Adolescent girls need to learn to take care of their reproductive health at an early age. At Alpenglow Gynecology, Rickie Guida, WHNP-BC and the team take a special interest in helping teens understand their gynecologic health. Girls in Littleton, Colorado, can benefit from her years of expertise. Just call the office or book an appointment online.
A teen benefits from having her first appointment between the ages of 13 and 15. A pelvic exam is not usually performed at this meeting. Rather, it’s a time to get to know your provider and ask questions about issues or concerns a young woman may have, including:
A team member performs a general health exam that includes height, weight, and blood pressure measurements during this initial visit and offers recommendations for good reproductive health habits. A teen may undergo a brief external genital exam, too – but not a full pelvic exam.
Most women get their first pelvic exam at age 21, which includes a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer. The team makes sure girls feel comfortable during this first exam experience.
A pelvic exam may be recommended earlier if a girl has painful periods, abnormal bleeding, or irregular vaginal secretions.
A team member covers issues that affect teens’ reproductive and overall health, including alcohol and drug abuse as well as unprotected sex. Issues such as mood, depression, diet, and sexuality may also be addressed. They discuss the issue of sexually transmitted diseases and the symptoms and risks associated.
The vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) is also a topic covered at a teen girls’ visit. Ideally, this vaccine is given before a teen becomes sexually active to protect against this common infection that‘s associated with cervical cancer.
A teen girl likely has an irregular period for the first two years after it starts. The cycle may come more often or less often than every four weeks and may even skip a month here and there.
If a teen has especially painful periods that interfere with daily activity or has heavy blood flow, a visit to Alpenglow Gynecology is a must. Soaking through pads or tampons within an hour or two is something that should be discussed.
To schedule a gynecologic appointment for your teen, call Alpenglow Gynecology or book an appointment online.
