At What Age????

[tp65]

At what age should our daughter see a gynecologist? She is dating and I speak to her often about boundaries, she assures me that she and her bf talk often about each of their boundaries and hold to them. She is 17 and I know there are reasons other than being sexually active that she should see a gyn. Any guidelines on a good time to start yearly physicals? Any gyns out there that can help? Also, anyone familiar with the new HPV vaccine? My friend's daughter received one and the dr told her that they are suggesting it for all girls before they become sexually active. Thanks for your help!

 

[christianmomof3]

She should see one now.
Try to find one that you know from personal recommendations will be good with younger girls.
If she has not been shown how to do a breast self-exam, you should show her.
I have a friend whose 16 yo dd had a lump in her breast that she had to have removed.
Ask the dr. about the vaccine.
I have not asked mine about it for my dd (she is only 13)- I forgot to, but it is probably not a bad idea.

 

[Naomi4Christ]

Ask the dr. about the vaccine.
I have not asked mine about it for my dd (she is only 13)- I forgot to, but it is probably not a bad idea.

In the UK, they plan to immunise all 12-year old girls.

No idea about the gynae question.

 

[HaleyM]

I found this online:

"In the May 2006 issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reaffirmed its recommendation that teenage girls first visit an OB/GYN between the ages of 13 and 15."

It basically stated the visit was more about discussing reproductive healthcare for the future. It also said that most docs wouldn't do a pelvic exam unless there was sexual activity or abdominal pain.

HTH!

 

[CrystalBrooke]

I thought that you were supposed to go when you got your period...but then again I was 11 when I got mine and I would have died if I had to have a pap smear at that age. I didn't go til I got pregnant (at age 17), but I really should have gone much earlier than that. She should go to one now.

 

[tp65]

Ladies, thank you so much...I had no idea that I was already late to take care of such an important health-care issue! Good point about the breast exams too. Blessings to you all!

 

[gengwall]

Just another perspective. Our girls don't plan on going until they become sexually active (they are 19 and 21 right now). I'm not a woman so I don't know about all the reasons for going, but my wife told them (based on what she did) that it was fine to wait until then.

 

[gengwall]

I found this online:

"In the May 2006 issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reaffirmed its recommendation that teenage girls first visit an OB/GYN between the ages of 13 and 15."

It basically stated the visit was more about discussing reproductive healthcare for the future. It also said that most docs wouldn't do a pelvic exam unless there was sexual activity or abdominal pain.

HTH!

I'm not sure what purpose there is in a doctor sticking their nose into my 13 yo child's future reproductive health. She can go talk about this when she is ready to have a baby.

My dad was a doctor so I am not saying this with any malice toward the profession, but this seems to me to be simply a good way to make extra money.

[Update - just bounced this off my wife. Her responses:

unless they have pain or sexual activity I wouldn't do it
it is pretty invasive and no need until there is a need
weird discharge or pain would be a different thing.
neither of our girls have had any issues
C. (DD 1) is 21 so she is probably at an age for her first exam...but again no probs...I am not sure I would go before 25 yrs or if getting married!
]

 

[Singin4Him]

Personally unless you have a history of cancer or other female issues I don't see the need for a teenager to see a OB. I think it's important to see one before you get married or if you're are 25 or older. The thing about OB's is that many do not believe or find it very hard to believe that a young woman who is not married is not sexually active and often they will encourage going on BC for reasons as simple as acne which I think it's not a good idea. Your regular family physician can see your teenager girl for physicals and such just as well as an OB unless there is something abnormal going on. If you feel it's important to take your teenager to an OB go in with her, don't send her alone.

 

[tp65]

Good points Gengwall and Singin4Him, thank you.

 

[Kitten87]

in england (well round this part of it anyway) they recommend u start going when your 18.

 

[tp65]

Thanks kitten, I appreciate the info. I did just find out from a friend at church that the shot for HPV does not have to be given by a gyn, that the family dr should talk to her and give it, then they can best decide if she needs an actual physical.