The first visit to an ob-gyn be a little nerve-wracking for your teen. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk to her about what to expect before the appointment.
The first visit to an ob-gyn be a little nerve-wracking for your teen. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk to her about what to expect before the appointment. She may need to know why these visits are necessary, but most importantly, she’ll want to know what is going to happen at the doctor’s office.
Why Is It Necessary?
Doctor’s visits aren’t just necessary when you feel sick, and this first ob-gyn visit is no exception. Ob-gyn visits are about prevention, but they also provide your daughter a safe space to ask questions. And while regular pelvic exams can detect problems early on, this first visit is nothing to worry about. It’s mainly an opportunity for your teenager to establish a relationship with her new ob-gyn. Before you schedule an appointment, you should talk to her, because she may feel more comfortable seeing a female gynecologist.
What Will Happen?
Your daughter will probably be most worried about the physical exam. You can reassure her that this part is only a brief portion of her visit. The ob-gyn will most likely conduct a breast exam, but not every first ob-gyn visit includes a pelvic exam. Neither examination will be painful, but it may be a little unnerving for the first time.
The biggest part of the visit will be spent going over your teenager’s medical history. It’s a good idea to bring relevant medical records, including her vaccine records. If your daughter has started menstruating, then the ob-gyn will also ask her questions about her cycle. It may be a good idea for her to start recording the dates, length, and severity for future reference.
Your teenager won’t be excited about the idea of her first ob-gyn visit, but there’s no reason for her to be scared. When you take her to a gynecologist for teens in The Woodlands, it’s important to let her know that she can always talk to you about her experience. If she doesn’t feel comfortable with the doctor, you can help her find one she clicks with.