It is recommended for girls to have their first gynecology visit during the ages of 13 to 15 years. Teenage girls are usually nervous about their first visit, and understandably so. It is best for them to consult parents or someone they can trust before the visit. A gynecology checkup is essential at that age to ensure their overall well being. Continuing on the subject, we present you a few facts on what to expect during a first gynecology visit, the tests performed, vaccination info, and few tips for general well-being. 

What to Expect From Your First Gynecology Visit 

The first visit usually involves a casual conversation with your doctor wherein they pose simple questions to better understand your health. They might also ask you to undergo certain examinations. Questions asked by your gynaecologist doctor will mostly include topics covering your menstrual period, sexual activity, and other rather personal topics. It is highly advisable to be open and honest with your doctor. Most of the information you share will be kept confidential by your gynecologist doctor. If you aren’t comfortable disclosing the information, talk to your doctor beforehand to try and establish rapport and trust. 

Tests and Exams Performed by a Gynaecologist Doctor 

A general physical exam and an external genital exam are performed during your first few visits to the gynaecologist doctor. In a few special cases such as featuring abnormal bleeding or pain, a pelvic exam is recommended. If there’s a case of sexual activity, an STI exam will be conducted too. Most of the tests require that you provide a urine sample and are not very complicated or time-consuming.

During a general physical exam, your doctor will check your height, weight, and blood pressure. After this, they will conduct an overall examination to assess any specific illnesses or other medical conditions. During an external genital exam, your doctor will examine the vulva and help you better understand your private parts. The pelvic exam is not commonly performed during the initial visits to a gynaecologist doctor, except in rare cases. The pelvic exam covers three parts, which are the vulva, vagina, cervix and other internal organs. It is conducted with a gloved hand. When you’re much older, about 21 years, the gynaecologist doctor might ask you to appear for a Pap test. 

Read Related: The Significance of Regular Gynaecologist Consultations During Teenage

Common Vaccinations and Immunisations 

Vaccination and immunisation help in protecting the body against certain diseases and conditions. Here is a list of vaccines given to all young girls aged 11-18 years:

• Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (TDAP) Booster
• Meningococcal Vaccine
• Influenza Vaccine 
• Human Papillomavirus Vaccine 
• Hepatitis A Virus Vaccine
• Pneumococcal Vaccine 

5 Tips to Help You Stay Healthy 

1. Eat a balanced diet, exercise often, and maintain a healthy weight. Check your BMI often and understand the current state of your body. 
2. Avoid indulging in bad habits such as cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and so on. 
3. Seek help from adults such as your parents, grandparents, siblings, and relatives during times of emotional turbulence. 
4. It is recommended to be on birth control if you are sexually active and seek to avoid pregnancy. Always use a latex condom while engaging in sex to prevent STIs. 
5. Visit a gynecology doctor regularly for tests, vaccinations and routine checkups. 

Wrap up:

A Gynecology visit is a must for teenage girls who experience rapid spurts of growth leading to drastic emotional and physical changes. Staying in regular touch with a gynaecologist ensures a smooth transition from being a teenager to adulthood. Whether you need help in choosing a trusted gynecology doctor in Delhi, Gurgaon or Dwarka, look for a clinic chain aggregator that can connect you with the best names in the field.