It seems like it was just yesterday that your teen was a child, and needed to visit a pediatrician for medical care and checkups. Now that your teenager is growing up, when should you schedule her first visit to a gynecologist? What gynecological care do teens need, and what should you expect from the first appointment?
Beginning a relationship with a gynecologist is an important milestone. At Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin, we’re proud to provide top-quality gynecology care to patients in their teens, as well as adults.
Board-certified OB/GYN, Dr. Mary Grace Bridges, and her team offer compassionate, science-based support for new teen patients. When you bring your teenager in for a first appointment at our Odessa and Midland, Texas locations, you can be sure they’ll be treated with respect and understanding.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), teens should first see an OB/GYN between the ages of 13 and 15. In these years, your teen’s body is changing, and reproductive, gender, and sexual concerns may start to arise. At Women's Health Partners of the Permian Basin, Dr. Bridges sees patients as young as 12.
You may decide to schedule a first gynecologist visit for your teen related to questions about sex, gender, or reproductive biology. Or, a first gynecologist appointment can be a start to a life-long care partnership.
Your teen may need to be seen by a gynecologist if:
Also, teens in sexually active relationships need access to a gynecologist.
New experiences can be scary, and teens may feel apprehensive about talking to a gynecologist for the first time. The team at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin create a friendly environment where questions are encouraged.
Some teens come in for their first appointment with a parent, guardian, or trusted figure. Others prefer to maintain privacy. Either way, what’s most important is that your teenager receives the health care they need as they navigate this time of change in their young life.
First visits for teenagers rarely involve a pelvic exam. Recommendations suggest that Pap smears don’t need to start until the age of 21. So, on your teen’s first appointment at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin, they shouldn’t expect anything too invasive.
At the appointment, your teen should plan on talking with a women’s health expert. They can ask questions and receive personalized, informative responses on a one-to-one basis.
Good gynecological care starts in the teen years and continues into adulthood. A positive first experience with a trusted gynecologist sets your teen up for a lifetime of supportive consultation and treatment, no matter where life takes them.
To schedule an appointment at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin, call the nearest location today, or request your appointment online.
