When to Start With a Gynecologist?

Many  people are not sure what time a teenage girl should have their first gynecologist appointment. Regardless of sexual activity, there are conflicting opinions as to what time is appropriate to start gynaecologist consultations. 

Most girls start menstruation when  they are 12 years of age in  the  United  States. It is therefore appropriate for a teenage girl to start visiting the gynaecologist when  they are 13 years of age. There are several factors that contribute to why girls should start visiting the gynaecologist at this age. 

Why Should a Girl Visit a Gynaecologist?

Before we start answering the question, “when should you start seeing a gynecologist”, let’s look at some of the reasons why women should visit gynaecologists.

Typically, a woman should visit a gynaecologist if:

• They have questions or concerns about their reproductive health and system. This can include anything from the uterus, ovaries, breast and the vulva. It is also possible to consult a gynaecologist about urological and  gastro intestinal issues at times. 
• If there are any menstrual and pregnancy related issues.
• Fertility and contraception issues are also a reason why women visit the gynaecologist
• Sexual health concerns, if a woman is worried about her libido, sexual abuse and pain.
• Another common reason is to seek preventative health exams and screenings.

You should note that there are services that are offered by both gynaecologists and family medical practitioners. These include birth control and mood changes among others. If a woman wants to consult on such issues, it is best to start with whomever they feel most comfortable with. The medical care provider can then decide when the female should be going to the gynecologist for the first time.

When a female is between the ages of 11 and 18, it is probably best if they stick with a pediatrician, or a family practice provider. The majority of issues that are met by women at this age can be addressed by a general practitioner. There are however instances when a patient needs specialized attention. In such cases they can be referred to a gynaecologist.  

Some of those cases include the following:

• Delayed puberty – if a female does not experience any breast changes after the age of 14, and they do not start their menstrual cycles prior to the age of 16
• If they experience painful menstrual cycles. Sometimes they can  even end up  missing school  because of such conditions.
• If wearing a tampon is too uncomfortable or painful
• If they have any health concerns or if they need contraception 

What Factors Influence When a Female Should Visit a Gynaecologist?

There are visits that should happen regardless of age. One of them is when a female goes to the gynaecologist for cervical cancer screening. It is recommended that every female should have their cervical cancer screening at the age of 25. There are however, other visits that are influenced by other factors, like sexual activity. If a female is sexually active, they should visit the gynaecologist annually for chlamydia screening. 

There are other factors that can influence an early visit to the gynaecologist. Some of them are irregular, early or delayed periods, heavy periods, period pain, and periods that interfere with daily activities. If there are any other reproductive anomalies, do not hesitate to consult a gynaecologist.

When Should a Female Start Pap Smears

It  is crucial to understand that Pap smear screen guidelines have changed a lot over the past few years. Because of that, a lot of mothers remain uncertain when it comes to what age their daughters should start this screening. The recent recommendations are to start Pap smears around the age of 21. This should be done regardless of whether the female is sexually active or they are on birth control.

There are certain instances when a pelvic exam should be done. This however is separate from Pap smear screening. Additionally, it might be necessary to do a Human Papilloma Virus screening test during teenage years. This is crucial to prevent cancer in the future. More details about this can be provided by the particular health professional you will be dealing with.

What Answers Can a Gynaecologist Provide

A gynaecologist can provide answers to a lot of sexual health related questions. When a female starts visiting the  gynaecologist, they not only get examined, but they are given a chance to ask questions they might have about their  reproduction health. Feel free when you visit the gynaecologist to ask any burning questions. 

Some of the subjects you might ask about include the following

• Alcohol, drug abuse, tobacco and its effects on reproductive health
• Acne
• Body Image
• Birth control
• Depression and anxiety related questions
• Female nutrition and how it relates to reproductive health
• Identity, sexual orientation and gender 
• Pregnancy
• When to start being sexually active and the risks involved
• The dangers of sexually transmitted infections
• Any female social issues and weight concerns

Will the visit be uncomfortable or awkward?

It is totally normal to feel nervous about your first time gynecologist visit. You should know though, that there is no reason to feel nervous. The appointment will less likely be scary or awkward in any way. If you have visited a family doctor before, a gynaecologist appointment will most likely be almost the same experience.

Before any examination begins, the gynaecologist will explain everything they are going to do. They will likely be quite friendly and they will talk to you a lot so that you don’t become too nervous. 

What Questions do Gynecologists Ask on Your First Visit?

You can expect the doctor to talk to you about your sexual health history, your family and friends and your menstrual cycles. They might also ask if you are sexually active. The best way to handle a gynaecologist appointment is to be as open and honest as possible. The more honest answers you give, the more beneficial the exam and visit will be. They will get to accurately understand and interpret your health situation.

Is it Possible to Bring Someone for Support?

There is nothing wrong with bringing someone for support to a first gynecologist appointment. If you feel like having your parent or friend with you, that’s totally alright. If the doctor doesn’t object to having them around, then there shouldn’t be any issues. 

What to Expect at Your First Gynecologist Visit

When you go to the gynecologist, the doctor will likely start off by talking to your and then they will run a number of tests. These tests will vary depending on the reason for your visit and your age. To start ofm they can measure your height, weight and blood pressure. They can then proceed with reproductive related exams like breast exams, pap smears, external sexual organ exams and pelvic exams. If you are below the age of 21, they may or not perform a pelvic exam. Also, doctors do not perform pap smears on patients under the age of 21 under normal circumstances. 

Bottomline

There are several opinions when it comes to what time a female should start visiting the gynaecologist. Some say that as soon as they experience their first menstrual cycle, and some say that as soon as a female turns 21. The best way to figure this out is to consult a family doctor. If they have been attending to your family’s health needs for a while they will probably know what time is best for one to start seeing a gynaecologist.