Your first appointment with the gynecologist
“Your first appointment with the gynecologist “
Vasileios Karountzos, Efthimios Deligeoroglou, Artemis Tsitsika
During puberty your body goes through a lot of changes both physical and emotional. During that time, you may experience various gynecological problems, for example pain during menstruation, and/or menstrual disorders, excessive vaginal discharge, excessive body hair growth. In such cases visiting a specialized child obstetrician will help prevent similar symptoms and potential problems.
According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines, the first visit to a child obstetrician should be done preferably around the age of 13-15 years. However, it can be postponed until the age of 21, provided there are no disorders.
The idea of visiting a gynecologist can make you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable, however, a specialized child obstetrician understands those feelings and will help you cope with them. He will also help you understand your body and your reproductive system, for your future health and well-being. You have the chance to discuss things that concern you, that you don’t want to share with your parents or your pediatrician, such as methods of contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, or questions about your first sexual intercourse. Even, for some girls at your age, this visit can be an opportunity to have “a sincere and open discussion” with their parents, about having an active sexual life, such as sexual practices, avoiding pregnancy and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.
Moreover, the visit to the child obstetrician, gives you the opportunity to gather valid and valuable information regarding the changes your body goes through. The gynecologist will discuss with you about acne, probable period irregularities, breast growth, body hair growth or acne, your diet, your sexual activity, contraceptive methods and will expand your knowledge on sexually transmitted diseases. You can also discuss any health problems, as well as your family’s medical history and your sexual health, and get answers to all your questions. The examination varies depending on whether a girl is sexually active or not. It includes a general physical examination, breast and thyroid gland examination, PAP smear for sexually active girls. The presence of a nurse or a member of the family (usually the mother) is usually required during the examination of a teenage girl.
The first appointment with the gynecologist may initially be stressful and make you feel uncomfortable. However, it is fundamental for your life because it helps your transition into adulthood, by maintaining good vaginal health and preventing possible disorders.
Vassilios KarountzosResident physician in Obstetrics and Gynaecology,PhD candidate at the Medical School of Athens University, Scientific Associate of the Greek Society of Adolescent Medicine
Efthymios Deligeoroglou
Professor of Obstetrics - Gynecology, at the Medical School of Athens University, Scientific Associate of the Greek Society of Adolescent Medicine
Artemis Tsitsika
Ass. Professor of Pediatrics - Adolescent Medicine
Scientific Coordinator of the Program "PROLEPSIS» ran by the Greek Society of Adolescent Medicine
