Aging is a part of life, and certain life stages require careful attention to ensure no health problems develop. One of these stages is when your daughter is old enough to have her first teen gynecologist exam.
It’s suggested that teenage girls (13 to 15) start having regular checkups with a gynecologist. These exams are known as ‘well-woman visits’ and are essential for spotting any small issues that could later result in serious conditions.
How to Explain What a Gynaecologist Exam is
Many girls aren’t sure what happens at a gynecologist appointment. Due to the nature of this type of examination, many girls may feel hesitant about going. This is very common, and there are different steps parents can take to help their daughters feel better about having their first gynecology appointment.
A parent should do the following when this happens:
- Help educate them on why a gyno exam is necessary.
- Discuss what they will be experiencing during..
- Answer any questions they may have and help comfort them if they’re fearful.
At her age, most doctor’s visits are related to health problems or injury treatments. Therefore, your daughter may be confused as to why the gyno exam is required when everything seems to be okay.
What The Gyno Exam Consists of
When explaining to your daughter what will happen during the teen gynecologist exam, the following information should be told:
Teen girls learn about the importance of gynecology visits, along with gynecologists answering personal questions regarding periods, sexuality, body changes, and sex. Pregnancy, and how to prevent it, will also be mentioned. Furthermore, sexually transmitted diseases will be discussed and how to ensure a healthy lifestyle.
Any problems that are identified during the physical examination of the first gynecology appointment will be highlighted. If treatment is needed, the doctor will suggest the best course of action. For example, if they are experiencing stomach or pelvic pain or late periods.
In some situations, the first gynecology appointment may simply be a discussion with the doctor. Although, some may include a physical exam which involves looking at the genital area.
However, those who do have the physical section of the gyno exam will be glad to know that the examination doesn’t last long, and most teen girls won’t be required to have an internal pelvic exam.
This part of the teen gynecologist exam typically begins when women turn 21 and are healthy. Although, if problems are happening before this time, an internal pelvic exam may be necessary.
The possible issues that could mean an internal pelvic exam is required are as follows:
- Heavy bleeding
- Periods are very painful
- Discharge from the vaginal area seems unusual
Hopefully, this covers what happens at a gynecologist appointment.
The Type of Questions The Doctor Will ask Your Daughter During the Teen Gynecologist exam
The first question many doctors ask during the teen gynecologist exam is about her prior medical history. Questions such as:
- How long ago was your last period?
- Have you ever participated in sexual activity? If yes, what type? (oral, anal, or vaginal)
- Are you using STD protection and taking any form of birth control?
- Have you felt any kind of soreness, itchiness, untypical discharge, or discomfort originating from the vaginal area?
- Is there any indication that you may be pregnant?
These answers will give direction to the further conversations and series of tests that might be performed during the remainder of the exam. Although answering these can sometimes be scary, your daughter must be truthful. Otherwise, serious complications could arise in the future.
It’s best to let her know that nurses and doctors will never share the confidential information discussed.
What to Expect During the Physical Exam
If you know that she will also have a physical exam during her first gynecology appointment, then it’s best to talk about what she is likely to expect. Some moms even bring their teenage daughters to their own appointments to help them become more comfortable with the checkups.
Here’s what they should expect when trying to understand what happens at a gynecologist appointment (physical):
Standard checks
Routine examinations, determining her weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. During this time, checks may be carried out on the lungs, neck, and belly. The purpose of this is to understand their general health to refer back to in future appointments.
Breast checks
Although breast cancer is rare in teen girls, it can still occur. That’s why during the physical, an examination of the breasts will take place to ensure they are developing as intended and locate any cysts, lumps, or other problems.
External checks
Your daughter will be required to wear a gown. This should be put on at the beginning of the appointment. The thighs and pelvis area will be covered with a sheet. Next, she’ll be asked to lie down on a table with her knees bent while they are spread apart. Sometimes, a doctor will place her feet in stirrups to make sure she’s positioned correctly.
The external examination will then begin by looking at the genitals (also known medically as the vulva).
Internal Checks (if required)
During the pelvic exam, the gynecologist will place one hand on your daughter’s belly and either one or two fingers inside the vagina. During this time, the doctor will be able to determine the position and size of the uterus and ovaries. Furthermore, sometimes a tool is used to keep the vaginal walls open to allow the specialist to view the cervix and walls. In addition, it provides the ability for screening tests to be carried out to test for certain types of STDs.
Your daughter should be aware that pressure is typically felt during this time, but no pain should be experienced. Some steps can be taken to reduce the discomfort further. This includes taking slow and deep breaths while relaxing her body.
This answers pretty much all you need to know about what happens at a gynecologist appointment (physical section).
Testing for STDs
Usually, an STD test isn’t performed during a visit. However, sexually active girls are recommended to undergo testing to ensure everything is fine. The tests are done in the following ways:
- Urine Test
- Blood Test
- Pap smear
Once the samples have been collected, they are tested for STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and more. It’s important to let your daughter know that STDs aren’t only transmitted through traditional intercourse. Anal and oral sex can cause them to become infected as well.
To avoid any embarrassment during these screenings, she can ask the doctor to provide the results confidentially. For example, via letter, phone, or in-person (coming back to the surgery).
Professional and Friendly Specialists Who Can Help
If you’re located in the Miami, Florida area, OB-GYN Specialists are here to assist you. We know that this type of care must be carried out delicately. That’s why we take great pride in supporting all patients along the way. Book an appointment today.