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For some of us, the thought of taking our teenage daughter to the OB-GYN would never occur to us — it may even seem foreign, uncomfortable, or anathema. But the gynecologist isn’t just for when your child is sexually active or preparing to be. Gynecologists specialize in women’s health and can be a resource for the questions your teen is bound to have. Assuming you’ve found a gynecologist, here are 10 questions for your teen to ask at her first OB-GYN appointment.
Note: During COVID, ask your doctor about virtual office visits. If you are seeing a doctor in person, make sure to ask about the facility's safety measures and confirm that they are following COVID-19 protocols as indicated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Reproductive health care for teens: Their first ob-gyn visit
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG) recommends girls have their first visit between the ages of 13 and 15 to begin establishing a relationship with a gynecologist for their future reproductive health care. This way, your child knows who to ask regarding issues like irregular periods, pelvic pain, contraception, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
It’s normal for your teen to be nervous, and it can be hard even for adult women to talk about gynecologic issues. “Remember these visits are confidential,” spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics Dr. Steph Lee told Mom.com. “It's the perfect time to ask their doctor questions they might have about their sexual health that they are too embarrassed to google or ask their parents.”
1. How much is an ob-gyn visit?
Check with your insurance provider and your gynecologist regarding co-pays — if any. According to the Affordable Care Act, certain preventive services for women are free if you are insured.
2. What to expect during your teen’s first ob-gyn appointment
The first ob-gyn appointment is primarily educational. The gynecologist will take a family health history and ask questions about your child’s menstrual and reproductive history. The doctor will also discuss medications, social activities, smoking and other controlled substances, and exercise and a healthy diet for a teenage girl.
3. Is there a physical exam?
At the first visit, there is usually a general physical exam and an external genital exam. There usually isn’t a pelvic exam unless your teen has problems like abdominal pain or abnormal bleeding or discharge. Your teen can ask to have someone else present for any portion of the exam.
4. Are the exams confidential?
There may be questions or concerns your child may want to keep private, so find out their office policy and procedures regarding treatment for teens.
“I know privacy concerns were an issue when I went for my own first visit and when my daughter went the first time,” mom Jill Robbins told Mom.com. “It helps the teen be at ease and better understand the doctor/patient relationship.”
Questions to ask about girl health issues
The gynecologist shouldn’t replace your daughter’s regular pediatrician, but they are experts on the female reproductive system and women’s health. Use them as a resource.
“Great topics for myth-busting include how to keep your vagina clean, can you get pregnant on your period, and does birth control always make you gain weight,” suggested pediatrician Dr. Lee. “A great website I direct all young ladies to is Center for Young Women’s Health.”
5. Questions about your girl’s menstrual cycle
Your daughter may have lots of questions about menstruation like:
- How to care for her body
- What menstrual products to use
- What changes her body will undergo
- How fluctuating hormones can affect her body
- What is considered a “regular” and “irregular” period
6. Are her PMS symptoms normal
“Many teens face painful cramps or nauseous feelings,” mom of two Tiffany T told us. “It's important to communicate any strange or painful symptoms of PMS to their gynecologist just in case anything else is going on, like PCOS.”
7. Questions about vaccines like the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
Since for many women their gynecologist is their primary source of medical care, gynecologists often administer HPV, influenza, and Tdap vaccines for their patients.
They can also answer questions about the safety or needfulness of the HPV vaccine. It is recommended that all kids get the HPV vaccine between the ages of 11 and 12 – although it can be administered as early as age 9 — so you may want to check with your pediatrician about scheduling this way before your daughter's first ob-gyn visit.
8. Symptoms of breast cancer
Your child’s gynecologist will explain how she can do breast self-exams and discuss symptoms like dimpled skin, or changes in appearance to the breast like redness, swelling, new lumps, and especially discharge.
Questions to ask an ob-gyn about a teenage girl's sexual activity
Though it may be awkward, it’s important for your daughter to have a safe space to ask her questions about sex, contraception, and sexual health.
9. How to make healthy sexual choices
Part of reproductive health is making healthy lifestyle choices as it pertains to sex. If your daughter is considering — or partaking in — intimate sexual contact or oral, vaginal, and/or anal sex, her gynecologist will likely discuss:
- Consent
- Sexual health risks
- Safe sexual practices
10. What kinds of contraception are available
Your daughter’s gynecologist will discuss the different types of contraception available, emergency contraception, and abortions. They should also be able to provide additional resources for your child to access.
