All Posts tagged First gynecology visit

When Should You Take Your Daughter for Her First OB-GYN Appointment?

By 15 May, 2018 Young adults & teens , , ,

Young woman at the doctors officeAs your daughter moves from child to adolescent, to young woman, she will experience a variety of firsts—and so will you. A critical rite of passage in her transition to adulthood, and in her pursuit of optimal health, is her first visit to an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) for a routine exam—but when is the right time to take that step?

Why Young Women Need Routine Gynecology Exams

Gynecology exams are not only critical for women who are pregnant or looking to become pregnant, or for women who are presenting symptoms of concern. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends that all women should obtain an annual screening, and that includes young women. Even if your daughter is not complaining of any health issues, such as painful or irregular periods, she should still receive proactive, regular examinations.

Regular gynecology exams for young women provide:

  • A safe space to ask questions and receive information about such topics as sex and body changes from a trusted source.
  • Preventive education and dialogue regarding the risks of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy.
  • Necessary diagnoses and treatments for women who present with symptoms.

When Should a Young Woman Have Her First Visit with an OB-GYN?

The ACOG recommends that young women should have their first visit with an OB-GYN between the ages of 13 and 15. Ideally, you will want to schedule your daughter’s first appointment after her first menstrual period. At this point in her life, your daughter should be well aware of her changing body and may have questions she’d like to ask you or a doctor.

What Will the First Visit Entail?

Both mothers and daughters should know what to expect from the first visit. Typically, a young woman’s first appointment with an OB-GYN will include a general physical exam and an external genital exam. An internal examination (or pelvic exam) of the reproductive organs will typically not take place until age 21 for women without any health issues. If your daughter who is under the age of 21 is experiencing such health concerns as abnormal bleeding or painful periods, your OB-GYN may recommend a pelvic exam sooner. Also, OB-GYNs typically recommend a Pap smear every three to five years, but not until age 21.

The Supportive Role You Will Play in Your Daughter’s First Exam

Even if she understands what to expect, a young woman’s first gynecological exam may cause her to feel nervous or uncomfortable, which is why it is critical that she has the support every step of the way. Talk to your daughter before the exam. Make sure she understands what to expect and answer any questions she may have. Foster open dialogue and make sure she knows that even if she fears her questions may be silly, that you are willing to answer anything with honesty and respect.

Your daughter may or may not want you to be in the room with her when she has her first exam, but make sure she understands that either way, you are there to support her before, during, and after her first and all future visits with her OB-GYN.

Chuochani, Sayegh and Robinson MD is accepting new patients. Please give us a call today if you’d like to schedule an appointment.

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Your First OB-GYN Appointment – What To Expect?

By 20 Sep, 2014 Young adults & teens , , , , ,

ID-100193260When should a girl start seeing a gynecologist or obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN)?

Even if you’re not sexually active, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that you go between the ages of 13 and 15, although any time after menstruation and before your eighteenth birthday is fine. If you’re sexually active, go as soon as possible!

And why should you go?

To have confidential discussions about sex, sexuality, menstruation, pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted diseases—pretty heavy stuff. It may sound like it will be an incredibly awkward experience, but here’s some information that may set you at ease:

  1. The first appointment is mostly about talking.  To begin, the doctor or nurse will ask you questions about your health and lifestyle. They’ll go over your health history, like how old you were when you got your period and if you have any problems with it. They’ll ask about your sexual history, whether you’re sexually active or just thinking about it—and if you are, what birth control you use. They’ll also discuss your lifestyle: do you smoke cigarettes? Do you drink alcohol? Do you take drugs? Do you practice sexual behaviors that might put you at risk for STDs?
  2. You probably won’t need an internal pelvic exam.  Unless you’re sexually active or having a medical issue, your physical exam will be external. The doctor will examine your outside genital area, your abdominal area, and your breasts. She or he is just checking for visible abnormalities, tenderness or lumps in your breast tissue. You shouldn’t need a Pap smear until you’re 21. As for the dreaded stirrups? They’re only there so you have a place to rest your heels and be more comfortable when you’re lying on the exam table. Many practices cover them with something soft.
  3. If you do need an internal pelvic exam, relax!  You may know that this is when the doctor will use a speculum, either metal or plastic, to hold your vagina open so she or he can see if everything looks normal and healthy. Don’t worry—the speculum they use for teenagers is about the size of a super tampon. This part of the exam can be uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t hurt. If it does, speak up! After removing the speculum, the gynecologist will feel inside of you with one hand and press on your abdomen with the other. She’s checking to see if your fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries are in the right position and whether they feel normal. If any part of this process hurts, let the doctor know. And throughout, do deep, slow breathing and let your legs relax as best you can.

Remember, your doctor has seen and heard everything.
There is probably nothing you could ask or discuss that your OB/GYN hasn’t dealt with before. And everything you talk about is confidential. So go ahead and ask questions about your anatomy, your period, birth control, different sexual practices and anything else you might be curious or concerned about.

At Chouchani, Sayegh and Bagnarello, we know how strange that first appointment can feel. We’ll do our best to make sure you feel at ease. Please give us a call when you’re ready to make that first appointment.

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