Your little girl won’t be a little girl forever, and as she grows into her teens, different medical care will become more appropriate for her. As her parent, it will be your responsibility to arrange this care. Most importantly, at some point, she will need to have her first gynecological exam.
Many parents wonder at what age their daughters should have their first exam. According to the ACOG or American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, girls should see a gynecologist for the first time when they are 13 or 14, or at the latest, when they are 15.
The First Gynecological Visit
The first gynecological visit might seem intimidating to your daughter. The examination will entail an external look at the health of the genitals, but during this initial visit, there is usually not an internal exam unless a specific issue makes one necessary. Sometimes, painful menses, bleeding or unusual discharge may necessitate an internal pelvic exam. If nothing like this is present, just an external exam should suffice on a yearly basis until she is in her 20s.
The First Pelvic Gynecological Exam
Pelvic exams are necessary as women enter their 20s or when they become sexually active. The first pelvic exam should be given when a female is 21 or earlier if she is sexually active before that age. Many women dislike these annual visits, but they are important for their overall health and sexual health.
What Is a Pelvic Exam?
A pelvic exam is given to a woman to look at the health of her internal reproductive organs. The exam still includes an external look at the vulva as well, but most of it entails looking inside at the shape and size of the uterus, vagina, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
There is no need to worry about this exam hurting. Women often say that it simply feels like a fullness or pressure in the vagina. Most women feel that the thought of the exam is more uncomfortable than the actual physical sensations they feel. Some women even say that it tickles slightly.
What to Expect during Your First Pelvic Exam
Your first gynecological exam that looks at your internal organs might scare you, but it’s nothing to be worried about doing. You will give your general health history to a nurse. They will likely also take your height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure. You will then be asked to disrobe in private and put on a hospital gown. The doctor will then come in and give you the exam, which only lasts for about 5 minutes.
As you age, other exams will become a part of your genealogical checkup. You will need annual breast exams and mammograms, and you may be given a vaccination for HPV or human papilloma virus.
Schedule Your Consultation
At SouthLake OB/GYN and Advanced Surgery, women’s health is our top priority. We work with women of all ages to provide care throughout all stages of life. If your daughter is ready for her first gynecological exam, contact SouthLake OB/GYN today to schedule a consultation. Patient care, comfort, and safety are our top priorities.