A lot of times, parents aren’t exactly sure when to start bringing their teens to the gynecologist. While there’s no definitive answer, there are milestones and signs you can look for as a parent that will help you determine when you should call your OB/GYN.
If your child is experiencing early, late, or irregular menstruation, it may be a good idea to take them to a gynecologist. Other milestones to take into account are heavy periods that cause major cramps, and when your child becomes sexually active.
At Greenville Women’s Care, we act as more than an OB/GYN, we can also be a source of primary care. You can bring your teen in (most teens start coming between 13 and 15) and our team can talk to them about their health and development. A gynecologist can answer questions about puberty, sexual health, contraceptives, concerns about menstruating, and more.
If your child is experiencing health issues, they are welcome to come to the gynecologist sooner than 13. It can be intimidating and scary to visit a gynecologist for the first time, especially when you are young. But, coming to the gynecologist when you are younger helps to set a firm foundation of trust that your teen can continue to rely on for years to come. However, if your teen is uncomfortable with the idea of going to a gynecologist and isn’t experiencing any health issues, it’s okay for them to wait until they’re older to come in (we recommend the end of high school).
Usually, your first trip to the gynecologist will include a physical exam and usually does not include a pelvic exam. If an exam needs to be done, it’s typically an external pelvic exam and the patients comfortability is fully considered. Your child won’t need a pap smear until they are 21.
The most common things teens come to the gynecologist for include period problems (painful, heavy, irregular, etc.), pelvic pains, contraceptives, the HPV vaccination, STI screenings, and to ask questions. Your gynecologist is here for you every step of the way.
If you think it’s time for your teen to visit the gynecologist for the first time, we recommend talking to them about it to help ease their nerves. The staff at Greenville Women’s Care is here to offer compassionate, considerate care and make each visit to the gynecologist as stress-free as possible. By visiting greenvillewc.com, you can view full profiles on all our gynecologists and find the one that best fits you. Visit us at greenvillewc.com or call 252-757-3131 to schedule an appointment today.