My daughter is 14 yrs old and has had her period for over a year. She is NOT sexually active (thank God). When do I need to take her for her first female exam with a gynecologist? Or can she get her first exam with the Pediatrician?
My mom never took me to get any female exams...
Thank you to all who responded.
I called my Gyno's office and asked the nurse on when I should bring her in. She said the Dr. suggests to bring her in if one of these four occurs:
1. 14/15 yr old who has NOT begun her period yet
2. Has problems/irregularities with her period
3. Is sexually active
4. 17/18 yo old about to head off to college (good time frame to start exams)
Anyway, just for future references for any other moms of girl teenagers!!!
My moms gyno told her that unless I was having problems with my period or there seemed to be a problem there that there was no reason to start bringing me until I became sexually active.
I went when I was 17 thats when my mom said her mom took her so thats what I did. I go to a woman and that really made me feel more comfortable. I think really that I should have gone earlier maybe 14-15 or so. Its best to get checked out early just incase there could be anything wrong and then you are comfortable when you need to go in later when you do have a prob and not the prob visit be the first one b/c that could be embarassing for a young girl. I think its best to not let the pedi do the exam b.c they have known her whole life and she may become more embarrased to go back for normal visits afterawrds. I am glad that I went to a gyno and only had to see that doc once a year. Good Luck and you may just ask your daughter how she feels on the diff issues that you need to make discisions on so she feels included (my mom did that and it helped).
Hi, my mom took me to a gyno when I was 14, and I don't know if he was just an idiot, or what, but he gave me a full papsmear! My mom was in the room, so it's not like he doing anything weird, but what was wrong with him, and her, to do that to a sexually-inactive girl? Not that I think you would do that, but just wanted to share my experience, so you'd watch out for your daughter a little more closely. Based on my experience, I would definitely talk to her pedi to see they say about it. I know you can take your kids to the pedi until they are about 18. Hope this helps!
D.
I think it is up to her to decide what she would be most comfortable with. I didn't need a female exam until I asked to go on BCP and then my pedi. did it because I felt comfortable with her. However it is never a bad idea to build a relationship with a gyno. now like the previous person stated.
My mom took me when I became sexually active (16).
My step-mom took me when I was 19, and I had started my period when I was 11. My step-mom was flabbergasted when she found out my mom had never taken me. I was told that you should start going when you start your period.
Just wanted to say thank you for posting this. I have been curous of the same. My daughter is almost 13 and started a year ago. Thanks again and good luck to the rasing of a teen-age girl.
Very interesting question!
I took my daughter to see the doctor when she started her period and I think she thought I was weird! But she started so young! No pap smear then or since then (she's 17, not sexually active).
Based on the advice I read in response to your post, I guess I'll take her for her first gyno sometime this year or when she turns 18!
Thanks for asking the question!
A.
My mom took me when I was 14 soon after I started my period for the first time. She took me to her doctor and it wasn't anything like a normal Gyno appointment, but I felt grown up and respected just going! He didn't examine me or anything. He talked to me about how to take care of myself, STD's, protection, etc. Mine happened to be a male and it didn't bother me and I still go to a male Dr. now. Some women feel uncomfortable with that though. But, I think the first appointments are more informative and not invasive so that shouldn't be a problem.
I would take her soon. I really think it is important to take her BEFORE she is sexually active. Also, since she has had her period (I started at 14 and I think that is why my mom took me then) she has become a woman! :)
Good luck!
If she has started her period I would probably go ahead and take her. If not I would take her for a yearly physical with her Pediatrician and ask him/her when the appropriate time is. I thought it was at the latest one year after your first period. I went for the first time at 15.
Personally, I'd take her to a gyno that she can develop a rapport with and potentially keep for a looong time. That will help also with feeling akward around the pediatrician when it's just a routine check up. My mom took me in when I was 14 because my periods were so screwed up / timing and she was getting po'd at me messing up clothes since it'd just start w/o warning. I still have the same gyno today... and having that history there to build upon I think is key.
I've always heard that the age of 18 or when you become sexually active, is when you should go. As long as she never has any problems, then I wouldn't think she'd need to go in sooner. Maybe just ask her pediatrician, and see what s/he says.
