When do teen girls need to start visiting an OB/GYN?
Teen girls need to have regular well woman check-ups to make sure their reproductive organs function as they should, and to help with any problems they have with their periods. Girls should make their first visit to an OB/GYN between the ages of 13 and 15.
It might feel a little scary going in to talk to a stranger about your most intimate health and maybe having them examine you, but the doctors at Red Rock OB/GYN understand you may feel nervous and do everything they can to put you at ease.
What happens at my first visit to an OB/GYN?
At your first appointment, your doctor wants to make sure you feel comfortable and show you there’s no need to be nervous. She asks you about your general health and that of your family and talks to you about any problems you’re having with your period. She also talks with you about any sexual activity so that she can help with important health topics such as birth control and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
You may also have some physical exams to check your general and gynecological health. Most often you have a physical check-up, which means measuring your height, weight, and blood pressure, and how well you are in general.
You may also have an external exam of your genital area, where your doctor looks at your vulva. This is a good chance for you to learn more about your body and ask about any concerns you have.
You don’t need an internal exam unless you have a problem that needs investigating, such as irregular periods, other menstrual problems, or pelvic pain. If you’re worried about having the exams, you can ask that a family member or nurse be present to provide reassurance.
Do I need to have any tests or vaccinations?
If you’re sexually active, you may have tests for STDs, which usually means giving a urine sample. Your doctor also checks whether you’ve had a vaccination against HPV infection.
HPV is the human papillomavirus, some strains of which can cause genital warts and cervical cancer. HPV is a common infection that you can have without knowing you’re infected, so vaccination and regular testing are vital to reducing your risk of developing cervical cancer.
The teenage years are a time of great change in a girl’s body, and it’s good to have the support of medical professionals who can help with all aspects of teen health. Call the warm-hearted, compassionate doctors at Red Rock OB/GYN today or book an appointment online.
