Regular wellness exams with a gynecologist are a critical part of every woman’s health care. Most women benefit from annual well-woman visits, where their gynecologist provides preventive screenings, exams, and treatments to help them maintain their best health at every age.
But if you’re a parent, your child’s health is a priority too. You might be wondering when your daughter should begin appointments with a gynecologist, and our team at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta is here to help.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that teen girls have their first gynecologist appointment around age 15. What happens at those first gynecologist appointments can vary, so take a moment to find out what you and your daughter can expect.
Most girls in the United States get their first period between ages 10 and 15. It’s important to talk to your children about menstruation as they enter puberty, so they know what to expect when it happens.
After a girl gets her first period, her body follows a menstrual cycle each month. She has a monthly period, and it’s possible for her to get pregnant if she has unprotected sexual intercourse.
Remember that most teens should have their first gynecologist appointment by age 15. However, there are a few reasons you might want to bring your daughter in before that.
Consider scheduling your daughter’s first gynecologist appointment earlier than age 15 if her menstrual cycles start earlier than age 12 or if she has severe period symptoms like heavy bleeding or very painful menstrual cramps.
Before your daughter’s first appointment, talk to her about what she can expect. It’s normal for girls to be nervous or embarrassed, but now is a good time to discuss the importance of preventive care.
Preventive gynecology care is important even if your daughter is healthy and feels fine. The goal of these appointments is to ensure she stays that way, and our team works to identify small problems before they get worse.
We begin by making you and your daughter feel more comfortable. We review her medical history and we ask questions about her health and habits. Your daughter can choose to meet with us one-on-one, or she can have you or another family member in the room.
ACOG recommends that women get their first internal pelvic exam around age 21, so your daughter may not get a pelvic exam right away. Initial gynecology appointments for teens typically include a physical exam and a visual exam of external genitals.
These appointments are a great time for you and your daughter to ask any questions you have about her health. We can discuss preventive care, like human papillomavirus
(HPV) vaccination, as well as sexual health and contraception.
We tailor preventive screenings and treatments for your daughter, based on her age and her health.
Set your daughter up for a lifetime of better health with regular gynecologist appointments. Learn more about preventive care for teens at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta. Contact our offices in Marietta, or Woodstock, Georgia, today.
