A Teenage Girl’s First Gynecological Exam

Northern Colorado Women's Wellness

Located in Greeley Colorado, Noco Women's Wellness is a Gynecology practice whose mission is to help women of all lifestyles heal their way to better health and happiness. Our team of female providers is dedicated to helping each patient achieve maximum wellness and to be their best self.

Girls should have their first gynecologic visit between the ages of 13 years and 15 years. In our experience, most girls prefer a female healthcare provider.

Common questions teenage girls might have during their first visit to Noco Women’s Wellness:

• Your body and how it is changing
• Cramps and problems with menstrual periods
• Acne
• Weight
• Sex and sexuality
• Birth control
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
• Emotional ups and downs
• Alcohol, drugs, and smoking

You may have certain exams at the first visit:

• General physical exam
• External genital exam

During the general exam, your height, weight, and blood pressure will be checked. You also will be examined for any health problems you may have.

During the external genital exam, the health care provider looks at the vulva. This exam is a good way for you to learn about your body and the names for each part.

You usually do not need to have a pelvic exam at the first visit unless you are having problems, such as abnormal bleeding or pain. The pelvic exam has three parts:

• Looking at the vulva.
• Looking at the vagina and cervix with a speculum
• Checking the internal organs with a gloved hand

If you are sexually active, you may have tests for certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Most of the tests that teens need can be done by the doctor with a urine sample. You also may have certain vaccinations.

If all this sounds overwhelming, be assured that, as female health care providers, we understand, and take the time to make teenage girls feel safe, comfortable, and reassured.

Definitions

Birth Control: Prevention of pregnancy.

Cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus, which protrudes into the vagina.

Menstrual Period: The discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus that occurs when an egg is not fertilized (also called menstruation).

Female Health Care Provider: Could be a Certified Nurse Midwife,  Nurse Practitioner, Physicians Assistant or Physician  with special skills, training, and education in women’s health.

Pap Test: A test in which cells are taken from the cervix and vagina and examined under a microscope.

Pelvic Exam: A manual examination of a woman’s reproductive organs.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Diseases that are spread by sexual contact.

Speculum: An instrument used to hold open the walls of the vagina.

Vagina: A tube-like structure surrounded by muscles leading from the uterus to the outside of the body.

Vulva: The external female genital area.