The first visit to the gynecologist
When should the first visit to the gynecologist be? What is it and do you need to prepare for it in a special way? What questions can the doctor ask, and does he / she carry out tests at the first visit? In what situations is it recommended to consult a gynecologist before starting menstruation? What is the role of parents during the girl's first visit to the gynecological office?
Every woman knows the importance of regular gynecological checkup. Fortunately, health awareness in the population is growing, and knowledge about appropriate prophylaxis and the possibility of diagnosing and treating certain female diseases is more common. Every woman should undergo gynecological consultation once a year - not only until the end of procreation. When is it time to see a gynecologist for the first time and what is worth knowing about such a visit?
When is the first visit to the gynecologist?
If the current development does not cause concern to the parents and the pediatrician who takes care of the girl, the first visit to the gynecologist should take place after the start of menstruation. This meeting is purely informative. It serves determining whether there are any abnormalities in the girl's sexual development, and - if necessary - gynecological education.
You can wait until the age of 15 for the first menstruation to start. If it does not appear by then, it is also worth going to the gynecologist to check the cause.
The first visit to the gynecologist: how is it going?
During the first visit, there is usually no need for a gynecological examination, and the whole thing consists mainly in talking to the patient and the parent. The doctor discusses with the little girl the course of the correct menstrual cycle and explains what it should look like self-examination of the breast. In agreement with the patient's parents, a decision is also made about vaccination against HPV. This vaccination is most effective when used from the age of 11 until before sexual activity. When vaccinating against human papilloma up to the age of 14, a two-dose scheme is used. After the age of 14, it is mandatory to vaccinate with 3 doses.
Expert advises
It is a good idea to bring a menstrual cycle diary with you for the first gynecological visit. The doctor's basic questions will concern the course of the cycle, the duration of menstruation, the severity of bleeding and any accompanying pain. The remaining questions concern general health, medications used and surgeries.
During the first visit to the gynecologist, in some cases it is necessary to examine the external genitalia or perform ultrasound with a transabdominal probe. It is worth knowing that then, for a good result of the test, a full bladder is necessary. Very rarely, when changes in the reproductive organ are suspected and poor visualization with a transabdominal probe, a rectal ultrasound examination may be required.
When is the visit to the gynecologist before the first menstruation?
When to go for a gynecological visit before the onset of menstruation? The rationale for such a consultation is as follows:
- if vaginal bleeding occurs before the age of 9;
- when there are discharge, itching, redness of the labia or other changes worrying the parents;
- when features of sexual maturation appear, such as the development of the mammary glands, an increase in axillary or pubic hair.
Check-up by a gynecologist in early adolescence allows you to get used to a doctor of this specialty and report in case of any problems with genital organs. or to plan appropriate contraceptive methods before having sex.
Expert advises
If, however, for various reasons, it is not possible to see the gynecologist at that time, the next date of the first visit should be the beginning of sexual activity. Within a year from the first intercourse, and we are talking about any form of sexual contact with a man or woman, cytology is recommended, i.e. a prophylactic examination for cervical cancer. In intercourse patients, the first Pap smear should be performed after the age of 25.
Consultation in case of disorders
Menstrual disorders are more and more common in the group of young women. One of them is secondary amenorrhea, i.e. a situation in which, in a girl who is not yet menstruating, bleeding stops for several months.
The problem may arise from very different reasons and concern both slim, slimming patients, as well as those struggling with overweight and obesity. This condition indicates a hormonal disorder and cannot be underestimated. During the consultation with the gynecologist, appropriate diagnostics and further treatment are determined, as well as the need for possible treatment.
The first visit to the gynecologist: the role of parents
Parents play a very important role in planning the first visit to the gynecologist. A girl who is under 18 years of age comes to visit with a guardian, usually with her mother. It is also important from the point of view of health education, passed down from generation to generation.
Maintaining the attitude of a person who is aware of their health and regularly uses the possibilities of prophylaxis and treatment of gynecological diseases, shapes good habits for the future and allows for longer functioning in health and well-being.
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