Routine Gynecologic Care

If you are the parent of a teenage girl, you might be wondering when she should start seeing a gynecologist. Here is a look at the factors that go into determining the right age to start seeing these medical professionals and what you and your daughter can expect from your first visit.

Recommended Ages For When Should A Girl Start Seeing A Gynecologist

According to the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology and the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, young women should start getting routine Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer at 21, regardless of their level of sexual activity.

However, many girls need to see a gynecologist well before then. In fact, with the average age of the onset of menstruation for girls in the U.S. being 12 years and 9 months, it may be appropriate for your daughter to see a gynecologist as young as 13. One of the top reasons that girls first visit gynecologists are issues related to her period or lack thereof.

If your daughterl does not start to show secondary sexual characteristics such as pubic hair and breasts by 13, it may be a good idea to see a physician to ensure her development is on track. If she does have signs of development such as pubic hair and breast development but has not had her first menstruation by 15, it is important to get further evaluation. Your daughter’s pediatrician can help determine whether seeing a gynecologist would be helpful.

An irregular period is not necessarily a reason to visit a gynecologist on its own as it is common for periods to be irregular when a girl first starts menstruating. However, for girls who continue to have irregular cycles several years after their first period, seeing a gynecologist may help to determine why. Women who have excessive menstrual pain that cannot be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or their period is so heavy that they need to change their tampons or pads every hour, should also see a gynecologist.

In addition, if a specific issue develops, such as a yeast infection or other female health care concern, a gynecologist is the right doctor to visit.

Regardless of their age, girls should always visit a gynecologist once they become sexually active. Ideally, they will see a gynecologist beforehand to discuss birth control.

The First Visit

Coming to see a gynecologist does not always mean that a pelvic exam is needed. The first visit may include a general physical exam, including taking your daughter’s weight, height, and blood pressure. There may also be a brief external genital exam. However, if your daughter is going to a gynecologist because of a specific issue, she may need a pelvic or internal exam

Girls need to understand early on that they have a doctor who can help them with reproductive health issues. Establishing a good rapport with a health-care professional before your daughterneeds to deal with more delicate matters such as sexually related issues can help her to become comfortable getting the help she needs in the future.

Privacy

Let your daughter know ahead of her appointment that she will have a chance to talk to the doctor by herself during part of the visit, which will be a good time for her to discuss private topics with her doctor. Remind her that anything she talks with the doctor about will be kept between them. As long as your daughter is not doing anything that could hurt herself or someone else, what she discusses with the doctor is strictly confidential.

Many times, gynecologists will address risky behavior, such as unprotected sex, smoking, and drug and alcohol abuse. They might also talk about puberty, hygiene, contraception, mental health, and sexually transmitted diseases depending on your daughter’s age and concerns.

Another topic that may come up is the human papillomavirus, or HPV vaccine. Many girls are given this series of injections around 11 or 12 to help prevent the sexually transmitted infection HPV, which is associated with most cervical cancers. Many people choose to get this vaccine before they become sexually active. Your doctor can discuss the specifics and let you know the recommended course of action in your daughter’s case.

Reach Out To Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

Your daughter’s first visit to a gynecologist can be nerve-wracking for both of you. At Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness, we understand the emotions associated with this significant milestone and pride ourselves on offering a comfortable environment to patients of all ages. Get in touch today to find out how we can help your daughter establish a positive relationship with her health-care provider to help manage her health now and in the future.

You might be aware that gynecologist and OB-GYNs are both types of doctors whose focus is women’s health. However, although the two titles might sound similar, they are not interchangeable. Here is a closer look at these two medical specialists and what is the difference between a gynecologist and an OBGYN.

Gynecologists

A gynecologist focuses on the aspects of a woman’s reproductive health that are not related to pregnancy. For example, a gynecologist is an appropriate doctor for women to visit when they become sexually active, and they will need their services through menopause and beyond.

A gynecologist’s primary specialty is maintaining a woman’s reproductive health. These practitioners perform regular checkups tailored to women depending on their overall health, sexual activity, and any genetic risk factors that could influence their reproductive well-being.

The Main Responsibilities Of Gynecologists

• Conducting Pap smears pap tests and pelvic exams
• Ensuring a woman’s reproductive and overall well-being
• Performing clinical breast exams and ordering mammograms
• Utilizing bone density assessments to check for osteoporosis
• Performing genetic screenings to uncover risk factors for reproductive health matters
• Educating patients on safe sex

Some of the issues that gynecologists can treat include:

• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Endometriosis
• Yeast or bacterial infections
• Prolapse
• Painful intercourse
• Irregular menstruation
• Breast abnormalities
• Fertility concerns
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Urinary tract infections
• Menopause-related concerns

Gynecologists can recognize signs of potentially serious health problems, such as cervical and breast cancer, and advise their patients to find the right specialty care for these diseases. They can also perform certain surgical procedures on reproductive organs, such as tubal ligation, labiaplasty, and hysterectomy.

