As your body changes through puberty, you might wonder about the right time to start visiting a trusted gynecologist. Establishing a relationship with an OB/GYN early on can help you understand and manage your sexual and reproductive health, not just now, but through life.
At FemmPro OB/GYN in Garden City and Massapequa, New York, our team of board-certified obstetricians and gynecologists can support you through puberty and in the years beyond at every stage of life. We specialize in women’s health for all ages and can address concerns like abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain.
If you’re a young woman or the mother of one, here’s what you need to know about what women’s healthcare involves and when to begin:
Well-woman exams
Well-woman exams are annual (yearly) appointments with one of our gynecologists to review your sexual and reproductive health. We might touch on some other health and wellness topics, too. You don’t need symptoms to book this appointment — it’s part of preventive care – which is most important and always our goal for you.
When to start
Girls as young as 13 can start visiting FemmPro OB/GYN for well-woman exams. These initial well-woman exams as a teenager don’t include some of the more in-depth services that later well-woman exams have. But your gynecologist can review your health and answer any questions that come to mind.
What they cover
Well-woman exams for adolescents can cover many topics, including:
- Puberty
- Sexuality
- Menstruation (your period)
- Contraception
- Habits like eating and physical activity
- Mental health history, including anxiety and depression
We might recommend specific preventive care services during well-woman visits, such as breast exams or vaccinations.
Pelvic exams
Pelvic exams take a deeper look at the health of organs in your reproductive system. These include your cervix, uterus, and ovaries.
When to start
Generally, women should start getting pelvic exams during their annual well-woman visits by age 21. You might need to start earlier if you have specific symptoms such as:
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during sex
- Vaginal discharge that smells or looks unusual
- Irregular periods
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Concerns about pregnancy
- Concerns about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
We recommend women continue getting yearly pelvic exams until around age 65 or longer as required.
Pap tests
Pap tests (Pap smears) can be performed starting at age 21 during well-woman exams. A Pap test checks for changes in the cells on your cervix. Abnormal paps can of course be further investigated.
Book your first visit today
If you’re a young woman or the mother of an adolescent, talk to our team of doctors about your first GYN visit. Call or text FemmPro OB/GYN, or request an appointment online today.
