Adolescent Gynecology

If you are a young teenage woman, one very important part of maturing 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 gynecologist at least once a year for care. You and your doctor will talk about your general health and any problems you may be having.

Your first ob-gyn visit is a great chance to take charge of a healthy lifestyle. You may be nervous at first – that's normal! But you'll find our caring staff will make you comfortable, and Dr. Chapman will be easy to talk to. Many of Dr. Chapman's patients have been seeing him for years, ever since they were young women. You can talk to him about anything. Remember -- he is here to help you stay healthy. So whatever's on your mind, let him hear it!

Knowing what to expect will help ease your apprehension.

Special Concerns

Many young women have the same health concerns. Talking with your doctor about these issues is a key step to staying healthy. You also will discuss when you should have a pelvic exam and Pap test.

Your health concerns may include these topics:

  • Cramps and problems with periods
  • Acne
  • Weight issues
  • Concerns about sexuality
  • Questions about birth control
  • Concerns about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
  • Emotional ups and downs or depression

What to Expect at Your Visit

You should have your first ob-gyn visit when you are between the ages of 13 and 15. You'll feel more at ease during your first visit if you know what to expect. In fact, the first visit may just be a talk between you and your doctor to get to know each other and to find out what to expect at future visits.

It is normal to feel nervous about your first visit. There is no need to feel scared or embarrassed. Your doctor may ask a lot of questions about you and your family.

Giving open and honest answers to these questions is key to your care.

Exams

During your exam visit, your height, weight and blood pressure will be checked. Your gynecologist may do a breast exam, pelvic exam, and Pap test.

Confidentiality

Many young women want to talk to their doctors, but they are afraid that what they tell their doctor will not be confidential. They may be worried that the doctor will discuss things with parents. If you are concerned about confidentiality, you and your doctor should talk about it before you answer any questions.

The Breast Exam

At one of your visits, your doctor may check your breasts for signs of any problems.

The Pelvic Exam

For the pelvic exam, the doctor will look at your reproductive organs for signs of problems. The pelvic exam has three parts:

  • Looking at the outside of your body and examining your vulva.
  • Examining your inner area with the aid of a speculum - a device used to spread the walls of the vagina so your cervix can be seen.
  • Examining the outside of your tummy with gloved hands to feel your internal organs to see if everything feels normal.

The Pap Test

If you are 18 years of age or older or if you've had sex, you should have a Pap test. The doctor will use a small instrument to scrape some cells to send to the laboratory so the pathologist can look for abnormalities in the cells in your cervix. If problems are found, he will discuss treatment options with you.

Immunizations

Your doctor may discuss your immunization history with you at this visit.

Back to Women's Health.