OB-GYNs

An OB-GYN is a doctor who practices both obstetrics and gynecology. In addition to what a gynecologist does, they are also trained to work with pregnant and postpartum women and can help with prenatal care, child delivery, and post-childbirth recovery.

Obstetricians specialize in caring for pregnant women and their unborn children and can handle the potential complications that may arise during pregnancy and birth. Although they can help women of all ages, they typically work with women who are of childbearing age and those who are currently pregnant or are trying to become pregnant.

However, because they also offer gynecological treatments, they can help women of all ages with matters that a gynecologist would address, such as breast exams, managing sexually transmitted diseases, and conducting Pap smears.

The Main Responsibilities Of Obstetricians

• Providing women with prenatal care
• Helping women with family planning
• Conducting routine women’s health procedures, such as vaginal examinations and mammograms
• Utilizing ultrasounds and genetic screenings
• Doing routine checkups to ensure a pregnancy is progressing properly
• Assisting with childbirth
• Performing Cesarean sections
• Addressing placental issues
• Identifying signs of fetal distress before and during birth and responding appropriately
• Treating ectopic pregnancies, which occur when a fetus develops outside of the uterus
• Monitoring pregnant women for high blood pressure
• Helping women address postpartum depression

Which Doctor Is Right For You?

Both gynecologists and OB-GYNs play valuable roles in women’s health care. Either type of practitioner can help women with their reproductive health concerns and ensure their overall sexual health. However, those looking for a doctor to monitor their pregnancy and assist with childbirth should choose an OB-GYN to provide their prenatal care.

How To Choose A Health-care Practitioner

Once you know what type of doctor you need, you can begin looking for a qualified professional. A good starting point is asking friends and family members for recommendations. Some may have particularly positive or negative experiences that can help guide your decision.

You will also need to consider which providers are covered by your insurance. Additionally, you may wish to make an appointment with prospective doctors to ask questions about issues that are important to you. Because women discuss intimate topics with gynecologists and OB-GYNs, it is important to choose someone you feel comfortable talking to and whose office is a pleasant environment.

If you are happy with your gynecologist but have recently become pregnant and need a doctor who can help with your pregnancy, consider asking your gynecologist to recommend an OB-GYN. They will likely be familiar with local professionals who have a good reputation and are likely to have a good rapport with you.

Because OB-GYNs tend to have busier schedules thanks to the need for regular appointments throughout a woman’s pregnancy, women who are past childbearing age may find that they can get appointment quicker with a gynecologist. However, all of these professionals are highly trained and can provide expert care to women throughout their lifetime.

Get In Touch With Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

For all of your health care needs, get in touch with Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness today. Our highly trained team of gynecologists can help women of all ages manage health conditions and conduct gynecological wellness screenings.

It is difficult for many women to know what is normal when it comes to sexual and reproductive health and what could be a sign of a medical problem. Often, there are topics that many people are embarrassed to discuss with their gynecologist. However, it is important to keep in mind that gynecologists have seen and heard every scenario imaginable and are there to help you without judgment.

It may be difficult to bring up certain topics, but addressing all of your health concerns can improve your life in so many ways, from enhancing your overall health to increasing your comfort, boosting your sex life, and potentially saving your life. That’s why having a doctor you feel comfortable talking to is so important.

Here is a look at seven issues that you should always discuss with your gynecologist.

Vaginal Odor

This may be one of the more uncomfortable topics to bring up, but if you notice a fishy or foul smell or your normal smell changes over a prolonged period of time, it is a good idea to mention this to your doctor as it could be a vaginal infection or an overgrowth of bacteria. These problems are easy to treat, but you’ll have the best outcome if you address them as early as possible.

Sexual Discomfort

Another topic that may be embarrassing to bring up is sexual discomfort. However, it is important to discuss it with your doctor to find out if there is a medical cause. For example, pain during sex may be alleviated simply by trying different positions until you find one that is more comfortable. However, if you experience pain no matter what position you use, bleed regularly after sex, or you find that lubricants do not seem to make any difference, you should mention it to your doctor.

Likewise, if you experience vaginal dryness during intercourse, it may be normal because of your age or the current point of your menstrual cycle. However, it could also indicate that it may be time to change your birth control, or you could have low estrogen as a result of menopause.

