It is recommended by gynecologists that a girl should visit her gynecologist anytime between the ages of 13 to 15. It is felt that the girl should be made aware of the bodily changes which are in the process of occurring and that she should be prepared for them. Another reason is to check for any abnormalities like missed periods, signs of infection, pain, etc. In the event of having a sexual intercourse, then visiting a gynecologist becomes all the more necessary.

 

Selecting the appropriate health care professional:

Choosing the right doctor is important for your maiden visit to know about such sensitive issues.

If your family doctor or pediatrician also does breast and pelvic exams and advises youngsters on sexual health, it would ease a lot of pressure and would surely make you more comfortable during the breast and pelvic exams.

You can also visit a gynecologist for your first breast and pelvic exam.

Another specialist is the Adolescent Medicine doctor who is specially trained in health and management of teen concerns.  They are familiar with problems most young women face regarding their reproductive systems. They can also guide the teens on birth control measures and STD prevention.

Nurse practitioners are also specialists who can be contacted for breast and pelvic exams. These practitioners specialize in gynecology and have advanced training that enables them to deal with women’s reproductive health issues.

Whether the health care professional is male or female is up to the individual’s choice. Some women are more at ease with a female health care professional as they feel they can express their views more freely and openly without any awkwardness. Other women are equally comfortable being examined by both male and female doctors. It is always advisable to take the help of your parents regarding your health care. You will have that much-needed emotional support which is so very important during such times.

For many young girls it is difficult to predict the time of their periods since many have irregular periods in the initial stages. However, you may take the advice from your doctor’s office, as to what should be done in case the periods start, at the time of appointment.

 

The Breast Exam:

At the time of the physical part of the gynecologic exam, you are made to lie on your back on the table with a gown or a paper sheet covering you. Your health care professional will uncover only the portion that needs to be examined.

The doctor does the breast exam by lightly pressing different areas of the breasts feeling for lumps which are usual and which may be the effect of a transformation. You may also get educated in how to do a self-assessment of your breasts.

 

The Pelvic Exam:

During the pelvic exam you will be asked to move down till your behind rest at the edge of the table. Then bending your knees you will be asked to place your feet on the metal protrudings for support.

The doctor will then examine the outside portion of the vagina and make sure that there are no swellings or sores.

With the help of a speculum your doctor may also examine the inside vagina looking for anything unusual like swelling, sores or discharge. To examine the ovaries and the uterus the doctor is required to slide one gloved hand inside the vagina and with the other hand he will press the outside of the lower abdomen. This exam determines the size of the ovaries and uterus and whether they are free of any cysts or growths.