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Women schedule routine visits to a gynecologist for birth control discussions, breast exams, and to better understand reproductive health. The first visit to a women’s health clinic can be intimidating for teenage girls, especially because they may not know what to expect.It may be appropriate for a teenager to see a women's healthcare provider if she is having very irregular or very painful periods, especially if period pain is causing her to miss school or social activities, if she has not shown any signs of puberty (such as breast development) by age 14, if her period has not started by age 16, or if she is sexually active or is considering becoming sexually active. If your daughter is preparing for her first OB-GYN visit, below are a few ways you can help make the experience comfortable.

4 Tips To Help Ease Your Daughter’s First Gynecologist Visit

1. Discuss First-Meeting Expectations

Talk to your daughter about the value of the first visit. Walk her through what to expect when meeting with a gynecologist and explain that the initial meeting will be primarily a discussion and a noninvasive examination. Allow her to ask questions about what the provider’s line of practice is and what examinations are typically like..  Encourage your daughter to speak with the provider even if you join her for the discussion to help empower her to take charge of her own health care and wellness.

2. Communicate Openly

GynecologistLet your daughter know you’re available to answer any questions about menstruation and general reproductive health. If she’s apprehensive, encourage her to write down any questions she may have about sexual activity or women’s health so that she remembers to ask her gynecologist and is prepared to establish a relationship with the doctor.

3. Provide Family Medical History

Should you have a family history of breast cancer or conditions such as infertility, be prepared to share this information with your daughter’s gynecologist. While you don’t want to alarm your teenager, having this medical information prepared will be valuable to her health care team and can help shape the course of preventative care moving forward. 

4. Give Your Daughter Privacy

Discussing periods, birth control, and general reproductive health can be uncomfortable for teenagers. With this in mind, be prepared to offer your daughter some privacy or one-on-one time with their gynecologist if all parties are comfortable with this dynamic. Giving your daughter space will keep the lines of communication open as she learns more about her own development  and will help prepare her for future visits as an adult.  

 

If you’re a parent in Oswego County, NY, and you’re looking for a knowledgeable, family-oriented gynecologist that will put your teenager at ease, Oswego County OB-GYN PC is the perfect women’s health clinic for compassionate reproductive care. With an emphasis on preventative health care, you can trust this team to provide sound guidance through every life stage. Call today at (315) 343-2590 to schedule an appointment and visit their website for more information on their services from birth control to treating infertility. 

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