First Gynecologic Exam

Who, when, what and how are the part of the many questions parents ask when considering their daughter’s health. Adolescent girls are growing up faster and OB/GYN practitioners can help with their choices in health care. Both gynecologists and ARNP's have the clinical skills necessary to perform the appropriate assessments.

Making a young woman’s first GYN exam a positive experience will influence further decisions in her health. Women practitioners seem to put their patients at ease. They tend to be less critical, less judgmental, less threatening and talk more.

When do adolescents need to be seen? The recommended age for the first pelvic exam and Pap smear is 21 or younger, if the patient is sexually active. Practitioners address many issues with adolescents during this visit.

The sensitive issues and risky behaviors include substance abuse, smoking, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, STD’s and contraception. Questions are both welcomed and encouraged. Written information is made available.

The first visit starts with establishing rapport with the adolescent, including the adolescent in all the aspects of decisions. We include issues of privacy and confidentiality, especially when dealing with older adolescents. It is important the adolescent has someone to confide in, and we encourage parents to trust us to be that someone for their child.

Certain topics may be discussed in the first visit or at the next follow up, if needed. The adolescent is given the choice to have their parent present during the exam. The most important aspect of the exam is “looking”, to offer the use of a mirror, to keep the conversation open, to explain what it is to be done before touching and showing the instrument used.

After the exam is complete, the practitioner congratulates the adolescent for her cooperation, discusses the results of the exam, the diagnosis and the management plan with the patient and her parents once she is dressed. An adolescent girl’s first pelvic exam is one she will always remember. This is the best time to give information and set a good example for her health care.

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in the Gynecology and Infertility Associates web site should be relied upon for medical education purposes only. It is not intended to replace the independent judgment of a health care provider. The appropriateness of a course of treatment for a patient may vary from the medical information provided herein due to individual conditions and/or complications.