Urinary Leakage

If you experience incontinence, you should always mention this to your gynecologist. It may be normal to experience this after childbirth, especially if you had a large baby or your delivery involved a vacuum or forceps. As women go into menopause, urinary incontinence can get worse. Although it is usually nothing to be alarmed about, it is inconvenient, and it may be possible to manage it medically.

Low Libido

A low libido is surprisingly common, but it is best to talk to your gynecologist to try to determine its cause. It may be that you need to change a medication you are taking, or it could indicate an underlying medical condition. Sometimes, the problem is psychological and could be related to stress, work, or the natural drop-off in spontaneous arousal that may come as relationships evolve. In any case, your gynecologist may be able to help you find ways to naturally increase your libido.

Bumps Or Growths

If you notice a growth around your labia or in your vagina, it is a good idea to have your gynecologist check it out. Many times it is nothing serious. It may simply be a pimple, an ingrown hair or a cut due to shaving. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to have your doctor rule out genital warts or herpes.

Painful Periods

Getting your period is never fun, and it is not unusual to experience headaches, cramps, or breast soreness. However, if your period pain is incredibly severe and affects your ability to carry out your daily routine or your periods have been getting worse over time, you should talk to your doctor to rule out issues such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis. Your gynecologist can also make suggestions to help you get through this time of the month more comfortably.

Sexual History

It is important that your doctor is aware of your sexual history, particularly how many partners you’ve had, whether or not you’ve had any sexually transmitted diseases in the past, and your sexual orientation. Although you may worry that your doctor is judging you, you can rest assured that these are all normal conversations that gynecologists have with their patients every day.

Once again, they are not there to judge you, but only to gather information so that they can determine your risk factors for different types of problems and sexually transmitted diseases. They need this information to ensure that you are being tested for the right things and receiving the best care possible.

Reach Out To The Gynecologist Team At Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

If you are experiencing any of the seven issues mentioned above or anything else related to female health, the women’s health-care team at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness can help you understand what is happening to your body and find the right solutions. Compassion is a core value of our practice, and our professionals will take the time to explain everything and address all your concerns. Give us a call today to make an appointment for an in-person or telemedicine visit.

If you are pregnant or you experience problems related to female or sexual health, you might not think twice about heading to your gynecologist. However, there are other matters that these medical professionals can help with that you might not expect.

Gynecologists are fully trained medical doctors who draw upon a vast knowledge base that extends beyond reproductive health to overall wellness for women. Many obstetrician/gynecologists provide a wide range of well-woman care services on top of the typical services you would expect, like annual pap smears.

Here is a look at five things that your gynecologist may be able to help you with that you might not have expected.

Skin Issues

Skin issues are a common problem among women, and they can sometimes be related to reproductive hormones. Whether it is the onset of acne as a girl goes through puberty or pregnancy-related skin problems, your gynecologist can help you with a range of skin issues. They can even help with skin problems that are not related to hormones. For example, if you find a new growth or mole on your body, you can ask your gynecologist to take a look, and they will refer you to a dermatologist if they have any concerns.

Weight Management

A gynecologist is also a good doctor to handle weight management. Many women visit a gynecologist once a year for their annual pap exam, and this means that your chart will contain a thorough record of your weight history. You and your doctor can use this information to talk about changes in your weight over time and any steps you may need to take to manage it.

Whether you want to reach a healthy weight to become pregnant or you are looking to lose or gain weight to enhance your overall wellness, your gynecologist can be a surprisingly good resource.

Vaccinations

Many women use their gynecologists as their primary healthcare provider and see them more often than a general doctor. If this is the case for you, you can discuss routine procedures like vaccinations, colonoscopies, and other screenings that may be necessary throughout your life. They can also provide immunizations such as the HPV vaccine and help ensure that you are staying up-to-date with your vaccinations in general.

Mood Issues

If you are experiencing any issues with your mood or you are dealing with anxiety or depression, discussing it with your gynecologist can be a good first step toward making some real progress and feeling better. In fact, many women report that they feel more comfortable talking about these matters with their gynecologist than their primary care doctor. If this is the case for you, do not hesitate to talk about mood-related issues with your doctor. This is a topic that often comes up between patients and doctors, and your gynecologist can help you find a solution.

Your mental health may be impacted by a condition that changes your hormones, such as menopause or pregnancy, but your gynecologist can still help you even if it is not directly linked to reproductive health. If it is not a matter that they are able to help you with on their own, they will be able to refer you to a counselor or another mental health specialist.

Reproductive Health Education

If your daughter is approaching puberty and is starting to ask questions about reproductive health and you are uncomfortable discussing these topics with her or you simply lack the knowledge to explain it sufficiently, your gynecologist is an excellent resource that you can turn to.

