Your Daughter’s First Gynecological Visit

We are often asked at what age should parents schedule their daughter’s first gynecological visit. At the Women’s Center of Orlando, werecommend young women be seen for their first visit between the ages of 13-15. This is the recommendation of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The first gynecological visit is a wonderful opportunity to establish a patient/doctor relationship which will continue throughout her life and focuses on the female reproductive system and sexual health.

There are many changes a young woman experiences during her teenage years, both physical and emotional. It is normal for your daughter to feel nervous about her first visit. It may help if you speak with her about the concerns she may have and address any questions.  Also, you should encourage her to write down any questions ahead of time to ask during her appointment. Explain that the healthcare provider will ask a lot of questions especially about her menstrual cycle.

This visit is an important one because we can can help educate and counsel your daughter on many issues, including:

• puberty, physical changes and sexual development
• nutrition and exercise
• emotional ups and downs
• breast development and self-examination
• menstruation, cramping and tampon use and safety
• alcohol and drug use
• contraceptive counseling
• immunization
• sexually transmitted infection education and screening
• pregnancy

Depending on your daughter’s age and circumstances, she may have certain exams at the first visit. Most often, the exams include a thorough medical and family history, general physical exam and possibly an external genital exam. If this is a non-emergency visit, try to schedule her visit between menstrual periods. If you choose, you may join her for any part of the exam.

Usually, a pelvic exam is not performed at the first visit unless your daughter’s medical/sexual history or current symptoms such as heavy or irregular periods, painful cramps, vaginal infections, or unexplained pelvic pain causes our healthcare provider to recommend it. For young women age 21 or greater, a pelvic exam will be part of the annual visit.

The Women’s Center of Orlando provides guidance and respectful support to young women and women of all ages. Our friendly, caring providers bring the best of care to all patients with the very best services in Obstetrics, Gynecology, In-Office Procedures, and Minimally Invasive Surgeries. With seven locations throughout Orange, Lake, Seminole, and Osceola Counties, we are the health center of choice for Central Florida’s women. We look forward to treating you and the women in your family for a future full of health, beauty, and happiness. Call us today at 407-857-2502 or visit us at http://wcorlando.com for a consultation with a friendly OBGYN provider at The Women’s Center.