Adolescent Gynecology in Bethesda, MD
What is Adolescent Gynecology?
Adolescent gynecology helps address issues that affect the female reproductive organ for young women. Your gynecologist can be a partner in your healthcare to help you diagnose, treat, and manage conditions that may arise in puberty or through the teen years. Often, young women have their first visit with a gynecologist between the ages of 13 years and 18.
What are Topics Addressed Under Adolescent Gynecology?
Early on, young women will often see a family medicine doctor or a pediatrician who oversees their health and wellness.
However, there may come a time when you may need to seek help from a gynecologist that specializes in helping young women feel comfortable and cared for.
Some issues that you may need to be addressed include:
- Education about menstruation or periods
- Discussions about painful or heavy periods
- Birth control options and implementation
- First pap smear
- Changes through puberty that may raise concerns
- Urinary tract infections
- Yeast infections
- PMS symptoms
- Emotional ups and downs
- Healthy discussions about sexuality or sexual relationships
- Protect against sexually-transmitted diseases
- Concerns about rape or abuse
- Preventing, planning, or addressing teen pregnancy
When Should I Have My First Gynecology Visit?
It is normal to feel nervous about your first visit. It may help if you talk about your concerns with your parents or someone else you trust. You may want to let your doctor know you are nervous. Our doctors can help put you at ease and answer any questions you may have.
Many young women have their first visit between 13-18 years of age. If the young woman is sexually active or has issues with periods, you may see a gynecologist sooner.
The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends annual pap tests to screen for cervical cancer starting at age 21, regardless of sexual activity. But issues can come up long before then.
What Can I Expect At My Appointment?
The first visit may be just a talk between you and your doctor. It is important to find someone you can trust, so you can have an open conversation.
Your doctor may ask a lot of questions about you that may seem personal. For example, you may be asked questions about your menstrual period or sexual activities (including vaginal, oral, or anal sex). Your doctor needs to ask these questions to best know how to care for you.
Giving honest answers to these questions is key to your care. If you are concerned about confidentiality, you and your doctor should talk about it before you answer any questions. Much of the information you share can be kept confidential. If you are worried about a parent, discuss this ahead of time.
After you have had a consultation or conversation, you may have another appointment for future visits. This may include an exam, vaccinations, or prescription for medications or birth control, depending on your need. You can ask questions about your body, growing up, and sex.
Will I Need an Exam?
Many concerns can be addressed without an exam. Your gynecologist will put your needs first and make sure you feel heard and cared for.
If there are some issues that need a closer look, your doctor may recommend:
- A weight, height, and blood pressure check
- A urine sample
- If you are sexually active, you may have tests for certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound where a jelly-like substance is put on your stomach and your doctor uses a wand to see your uterus or other organs
- You usually do not need to have a pelvic exam unless you are having problems, such as abnormal bleeding or pain
- A pelvic exam includes a look at the vagina or vulva
- To check your internal organs, your doctor will place one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into the vagina and up to the cervix
- A pap smear is a sample of cells is taken from your cervix with a small brush looking for things that can lead to cancer
Seek a Specialist for Help
Our adolescent gynecologists are highly trained to deal with young women in a respectful way. They are skilled at making them feel comfortable while keeping them safe and healthy. If you are unsure if what you experiencing is “normal” when it comes to growth, development, periods, or sex, please seek out help.
