Your First Gynecologist Visit What You Need To Know
It’s your first gynecologist visit, and you have so many questions. Plus, you feel fraught with uncertainty, nervousness, embarrassment, and even a fair amount of anxiety. It’s an important step and in the right direction. As you know, taking care of your health is of the utmost importance.
There’s no need to fret because you discover everything you need to know by asking questions and researching. Of course, you want to have the right conversations with professionals, so always check with them first.
Questions Regarding Your First Gynecologist Visit
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So, it’s time for your first gynecologist visit. Hopefully, you have family and close friends to help guide you along. As a parent, it’s a difficult time as well. Watching your daughter blossom into adulthood and preparing for the first gynecologist visit can feel confusing. In this article, you’ll read some pointers to help you along the way.
Now, there are two major precursor questions to this event:
- When should you start seeing a gynecologist?
- Why should she go?
The first question relates to general healthcare concerns. Since the average age for girls starting menstruation in Australia is 12 years and seven months, most clinicians agree that it’s appropriate for teens to start seeing a gynecologist as early as age 13.
However, anywhere from 9-16 years typifies the normal for menarche’s onset (the first menstrual period in the female adolescent). Given this scenario, the start of teenhood is an excellent time for the first gynecologist visit.
The second question correlates with mental preparation about puberty and awareness about health implications connected with menstruation. A worrying trend in the country is early puberty in girls at age 10-11.
Of course, many factors are responsible: nutrition, psychological status, socio-economic conditions, and even genes, as many studies suggest. But the bottom line is addressing the social and emotional stresses during puberty. And a gynecologist is the most equipped person to do this.
From The Social Standpoint
Today, children typically grow up in a highly sexualized society where sexual desirability seems to take precedence. Most health practitioners view this as a toxic situation where an unguided puberty onset can lead to shortened childhood, potential for younger sexual experiences, and decreased self-esteem.
Of course, sex education and a talk from mothers can pave the way for an easier transition. Teens are changing physically and mentally, too, as they start exploring their sexuality. A medical concern isn’t mandatory.
In fact, the first gynecologist visit is to educate and establish a doctor-patient relationship. The first gynecologist visit puts things in perspective for a teen about the seriousness of one’s reproductive health’s well-being.
From The Healthcare Perspective
As mentioned earlier, yearly gynecological check-ups should start at 13 years for teens. Doctors can assess the general health of the patient and detect any minor issues before they progress.
Teens benefit immensely from early gynecologic care because of routine preventive care and screening disorders in sexual development. Besides, she can talk to the doctor about a range of topics, such as hygiene, STIs, contraception, exercise, mental health, and also HPV vaccination.
How To Prepare For The First Visit To The Gynecologist
There are many questions and fears about the first visit. Reassure your teen that it is all about information, prevention, and treatment (only when necessary) since most young girls associate doctors with health problems. Conversations can help. You can tell them:
- Actual physical exams, typically not mandatory, and only recommended on or after 21 years
- Even if a pelvic exam happens, it isn’t something to be afraid of
- Ask your teen about their preferences, if any, while choosing a gynecologist to visit
- Whether they would prefer a male or female health care provider, or if they would be comfortable to stick with the family doctor or instead prefer someone new and unconnected
- Remember to respect their decision about seeing a gynecologist alone or requiring your presence as a parent
Teens need to feel at ease, to be honest, and not withhold critical information.
For Your First Visit
When it’s time for the first gynecological visit, Alana Healthcare. They can take off the stress of your teen’s first visit to the gynecologist with their confidentiality policies and a holistic approach to discussing puberty experiences and sexual activity. Plus, their board-certified experienced doctors oversee first-time visitors like teens.
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