5 Questions Your Teen Should Ask at Their First Gynecological Visit

The changes can seem to happen overnight; one day they’re kids playing around the house, and the next they’re growing up right before your eyes. As kids enter their teens, the hormonal changes that come with puberty start, and for girls, it can mean a lot of questions that need answers.

Gynecologists specialize in caring for the female reproductive system, and when it’s time to have the very first appointment to see one, asking questions is only natural. To put your child at ease for their first trip to the gynecologist, let’s explore when you should schedule the appointment, what to expect from the appointment, and the sorts of questions you should ask.

Young women in the Las Vegas, Nevada, area making their first appointment with a gynecologist can find help from Dr. Staci McHale and her dedicated staff at WHASN Sunset Valley.

When to schedule the first visit

Your child’s first trip to see the OB/GYN often happens between ages 13 and 15, but as girls often start puberty at least two years before boys (between 8 and 13 years old), the timeframe can vary. You can also schedule their first visit if your teen hasn’t had their first period by 15, is dealing with unusual periods, struggling with other stages of puberty, or is sexually active.

At this age, it’s essential to feel comfortable discussing reproductive health issues with someone who can answer questions and offer help for any health problems that arise.

What to expect

The first appointment helps to lay the groundwork for a long-term relationship with their doctor, and to accomplish that, we cover a lot of ground:

Gather basic information

This entails obtaining a medical history, family history, medical conditions, allergies, and other basic information to understand their needs.

Physical exam

Vital signs (blood pressure check, electrocardiogram), height, weight, and asking about their menstrual cycle.

Discuss any issues

At this point, your teen can ask any questions or express any concerns about puberty and hormonal and physical changes.

Assessing medical problems

This allows us to further explore any possible medical problems, pelvic pain, or other issues to either treat or keep an eye on.

If your teen is concerned about pap smears and feels nervous about getting one, don't worry; it’s not recommended to have one until at least 21. 

Common questions and concerns

Here are some concerns that often come up that your teen should consider asking about:

1. Is this confidential?

Everything about puberty is a personal experience, so it makes sense that your teen would want to feel safe asking questions in a private setting.

2. What about contraception?

If your teen is sexually active or is going to be, they should get as much information as possible about protection, as well as discuss things like safe sexual practices, consent, and other important concerns.

3. Are my periods normal?

If your teen has unusual symptoms during their period or has questions about the best menstrual products to use, this is a good time to ask.

4. Should I get my HPV vaccinations?

The human papillomavirus is incredibly common, and it’s recommended to have the vaccine if your teen hasn’t already.

5. How often should I come in?

This depends on your teen’s specific needs and questions, but it’s important to set expectations and know when to follow up on anything discussed. 

Maturing into adulthood comes with many challenges and questions, and we’re here to help however we can. Make an appointment with Dr. McHale and WHASN Sunset Valley today for your teen’s first gynecological visit.