normally, and can offer reassurance and information regarding irregular menses (a common occurrence in the early years of puberty).

Your daughter's gynecologist will also be able to monitor your daughter for signs of reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, which may lead to excessive weight gain, irregular cycles, hirsuitism and infertility problems. Early treatment can help reduce complications of other diseases including diabetes and hypertension.

Early screening can also be conducted for endometriosis, particularly if your daughter is experiencing heavy periods with severe cramping.

If your daughter seems to be developing normally but hasn't yet developed her menses, it is possible that her gynecologist will check for pelvic abnormalities or chromosomal irregularities.

Education
Another important reason for early gynecological visits is education. Your daughter's physician will be able to provide you and your daughter with health information about self breast exam, about sexually transmitted diseases and contraception options.

This is perhaps the biggest benefit of early exams. Studies have confirmed that by the age of 18, as many as 60 percent of adolescents will have already attempted or had intercourse.

The more education your daughter has prior to this experience, the less likely she is to contract a sexually transmitted disease or become pregnant.

Knowledge is power, and this is certainly the case for adolescence. A visit to the gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 15 can prove empowering, and can prevent adolescents from adopting the attitude that sexually transmitted diseases won't happen to them.

Adolescence is also a rough time for most teenagers. A visit to the gynecologist can help alleviate any concerns your daughter may have regarding their health, and can help them feel empowered to make health conscious and safe decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health in the future.