Young women benefit a lot from establishing a relationship with their OB/GYN. Often viewed as unfamiliar and scary, OB/GYN care should become part of a their annual routine to help them understand the importance of their reproductive health.
Being comfortable with your gynecologist and the care they provide can create an open communication about patient concerns and abnormal symptoms. But when is the right time to make that first appointment?
“As a gynecologist, I often have the mothers of young teens question when their daughters should establish care.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that teen girls schedule an initial visit with an OB/GYN provider between the ages of 13 and 15 years old. I would like to reassure both moms and young girls that the initial visit generally does not require an internal pelvic exam, except in rare cases where symptoms would warrant one.
The first visit allows for a relaxed environment where a physician-patient relationship can be formed, and both patient and parents can be counseled regarding healthy behavior. The primary goal of an initial reproductive health visit is to provide preventative health services, educational information, and anticipatory guidance. It also offers an opportunity for girls to ask questions and for providers to identify any misconceptions or address problematic symptoms.”
Sheila M. Pieczonka, DO, FACOG
Gynecologist , Trinity Medical OB/GYN
Knowing what they can expect at their first gynecology appointment helps put many young women’s mind at ease. Gynecologist Dr. Sheila Pieczonka likes to outline what a new patient appointment looks like for many of her adolescent patients:
“During these visits, we’ll review medical, social, and family history. We also ask open-ended questions that can be helpful to identify concerns that girls may have regarding their period, their body, and symptoms they may be experiencing.
In general, many adolescents are at-risk for engaging in unhealthy and risky behaviors such as vaping or alcohol/tobacco usage. Communication with a trusted medical professional, like their OB/GYN, may help to prevent the development of these hazardous help habits.
Overall, regular visits with an OB/GYN provider encourage teens to adopt healthy lifestyle choices and feel comfortable addressing concerns regarding their reproductive health as issues may arise.”
If you’re the trusted female figure guiding a young woman during her first experience with OB/GYN care, involve her in the process as much as possible. You may also be able to ask her pediatrician or primary care doctor for a recommendation of a gynecologist.
Consider discussing these factors:
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