Part of growing up is learning to take care of your body. This means making good choices for your health, avoiding things that can hurt you, and seeing a health care provider—including an obstetrician–gynecologist (ob–gyn)—for routine health care. If you have never visited an obgyn before, you may have questions about what will happen at your first visit.

This page explains:

What to Expect

Women have special health care needs. Ob-gyns are doctors who specialize in women’s health. Girls should have their first gynecologic visit between the ages of 13 years and 15 years. The first visit may be just a talk between you and your doctor. You also may have certain exams.

The first visit is a good way for you and your doctor to get to know each other. You can find out what to expect at future visits and get information about how to stay healthy. You can ask questions about your body, growing up, and sex.

It is normal to feel nervous about your first visit. It may help if you talk about it with your parents or someone else you trust. You may want to let your doctor know you are nervous. He or she can help put you at ease.

Your doctor may ask a lot of questions about you and your family. Some of them may seem personal, such as questions about your menstrual period or sexual activities (including vaginal, oral, or anal sex). Your doctor needs to ask these questions to best know how to care for you. Giving honest answers to these questions is key to your care. If you are concerned about confidentiality, you and your doctor should talk about it before you answer any questions. Much of the information you share can be kept confidential.

Exams

You may have certain exams at the first visit. If you choose, a nurse or family member may join you for any part of the exam. Most often, these exams are performed:

You usually do not need to have a pelvic exam at the first visit unless you are having problems, such as abnormal bleeding or pain. If you are sexually active, you may have tests for certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Most of the tests that teens need can be done by the doctor with a urine sample. You also may have certain vaccinations.

General Physical Exam

During the general exam, your height, weight, and blood pressure will be checked. You also will be examined for any health problems you may have.

External genital exam

In this exam, the doctor looks at the vulva. He or she may give you a mirror so that you can look at the vulva as well. This exam is a good way to learn about your body and the names for each part.

External female genitals illustration
External female genitals

The Pelvic Exam and Pap Test

Even though you probably will not have a pelvic exam, you should know what one is. Another test that you will have later (at age 21 years) is a Pap test. This test checks for abnormal changes in the cervix that could lead to cancer.

The pelvic exam has three parts:

  1. Looking at the vulva
  2. Looking at the vagina and cervix with a speculum
  3. Checking the internal organs with a gloved hand

The doctor will use a speculum to look at your vagina and cervix. When you have a Pap test, a sample of cells is taken from your cervix with a small brush. To check your internal organs, the doctor will place one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into the vagina and up to the cervix. The other hand will press on the abdomen from the outside.

Pelvic exam illustration
Pelvic exam
Pap test illustration
Pap test

Vaccinations

Vaccinations or immunizations are shots that protect against diseases caused by bacteria and viruses. Some are given on a routine basis. Other vaccinations are offered to women who are at an increased risk for certain diseases. Your doctor may ask you about your medical history and suggest you receive certain vaccinations.

Vaccines You May Need

The following vaccines are given to all young women aged 11–18 years on a routine basis:

In addition to routine vaccines, special vaccines may be given to young women who are at an increased risk for certain diseases. Listed are some of these vaccines:

Special Concerns

Many young women share the same health concerns. Most of these concerns are a normal part of growing up:

Talking with your doctor about these issues is a key step to staying healthy.

Most young women enjoy good health. Health problems that arise for young women often are a result of high-risk behaviors, such as having unprotected sex or using drugs. Your doctor may offer some tips on how you can help prevent these problems and stay healthy.

Being Healthy

Making good lifestyle choices can help you to be strong and healthy for years to come:

Glossary

Birth Control: Prevention of pregnancy.

Cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus, which protrudes into the vagina.

Condom: A thin sheath used to cover the penis during sex to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.

Menstrual Period: The discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus that occurs when an egg is not fertilized (also called menstruation).

Obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn): A physician with special skills, training, and education in women’s health.

Pap Test: A test in which cells are taken from the cervix and vagina and examined under a microscope.

Pelvic Exam: A manual examination of a woman’s reproductive organs.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Diseases that are spread by sexual contact.

Speculum: An instrument used to hold open the walls of the vagina.

Vagina: A tube-like structure surrounded by muscles leading from the uterus to the outside of the body.

Vulva: The external female genital area.

Source: acog.org