When Should My Daughter First Go to the Gynecologist? (for Parents) (2024)

FAQs

When Should My Daughter First Go to the Gynecologist? (for Parents)? ›

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends girls have their first gynecologic visit between ages 13 and 15.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), adolescents should have their first routine gynecologic visit between ages 13 and 15 years old. Younger patients are also welcome.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends girls have their first gynecologic visit between ages 13 and 15.

"Moms will often ask me, 'My daughter just started her period, should she come in?' " says Dr. Waverly Peakes, a gynecologist at Houston Methodist. "And the answer usually is no, they don't need to come in yet.

Women over age 65 can stop getting screened if they've had at least three consecutive negative Pap tests or at least two negative HPV tests within the previous 10 years, according to the guidelines. But women who have a history of a more advanced precancer diagnosis should continue to be screened for at least 20 years.

Patients should get their first Pap smear at age 21. This test should occur every three years for ages 21 to 29. Those ages 30 to 65 should have a Pap test every three to five years.

As a rule, a pelvic exam doesn't hurt. But it may not be comfortable, or may feel strange, especially if it's your first one. Let your doctor know right away if you feel any pain during the exam. A pelvic exam should only take 5 to 10 minutes.

Do I need to shave or wax before my appointment? No, you don't need to shave or wax. However, if there's something going on with your skin, shaving or waxing will make it easier for your physician to evaluate the area.

Not getting routine check-ups puts you at risk for diseases such as cervical cancer, which is highly preventable with regular screenings. As well, infertility and other reproductive issues may go undiagnosed if you do not have access to specialized care from a gynecologist.

It happens — and for the most part, it's totally OK. There are only a couple of exceptions, but as long as you're speaking with your healthcare provider, there's no need to reschedule your appointment if your time of the month overlaps.

When should you start seeing a gynecologist when pregnant? ›

Once you realise that you may be pregnant, you should make an appointment right away. Ideally, you're aiming to see the doctor in the first five or six weeks. “This appointment is for confirmation and to exclude ectopic pregnancy, in other words, to ascertain that the baby is in the uterus.

You have the right to decline a pelvic exam. Discuss benefits and risks with your provider and make decisions collaboratively. If pelvic exams are painful or cause anxiety, communicate with your provider for support and solutions. Your health decisions are yours to make.

What Does A Gynecologist Do On Your First Visit? Sometimes, on the first visit, we just want to talk to you about your health and what to expect at future appointments. Often, this does not involve a pelvic exam. But if you have health problems—such as very painful or heavy periods —you may need certain tests.

What are some common reasons for children to see a gynecologist? Maybe a baby is born with reproductive abnormalities, labial adhesions, a fusing of the vagin*l lips, or an underlying bleeding disorder. Also, some conditions that are hereditary, such as ovarian cysts, need to be monitored closely and more frequently.

Typically, an initial prenatal appointment happens between the sixth and 12th week of pregnancy. If you just recently took a positive pregnancy test, try to schedule an appointment with your provider for at least a few weeks away. If you don't already have an OB-GYN, begin to research your options and nearby providers.

You should start having screening at age 21, regardless of when you first start having sex. How often you should have cervical cancer screening and which tests you should have depend on your age and health history: Women who are 21 to 29 should have a Pap test alone every 3 years.