Teen & Adolescent Gynecologists

When Should Adolescent & Teen Girls Start Seeing a Gynecologist?

The transition from childhood to becoming a young woman during puberty can be a tumultuous time in a teen girl’s life. And most parents are already in the routine of scheduling annual pediatric check-ups, sports physicals, dentists’ appointments, and necessary vaccinations.

But our gynecologists have found that when it comes to teenaged girls, many parents aren’t certain when their daughter’s first gynecologist visit should be scheduled.  This is understandable since adolescents are still children in many ways – but their reproductive organs are also starting to develop, which leads to a whole new set of medical needs and issues.

At AHA Women’s Health in Dearborn and Lincoln Park we have scheduled first gynecological appointments for hundreds of teens – with gentleness and compassion – establishing a foundation for a lifetime of female health and reproductive wellness. Our women’s health specialists follow the recommendation of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that girls should have their first gynecologic visit between the ages of 13 years and 15 years.

In this article we discuss why young girls can benefit from early gynecologic care. And we address factors that parents and teens should consider when scheduling a young woman’s first adolescent gynecology appointment.

Why Teens Should See a Gynecologist

A young girl is not just a ‘small woman’ – she has special needs related to her developing body. And while her pediatrician can still provide general care if desired, it is important that she sees a gynecologist for her female issues. Just as you would take her to a dermatologist for acne, or an orthopedic doctor for a broken a bone, a gynecologist is trained to address female health issues such as heavy periods, developing breasts, questions about sexuality, and more.

Your daughter may be nervous about seeing an OBGYN for the first time, which is understandable. It is important to reassure her that internal pelvic exams (PAP smears) are not needed until she is age 21, according to the guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Our gynecologists will typically not need to perform a pelvic exam until a young woman needs a cervical cancer screening (PAP smear which should begin at age 21, regardless of when the young woman becomes sexually active.

explain to your teenager that, unless the doctor suspects a problem with the uterus or ovaries such as an ovarian cyst or endometriosis (which are uncommon in younger patients) she will not need to be placed in the “stirrups.”  Instead, a caring gynecologist can help ensure she is developing properly, address any concerns surrounding her periods, and help her learn how to pursue a healthy lifestyle, as well as how to feel good about herself and her body.

Our gynecologists also ensure that your teen is properly vaccinated – especially against HPV (the human papilloma virus) vaccine – to prevent certain cancers later in life. This vaccine is approved for girls and boys ages 11 through 26, but we target the vaccination for teens between 11 and 13 because they only need two injections at this age. If you wait until the teen is 16, they will need a series of three shots.

Our gynecologists can also screen for STDs/STIs if sexual activity is known or suspected – including chlamydia and gonorrhea which are extremely common. And we can educate girls about how to avoid unwanted pregnancy and lower their risk of sexually transmitted infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

When Teens Should See a Gynecologist

12 and a half years old is the average age when a girl has her first period. But a young woman’s first menstruation can occur anywhere between the ages of 9 and 16.

It is important to prepare your daughter for this important change in her body, so she is not alarmed or taken by surprise by bleeding. But, unless there is a problem, a parent does not have to rush their daughter to an OBGYN the minute she starts menstruating. Much like previous visits to a pediatrician when she was a child, annual checkups are advised – as well as an office visit if any specific issues or problems arise.

For example, if your teen needs to change her pad or tampon more often than once every hour, it is time to talk to a gynecologist about the heaviness of her periods. You should also schedule an appointment with a gynecologist after your daughter starts her period if she suffers from excruciating pain or other symptoms, such as diarrhea and vomiting, during her periods – or if she experiences extreme mood changes or depression that disrupt her daily life or are in any way concerning or alarming.

Hormonal treatments can be prescribed to regulate and make periods easier. And a doctor can recommend a mental health therapist to help your daughter if necessary.  If your daughter goes between periods for 6 months, see her gynecologist to rule out whether there are any medical issues responsible for the huge gap.

Other issues that indicate a trip to the gynecologist for your teen are symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), vaginal itching or discharge, or if you suspect she may have become sexually active.

What a Teen’s Gynecologist Will Discuss

A caring gynecologist can discuss good habits for maintaining healthy bones, how to avoid UTIs, proper and safe use of tampons, and ways to deal with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Under the parents’ guidance, our caring teen gynecologists also take time to talk about personal issues that the teen may bring up, or that we see need addressing.

Depending on the teen’s age, lifestyle, symptoms, and questions, a gynecologist can also address sensitive issues such as eating disorders, healthy body image, sexual activity, birth control, STDs, sexual abuse, substance use, date rape, and mental health issues.

Remember, in some cases, a teen may be more comfortable discussing these critical topics with a health care provider rather than a parent. Our adolescent gynecology experts are trained to maintain a shame-free, embarrassment-free environment, so your teen will be much more likely to come to us with questions or concerns, rather than obtaining potentially bad information from other teens or online message boards.

We can also help them navigate what it means have healthy, consensual romantic relationships. And we can answer questions in a safe space about what it means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+).

We are allies with parents, united in our role to help teen patients make good choices and stay safe. And while at times girls are more open with their gynecologist than they are with a parent, we also always encourage girls to try talking to their parents, too.

Teen & Adolescent Gynecologists | Dearborn

As experienced and compassionate adolescent gynecologists, we strive to provide comprehensive physical and emotional female health care to young girls as they grow and develop.

We work with parents and their daughters to ensure that young woman have access to the highest standard of health care and the most accurate information, so they can make good choices and enjoy optimal female health now and for the rest of their lives.

Teen & Adolescent Gynecologists | Dearborn: 313.388.4247