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Healthy Tips
Your first gynecologic visit as a teenager
March 2024
When should I have my first gynecologic visit?
Girls should have their first visit to a GYN doctor between the ages of 13 years and 15 years.
Is it normal to be nervous before the first visit?
It is normal to feel nervous about your first visit. It may help if you talk about it with your parents or someone else you trust. You may want to let your GYN doctor know you are nervous. She can help put you at ease.
What should I expect at the first gynecologic visit?
The first visit may be just a talk between you and your GYN doctor. You can find out what to expect at future visits and get information about how to stay healthy. You also may have certain exams.
Your doctor may ask a lot of questions about you and your family. Some of them may seem personal, such as questions about your menstrual period or sexual activities. If you are concerned about confidentiality, you and your doctor should talk about it before you answer any questions. Much of the information you share can be kept confidential.
What special concerns can be discussed with my GYN doctor?
Many young women share the same health concerns. Most of these concerns are a normal part of growing up:
• Cramps and problems with menstrual periods
• Acne
• Weight
• Sex and sexuality
• Birth control
• STDs
• Alcohol, drugs, and smoking
• Emotional ups and downs
What exams are performed?
You may have certain exams at the first visit. If you choose, a nurse or family member may join you for any part of the exam. Most often, these exams are performed:
• General Physical Exam
• External Genital Exam
You usually do not need to have a pelvic exam at the first visit unless you are having problems, such as abnormal bleeding or pain. If you are sexually active, you may have tests for certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Most of the tests that teens need can be done at our GYN clinic by the doctor with a urine sample. You also may have certain vaccinations.
What happens during a general physical exam?
During the general exam, your height, weight, and blood pressure will be checked. You also will be examined for any health problems you may have.
What happens during an external genital exam?
In this exam, the doctor looks at the vulva. She may give you a mirror so that you can look at the vulva as well. This exam is a good way to learn about your body and the names for each part.
What are the pelvic exam and Pap test?
Even though you probably will not have a pelvic exam, you should know what one is. Another test that you will have later (at age 21) is a Pap test. This test checks for abnormal changes in the cervix that could lead to cancer.
The pelvic exam has three parts:
1. Looking at the vulva
2. Looking at the vagina and cervix with a speculum
3. Checking the internal organs with a gloved hand
Pelvic Exam and Pap Test
Your GYN doctor will use a speculum to look at your vagina and cervix. When you have a Pap test, a sample of cells is taken from your cervix with a small brush.
To check your internal organs, the doctor will place one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into the vagina and up to the cervix. The other hand will press on the abdomen from the outside.
What vaccines do teens need?
Young women ages 11–18 should have the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV). One series between ages 11 and 12. One series between ages 13 and 26 for those who have not been vaccinated. It also can be given to girls ages 9 or 10.
What can I do to stay healthy?
Making good lifestyle choices can help you to be strong and healthy for years to come:
• Maintain a healthy weight by eating a well-balanced diet and exercising often.
• Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and using illegal drugs.
• Seek help if you have emotional ups and downs or feel depressed.
• Use birth control if you are having sex and do not want to have a baby.
• Protect yourself from STDs by using a latex condom. Know your partners and limit their number.
• Keep up with routine exams, tests, and immunizations.
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If you have questions about your first gyn visit, cramps, menstrual periods, acne, birth control, STDs, or a pelvic exam, and live in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Eastern Shore, Peninsula, Hampton Roads or North Carolina, please contact our GYN Clinic at (757) 312-8221 or by clicking here. Our GYN doctor can help you.
About our GYN Clinic
Our all-female practice of GYN doctors covers a wide spectrum of health issues, including first gyn visit for teens, cramps, menstrual periods, acne, birth control, STDs, and a pelvic exam. Our GYN clinic cares for women and teens in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Peninsula, Eastern Shore, Hampton Roads and North Carolina.
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