Visiting a gynecologist for the first time is a milestone for many, because they don’t know what to do and expect.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), girls should start visiting a gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 15. This doesn’t mean that you need to have a pelvic examination or something else, in the beginning, even the doctor can conduct regular checkups and talk about the development a girl is facing. Many don’t even know that, so many teenagers face challenges during their puberty phase. And due to shyness, they don’t even speak to their mother, because we have not been taught to openly talk about the body development changes.
There is a taboo also, if a teenage or young woman visits a gynecologist, this is something to be ashamed of, because she might be having some issue, which is not allowed to be talked about. But it is time to change the perception, because visiting a gynecologist to know about your reproductive health is a basic necessity.
To demystify your fear, this article covers all your major concerns, from when you should first visit a gynecologist to why it is important, because having good health should be everyone’s priority, which also includes reproductive health.
Why Teenagers Should Visit a Gynecologist?
We understand how visiting a gynecologist seems intimidating and unnecessary, but you are forgetting the fact that it is a step towards lifelong reproductive health.
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Education
Every young girl or teenager undergoes several physical and developmental changes, and they don’t know how to deal with them. This led to so many questions in their head. Of course, it’s a mother’s responsibility to make their girl comfortable about the changes, but there is a percentage of mothers who avoid having this type of conversation with their daughters.
Visiting a gynecologist will not only help them to know about their reproductive health, but they will also gain knowledge about menstruation, sexuality, myths, hygiene, consent, and awareness about reproductive health. They will get a sense of responsibility for their body and what to do if they start having any medical issues, and make an informed decision. You must agree with that: “Early detection prevents future complications”.
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Prevention of medical issues
Many studies revealed that very few teenagers know how UTI (urinary tract infection) happens, and all because of a lack of awareness and inconsistent preventive measures. Through regular visits and checkups, they can prevent themselves from several health-related factors. Especially, those young girls who are sexually active need to ensure that they visit a gynecologist, so they can know about safe practices.
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Emotional turmoil
You don’t know, but hormonal fluctuation and infections can impact mood and self-esteem. Help from a gynecologist can help teenagers and young girls learn how to take care of themselves, and let them connect with the right resources if emotional or psychological concerns arise.
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Empowerment
Also, early gynecologic care empowers young girls to take charge of their health and body awareness, promotes open communication, and lays a foundation for their long-term well-being. Parents should support their girls in this process and normalize taking care of the reproductive system in their teenage years, because gynecologic care isn’t just for adults.
What to do?
It doesn’t matter what your age is; if you are planning your first gynecological visit, then here are things that you can prepare before visiting a gynecologist.
- There is a possibility that you forgot the questions that you wanted to ask, so write them down.
- To all the moms, if you are taking your daughter to a gynecologist, then try to give them space. Your daughter might not be able to ask a question to the doctor because of shyness, shame, or judgment of even thinking about that.
- According to studies, 64% of girls and women experience fear or anxiety during a gynecologist visit due to pain, fear of a negative diagnosis, embarrassment, and many other reasons. So, think about it too much, because your health comes first.
- Make sure to practice good hygiene, because even you might feel uncomfortable if the doctor is going to conduct a test.
Your first gynecological visit should make you feel safe and reassured, exactly what Cradle Children’s Hospital in Jaipur and its one of the best gynecologists are providing.
When do Teenagers Visit a Gynecologist?
Here are some common reasons that you should not ignore-
- Starting to experience irregular periods, causing heavy or little to no periods, missing periods, or having cramps, which makes it difficult for you to perform your regular activities, is a sign that you should start visiting gynec.
- Around 10% to 35% of girls face challenges of menometrorrhagia (bleeding for 20 days and then it started again after 10 days). Even mothers think that this is normal, but it is not. It is an indication to visit a doctor and know the actual cause before it becomes an issue.
- Irregular vaginal discharge leading to smell, itchiness, and irritation. This can be because of hormonal changes or using scented soap.
- Guidance on safe sex and activities, use of birth control, knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases, and the importance of consent should be on the list.
- If your family has a history of gynecological conditions like endometriosis, cancer, PCOS, or other conditions, make sure to visit a doctor so that, through early detection and diagnosis, you can prevent yourself from challenges.
Lifestyle Tips for Wellness
- Your reproductive health is in your hands because the way you take care of yourself will only result in a situation that can lead to so many issues.
- To regulate hormones, exercise is the best, as it also helps to reduce stress.
- Tracking patterns of the menstrual cycle and irregularities helps you to know the changes that your periods are making.
- Having adequate sleep of 8 to 10 hours is your necessity, as it ensures maintaining optimal health and mood stability.
- Make sure to communicate what you are experiencing before it becomes a problem.
Conclusion: Now you know when your first visit gynecologist should be. This is a normal and positive step that every teenager or young girl should take, because early visits not only build confidence about their bodies, but is allow them to address reproductive system issues, which they might not even know of. Jaipur’s one of the top hospitals, Cradle Children Hospital, encourages women to visit a doctor and know about their health, because they know a simple ignorance related to health can lead to complications and challenges.
If you are someone who is still hesitant to visit a gynecologist, then come visit Cradle Children Hospital’s gynecologists and obstetricians, because they believe in empowering women about themselves and improving their health.
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FAQs
Is it normal to feel nervous on my first visit?
Yes, this is completely normal, but make sure to ask questions about which you first thought about visiting a gynecologist.
What to do if my daughter feels hesitant to visit a gynecologist?
Make sure to provide them a space, and during the visit, let her talk to the daughter directly, and let her talk to the doctor alone. She will be able to ask questions more comfortably.
Is it necessary to visit doctors even if I have no issues?
Most women ignore visiting until they experience some problems. But, through regular visits, you will be able to know about your health and can prevent future challenges. Ideally, a girl should start seeing a gynecologist after her first period.
Is a gynecological visit only needed when you are sexually active?
No, because having a healthy reproductive system and knowledge about their body is a necessity. A gynecologist guides patients about the situation that can become an issue in the future, and prevents them in the early stage, if detected on time.
How often should girls and women visit obstetricians or gynecologists?
For teens, a yearly visit is enough, but if you are experiencing some issues related to the reproductive system, then communicate with your doctor, and they will tell you about the visits and checkups.
