As girls go through puberty and make the transition into adolescence, their annual wellness routine begins to incorporate regular reproductive health care. Most young teens should have their first gynecologic visit between the ages of 13 and 15, or near the start of menstruation.
These early gynecologic visits are essentially a modified well-woman exam, one that does not involve having a pelvic exam or Pap smear testing (cervical cancer screening). In general, routine pelvic exams and Pap testing begin at 21 years old.
As seasoned women’s health experts who specialize in providing comprehensive gynecologic care to patients of all ages, Dr. Susan Crockett and our team at Virtuosa GYN in San Antonio, Texas, understand that most teens feel apprehensive before their first appointment with the gynecologist.
But we also know that it’s the perfect opportunity to ask questions, learn, and get to know their bodies better.
Read on as we discuss the recommended timing of your adolescent’s first gynecologic visit, and what she can expect at her appointment.
When should my adolescent see a gynecologist?
Gynecology is specialized female reproductive health care that aims to meet women’s unique and changing health needs through various stages of life. Gynecologic care:
- Starts soon after a girl’s first menstrual cycle in early adolescence
- Continues through the main childbearing years of young adulthood
- Extends past the end of female fertility (menopause) in middle age
Menarche, or a female’s first menstrual period, typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 16. Most girls start their period about ages 12-13, which is usually 2-3 years after breast development begins.
ACOG guidelines
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines advise adolescent girls to have their first gynecology appointment between the ages of 13 and 15. Most girls have their period by this age range, and their changing bodies mean they may be starting to explore their sexuality.
Timing considerations
If your daughter’s first period arrives well before she’s 12, you can opt to schedule her first gynecologic visit earlier, or you can wait until the recommended time frame. It can be helpful to see our team sooner if your daughter has any significant concerns or questions about her menstrual cycle.
Likewise, if your daughter hasn’t had her first period by the age of 15, we still recommend an initial gynecologic visit to cover other facets of female health and development.
What happens at an adolescent gynecology visit?
Your adolescent’s first visit to the gynecologist covers many important female reproductive and sexual health topics:
- What constitutes a normal period
- How periods can change over time
- How to ease painful period cramps
- Healthy lifestyle habits
- What it means to be in a consensual relationship
- How to practice safe sex
The visit has several key components:
Basic physical exam
As we mentioned above, this physical does not include an internal pelvic exam or Pap testing, but it does include a clinical breast exam and an external visual genital check to make sure everything looks normal.
Conversation and connection
The main goal of this visit is connecting your developing adolescent with her first gynecologic care provider and helping her learn more about her own body and health.
A parent may stay in the room as long as your tween or teen would like, but we also like to give our young patients one-on-one time to discuss anything they don’t feel comfortable asking or sharing in front of you (or anyone else).
Information and guidance
We provide thorough, accurate information and supportive guidance for any questions a teen may have about:
- Her changing, developing body
- How the female reproductive system works
- Menstruation concerns and period care
- Consensual sex, safe sex, and sexuality
- What it means to be in a healthy relationship
We’re committed to educating young patients, so they know how to prevent an unplanned pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Treatment and support
Many adolescents have irregular or heavy periods for their first few years of menstruation but can expect a shift toward normal, regular periods after 4-5 years. It’s important to address the problem if heavy or painful periods keep your daughter home from school or prevent her from taking part in sports.
Is it time for your daughter’s first visit to the gynecologist? Call 210-664-4753 to schedule an appointment at Virtuosa GYN today.
