Teen Gynecology: Building Healthy Habits That Last a Lifetime

Adolescent gynecology is a health service that helps girls navigate the transition from childhood into womanhood. It’s also an opportunity for parents to give their daughters insight into how to manage their health and wellness during adulthood. 

At Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom, we understand the importance of adolescent gynecology, and also the trust that parents place in us when they bring their daughters in for care. 

Timothy Phelan, MD, has worked with women of all ages for more than three decades. Over that time, he’s established an outstanding bedside manner and the communication skills necessary for building trust with his youngest patients. 

What’s the right time to bring my daughter in for teen gynecology?

Most parents bring their daughters in for their first teen gynecology visit around the time that puberty begins. This timing ensures that teens have a resource to turn to with any questions or concerns about the changes that puberty brings. 

As the time nears for this initial visit, you can help your daughter become more comfortable with this new form of health care by discussing what to expect and how gynecology is a part of maintaining good health as she grows up. 

Is a pelvic exam part of the process?

In most cases, a pelvic exam is not part of a girl’s early gynecology services. Unless a teen has become sexually active or is experiencing gynecologic symptoms, there’s usually no need to perform a pelvic exam. Pap testing is not usually done prior to early adulthood. 

Early gynecology visits focus on creating a trusting bond between patient and practitioner. They are informative visits where girls are encouraged to ask any questions they have about their bodies or sexual health. 

One of the most common topics covered during these visits is menstruation. Many teens are curious about what to expect when their periods begin, whether their monthly bleeding is “normal,” and how to manage symptoms like cramping and mood swings. 

Some girls are curious about birth control. Even if your child isn’t having sex, learning about birth control options and sexually transmitted diseases are topics that need to be covered. 

Ideally, girls will begin sexual intimacy with a full understanding of how to protect against unwanted pregnancy and STDs.

It is common for girls to have questions about topics like sexual orientation, gender identity, and other topics that make many parents uncomfortable. Having a trusted medical advisor to turn to can help teens and families handle these discussions in a healthy manner. 

Helping teens build a foundation for a lifetime of good health

Gynecology is an essential health need for women of all ages. Bringing your teen in for adolescent gynecology visits is a great way to help her develop trust in healthcare practitioners and begin to take an active role in shaping her own health and wellness future. 

The teenage years are filled with transitions between childhood and adulthood. When it comes to managing their own health journey, teen gynecology can be very empowering. If you’d like to schedule a visit for your teen, the team at Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom is here to help. 

We offer convenient online booking as one option, or you can always reach our office by phone during normal business hours.