If you have a daughter, you may be wondering when she should start visiting a gynecologist. Regular well-woman exams are the foundation of preventive health care for half the population. That’s why you should explain to your daughter why the visits are necessary and help her establish a routine to carry into adulthood. Here are some of the topics you may want to discuss with her.

When to Make the First Appointment 

Girls should start seeing a gynecologist when they're between the ages of 13 and 15. Some parents assume that as long as their teens aren’t sexually active, they don’t need to visit a gynecologist; however, well-woman visits are about so much more than birth control. Annual exams check reproductive health and that teens are developing as they should. 

What to Expect at the First Appointment

It’s natural for your teen to be nervous about her first visit to the gynecologist, so go over what will happen at the appointment. Typically, a first visit will include a brief pelvic and breast exam. The health care provider will want to discuss menstruation and sexual health with your daughter as well.

You can ease your daughter’s anxiety by telling her that the exam itself doesn’t hurt and only takes a few minutes. Remind her that the doctor sees patients facing all kinds of issues every day, so there’s no reason to feel embarrassed by any questions she wants to ask. If your daughter is still nervous, offer to stay in the exam room with her or remain just outside the door in case she needs anything. 

If your daughter is ready to visit a gynecologist, take her to the compassionate health care providers at Fairbanks Clinic, Inc. Since 1932, the Alaskan medical center has served the needs of patients within a 100-mile radius. A family-oriented practice, they treat individuals at all stages of life. To explore their health care services, visit their website. To make an appointment for your daughter at their women’s health clinic, call (907) 452-1761.