Submitted by Brittany King, APN, WHNP, Advanced Women’s Healthcare
Many parents find themselves struggling with the question of, “when is the right time for their daughter to see a gynecologist?” The belief systems of our grandparents era was that the “right time” would coincide with sexual activity. However, in modern times, health care providers and specifically gynecologists in this case, offer care and wellness for all phases of a woman’s lifetime – including the transition from childhood to young adult.
Many young women and adolescents face the same issues that adult women face, but are too embarrassed or shy to address them. The choices and decisions they make, however, could have important consequences for their well-being and future. Although mothers have probably been the dominant force in making their daughter’s health care decisions up until now, it’s wise to involve daughters in this one. Your teen may be more comfortable speaking openly to someone that hasn’t known her since she was born!
However, the needs of parents are important too. Parents need to understand that the health care provider will not be able to share information with parents unless the teen says it is okay or if the provider feels that the teen may be engaged in an activity that could be harmful. Therefore, I suggest that parents ask the prospective provider – which will usually be an advanced practice nurse – about the approach and philosophy toward a teenager’s level of sexual activity. You need to trust this person with giving your daughter appropriate information about important decisions in her life.
The “right time” to consult with a gynecologist’s office depends heavily on the teen’s emotional and physical development. With menstruation cycles occurring for girls as young as nine years old, the conversation with the health care provider may be more focused on health, and taking care of her changing body versus sexual activity. Open conversation with your daughter about such topics as well as issues such as smoking, alcohol and drug use are generally quite awkward for parents, but very necessary. You don’t want your daughter getting information from her peers or the internet.
Healthcare providers can help engage you and your daughter in these conversations. And by building a health care relationship with a young woman early, the conversations become easier over time as topics may change from menses care and education (use of tampons, pads, addressing cramping, irregularity, etc.); to healthy eating and exercise; to birth control methods and sexually transmitted diseases, which are especially important for a healthcare provider to address as it is common for parents to be unaware of sexual activity.
The anticipation of visiting a gynecologist’s office for the first time is often filled with anxiety, but it does not need to be. A pelvic exam is often not necessary during the initial stages of puberty. In fact, one misnomer is that a pap smear is almost always required during a gynecologist exam. This is far from the truth, in that present guidelines indicate that a pap smear is recommended at age 21, or three years after the first sexual experience – whichever occurs first.
These initial visits are about building a relationship and encouraging education and open conversation with teen girls, so that they feel empowered to ask their own questions, and can build body confidence. Healthcare providers can be instrumental in helping parents and teens navigate the often tumultuous and confusing years for teen girls as they transition from “your little girl” to an independent young adult. We want to make sure that teen girls, along with their parents, know that everyone shares the same goals: to ensure that teens are healthy, stay healthy, and are acting responsibly.
Brittany King is an advanced practice nurse specializing in women’s health. She works alongside Dele Ogunleye, M.D., to provide a full range of obstetric and gynecologic services. You may contact Brittany or Dr. Ogunleye at Advanced Women’s Healthcare at 309-808-3068 or www.awhcare.com. The office is located at 2111 East Oakland Avenue (Next to the Jewel-Osco Plaza).