As your child becomes an adult or sexually active, visiting the OB-GYN is an important step to take. But what are the questions to ask at a first OB-GYN appointment?
The questions to ask at a first OB-GYN appointment will vary based on your child’s needs, concerns, and lifestyle. But no matter what, it’s helpful to understand that gynecologists specialize in women’s health and can be a resource for the questions your teen is bound to have.
It’s also helpful to set an example for your child on the importance of caring for their health. Any person with female anatomy should receive regular checkups and care with an OB-GYN (or a gynecologist if pregnancy is not a concern) as they reach adulthood or become sexually active.
To help you and your child prepare for a first visit to an OB-GYN, here are some questions you may want to ask.
Questions to Ask at a First OB-GYN Visit
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (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 adults to talk about gynecologic issues. “Remember these visits are confidential,” Dr. Steph Lee, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, 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.”
Here are some general questions to ask at the first OB-GYN visit.
1. How much is an OB-GYN visit?
Check with your insurance provider and the office to get a pre-visit estimate of what costs and co-pays you are responsible for. Some offices may make you pay ahead of time. According to the Affordable Care Act, certain preventive services for women are free if you are insured.
2. How can you set up online access for your teen?
Most offices operate with online accounts, but because of privacy medical laws, your teen may be required to have their own account. Be sure you know the rules of setting up the account, accessing their information as needed and what role you will play in scheduling appointments and managing medications. You may both need to be team players for this one.
3. Is there a physical exam?
In most cases, the very 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, exercise, and nutrition.
At the first visit, there is usually a general physical exam and an external genital exam. A pelvic exam may not be needed unless your teen has problems like pain, abnormal bleeding, or discharge. However, if your child is newly sexually active or turning 18, they may be due for their first Pap smear. 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. Although it might seem frustrating, the laws do protect your child’s privacy so knowing ahead of time what you can and cannot access can help you all streamline care.
“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 Reproductive Health
The gynecologist shouldn’t replace your child’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.”
You can also encourage your daughter to ask questions about their menstrual cycle and other issues relating to reproductive health. The following are some suggested questions to ask together or prep your teen about ahead of time if they are going to their appointment alone.
5. Questions about your girl’s menstrual cycle
Now is a great time to ask questions about menstruation like:
- What are some best ways to care for a vagina and vulva?
- What are the best menstrual products to use?
- What changes should she expect with the age she is?
- How can fluctuating hormones affect her body?
- What is considered a “regular” and an “irregular” period?
- What signs warrant a checkup?
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. Should she receive 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 HPV vaccine, which the CDC recommends for everyone under the age of 26. 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. How should she monitor for breast cancer?
If your child has breast tissue, ask the gynecologist to explain how to perform 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 About Sexual Health
Though it may be awkward, your daughter or child needs 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.
Lastly, encourage your child to ask any questions they have with their OB-GYN, especially any that they are not comfortable discussing with you. As they grow, they will transition to being in charge of their own health more and more, so it’s important to empower them now to listen to their body and develop a good relationship with their health practitioners.
