If you have a teenager at home, it is normal for them to be nervous about this moment and you may not know how to help them prepare. First of all, you should know that the first gynecological appointment can be uncomfortable, but it is necessary to monitor that everything is going well and prevent any disease Here you will find some tips for the consultation.
Getting our daughter to her first gynecological consultation is very important to examine the health of her reproductive system. Depending on the stage of development she is in, she will present several changes that may be normal or require medical attention. Many of the diseases we are most concerned about can be prevented and detected in time with a timely appointment with a trusted physician.
When should the first gynecological appointment be made?
It is best to have your first gynecological visit between the ages of 13 and 15. However, there are also two key factors in a woman’s reproductive development: the onset of menstruation and the beginning of sexual relations.
Choosing a gynecologist
The first step is to choose a doctor with whom we feel comfortable, trust is essential. The doctor is there to help and to solve any doubts quickly and effectively.
If you do not know where to start, you can ask a friend or family member for help.
Don’t forget the medical exams
If you have cytology exams, colposcopy, ultrasound, laboratory tests, do not forget to take them with you.
It is also important to keep in mind the date of the last menstrual cycle and even better if you have written down the starting dates of the last 6 menstrual periods. All these data are very useful to have key information about your general health.
What to avoid for the appointment?
Do not go to the appointment if you are on your menstrual period. Ideally, go 5 to 7 days after your menstrual period.
If you use vaginal ointments and creams 48 hours before the appointment, it is better to wait a few more days.
Reschedule your appointment if there was sexual contact 24 hours before the consultation, as semen or lubricants can alter the vaginal pH.
Hair removal is not necessary
Although it is true that many women opt for this practice before a gynecological appointment, as an aesthetic and “hygienic” measure, it is important to remember that hair has an important function: to protect the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals. It is not unhygienic to leave them there.
Moreover, the physician does not care what hair the patient has; that is not what is important in the examination. Hair removal is really a personal decision and not a medical requirement.
It is a good idea to prepare a list of questions before the appointment.
If you are going to accompany your underage daughter, ask her to write down her doubts and remind her that she is free to ask questions in the consultation room; it is her space and her feminine health. It is very important that you respect her privacy during the consultation.
If you are going to go alone to the consultation because you are old enough, go prepared with this list to answer your questions and learn more about the care you should take with your reproductive health.
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