Talk to your doctor to find out the best way to approach these conversations with your daughter. Your gynecologist may be able to give you some advice on making awkward conversations a bit easier. For example, their extensive medical experience may assist you with the right terminology to use when discussing the changes your daughter’s body will go through during puberty and point you to the topics you need to make sure to bring up. This can provide you with the technical knowledge you need during what could be a very emotional topic and give the reassurance your daughter needs as she faces big and confusing changes.

Schedule An Appointment With Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

Whether you are looking for help with traditional reproductive health matters or other topics, your gynecologist may be able to help you with, such as skin issues, mood issues, or reproductive health education, the friendly team of professionals at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness is always happy to help. We take the time to get to know you and ensure you feel comfortable with your medical concerns. Get in touch today to schedule your appointment.

A GYN wellness screening for women is the best way to detect signs of serious illness or abnormalities in the female body. If you are a sexually active woman, your GYN wellness screening will include a pelvic exam to check the health of your uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries and bladder.

Depending on your age, your wellness exam will include a number of other screenings and tests to detect health issues and preventive vaccines to fight diseases that commonly develop in women in your age group. For those reasons, an annual wellness screening is recommended for most women.

What Does A GYN Wellness Screening Involve?

A GYN wellness screening involves a wellness exam and a panoply of screenings and tests that are appropriate for your age and lifestyle. Your doctor also will gather information about your health and medical history to determine what other screenings may be necessary based on your individual health profile.

As indicated earlier, your gynecologist will perform a breast and pelvic exam which will include a pap smear beginning at age 21. Your wellness screening likely will include taking your blood pressure, blood work, discussing your contraception options or fertility issues, and STD testing to name a few. Your gynecologist can also provide guidance regarding any matters related to your health.

How Often Should A Woman Have A GYN Wellness Screening?

In general, women should have a GYN wellness screening every year beginning around puberty.

When Should You Begin Annual GYN Wellness Screenings?

Your first screening should occur at puberty so your doctor can evaluate your development and advise you on good hygiene practices. Once you are sexually active, you should have annual GYN
wellness screenings.

Why Is An Annual GYN Wellness Screening Important For Women?

Regardless of your age, the first wellness exam is important. Not only is it the best way to detect health issues that may be developing in your body, but your first exam establishes a snapshot of your health that serves as a starting point going forward.

Once your baseline is established, you and your doctor will be able to identify and evaluate changes in your health as you age. After you have become sexually active, your first wellness screening will include the pelvic exam, pap smear and breast exam previously described . These examinations occur during every GYN wellness screening for most of the rest of your life.

These examinations are critical to early detection of serious reproductive health conditions in women. Your body gradually changes with age. These changes are normal. However, sudden or unusual changes are likely to warrant closer examination.

The following are several reasons why an annual wellness exam is important:

• It is a great way for you to establish a doctor-patient relationship with your gynecologist. Feeling comfortable with your doctors encourages you to discuss your questions and symptoms with them. This is especially important when you are being examined by your gynecologist and medical staff because of the highly intimate nature of that relationship. After all, your gynecologist will be examining the most private of the private parts of your body. Many health conditions that affect female health have few symptoms that you can detect in private by yourself. You are more likely to have regular breast and pelvic exams along with important frank conversations about your lifestyle with a gynecologist you trust. It gives you the best chance of early detection of dangerous health conditions before they become deadly.
• Your gynecologist is a specialist in women’s health. During your annual visits, you will be asking questions pertaining to the most intimate matters. Your doctor will provide clear answers based on the doctor’s expertise regarding women’s health. This expertise enables you to make informed decisions about what is best when it comes to your own health.
• As an expert in women’s health, your gynecologist is knowledgeable about the newest science and medical breakthroughs. Medical technology is constantly changing with improvements in diagnostic techniques, disease treatments, contraception options and many other testing options. By keeping up with your annual GYN wellness screenings, you benefit from these cutting edge innovations.
• If you are starting a family or already have children, it is a good idea to make your GYN wellness screening an important part of your family planning. Having a solid relationship with your gynecologist as you plan a pregnancy and during your pregnancy helps with preventative, prenatal and after care for you and your baby.
• An annual visit also allows you to check your health condition and keep current on your vaccinations. As you enter menopause, your wellness screening will begin to focus on other diseases such as colon cancer and osteoporosis. You will be able to get vaccines for diseases like pneumonia and shingles which can be devastating for an older woman, and catch up on other vaccines that you missed in childhood or which are no longer effective.

Contact Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness For More Information

At Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness, you will find women’s health specialists who are caring and interested in helping you get the best health care possible. Contact them for more information and to schedule an appointment.