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Your First Gynaecologist Visit

Part of growing up is learning to take care of your body. This means making good choices for your health, avoiding things that can hurt you, and seeing a health care professional-including an obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn)—for routine health care. If you have never visited an ob-gyn before, you may have questions about what will happen at your first visit.

This section explains

  • what to expect at your first gynecologic visit

  • exams that may be done

  • special concerns that may be discussed

WHAT TO EXPECT

Women have special health care needs.

Ob-gyns are doctors who specialize in women's health. Girls should have their first gynecologic visit between the ages of 13 and 15. The first visit may be just a talk between you and your doctor. You may also have certain exams.

The first visit is a good way for you and your doctor to get to know each other. You can find out what to expect at future visits and get information about how to stay healthy. You can ask questions about your body, growing up, and sex.

It is normal to feel nervous about your first visit. It may help if you talk about it with your parents or someone else you trust. You may want to let your doctor know you are nervous. Your doctor can help put you at ease.

Your doctor may ask a lot of questions about you and your family. Some of them may seem personal, such as questions about your menstrual period or sexual activities (including vaginal, oral, or anal sex). Your doctor needs to ask these questions to best know how to care for you.

Giving honest answers to these questions is key to your care. If you are concerned about confidentiality, you and your doctor should talk about it before you answer any questions. Much of the information you share can be confidential.

EXAMS

You may have certain exams at the first visit. If you choose, a nurse or family member may join you for any part of the exam. Most often, these exams are done:

  • General physical exam

  • External genital exam

You usually do not need to have a pelvic exam at the first visit unless you are having problems, such as abnormal bleeding or pain. If you are sexually active, you may have tests for certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Most of the tests that teens need can be done by the doctor with a urine sample. You may also have certain vaccinations.

General Physical Exam

During the general exam, your height, weight, and blood pressure are checked. You are also examined for any health problems you may have.

External Genital Exam

In this exam, the doctor looks at the vulva. Your doctor may give you a mirror so that you can look at the vulva as well.

This exam is a good way to learn about your body and the names for each part.

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Pelvic Exam and Cervical Cancer Screening

Even though you may not have a pelvic exam, you should know what one is. The pelvic exam has three parts:

  1. Looking at the vulva

  2. Looking at the vagina and cervix with a speculum

  3. Checking the internal organs with a gloved hand

To check your internal organs, the doctor will place one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into the vagina and up to the cervix. The other hand will press on the abdomen from the outside.

At age 21, you should start having cervical cancer screening. Cervical cancer screening includes a Pap test, a test for human papillomavirus (HPV), or both.

HPV is a virus that can cause cervical cancer.

When you have a Pap test or HPV test, a sample of cells is taken from your cervix with a small brush. The HPV test looks for the types of HPV that are most likely to cause cancer. The Pap test checks for abnormal changes in the cervix that could lead to cancer.

At age 21, you should start having cervical cancer screening. Cervical cancer screening includes a Pap test, a test for human papillomavirus (HPV), or both.

HPV is a virus that can cause cervical cancer.

When you have a Pap test or HPV test, a sample of cells is taken from your cervix with a small brush. The HPV test looks for the types of HPV that are most likely to cause cancer. The Pap test checks for abnormal changes in the cervix that could lead to cancer.

VACCINATIONS

Vaccinations are shots that protect against diseases caused by bacteria and viruses.

Some are given on a routine basis (read the box "Vaccines You May Need"). Other vaccinations are offered to you if you are at an increased risk for certain diseases. Your doctor may ask you about your medical history and suggest you have certain vaccinations.

Vaccines You May Need

The following vaccines are given to all young women age 11 to 18 on a routine basis:

  • Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tap)-This shot protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. You should get a Tap shot between age 11 and your last tetanus-diph-theria (Td) booster (the "tetanus shot"). You should get a TD shot every 10 years after that.

  • HPV vaccine-This is a series of shots to protect against the most common types of
    HPV that cause cancer, precancer, and genital warts. The best age for the HPV vaccine is 11 or 12, but you can get the vaccine starting at age 9. For those 9 to 14, two shots are given. For those age 15 and older, three shots are given. If you have not gotten all the shots, you do not need to start over. You can get the next shot that is due even if the time between them is longer than recommended.

  • Meningococcal vaccine-You should have this shot between ages 11 and 12 and have a booster shot at age 16.

  • Influenza (flu) vaccine-You should get a flu shot once a year.

You may also need a COVID-19 vaccine. And if you have missed or delayed doses of hepatitis B virus vaccine, measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, varicella vaccine, or polio vaccine, get "catch-up" doses as recommended by your health care professional.

Other vaccines may be given if you are at increased risk of certain diseases:

  • Hepatitis A virus vaccine (can also be given to healthy teens)

  • Pneumococcal vaccine

SPECIAL CONCERNS

Many young women share the same health concerns. Most of these concerns are a normal part of growing up:

  • Cramps and problems with menstrual periods

  • Acne

  • Weight

  • Sex and sexuality

  • Birth control

  • STIs

  • Alcohol, drugs, and smoking

  • Emotional ups and downs

Talking with your doctor about these topics is a key step to staying healthy.

Some risky behaviors, such as having unprotected sex or using drugs, can affect your health. Your doctor may offer some tips on how you can make healthy choices (read the box "Staying Healthy").

FINALLY...

Your first gynecologic visit is a great chance to take charge of your health. Be involved in your health care. Follow up with your doctor to find out test results.

Ask questions. See your doctor on a routine basis to be sure you have all the tests you need to stay healthy.

Staying Healthy...

Making certain lifestyle choices can help you to be strong and healthy for years to come:

  • Maintain a healthy weight by eating a well-balanced diet and exercising often.

  • Avoid smoking, vaping, drinking alcohol, and using illegal drugs.

  • Seek help if you have emotional ups and downs or feel depressed.

  • Use birth control if you are having sex and do not want to have a baby.

  • Protect yourself from STIs by using a latex or polyurethane condom. Know your partners and limit their number.

  • Keep up with routine exams, tests, and vaccinations.

Information sourced from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists | www.acog.org
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