During young adolescence and their teen years, girls experience significant physiologic changes, which can make understanding their bodies and the things they do very difficult. Because of this, education is critical. I look at it as an opportunity to start girls off on the right foot in terms of taking care of themselves.

To give my young patients a good start, I like to talk to them about anatomy and physiology. We also discuss menstruation; Pap smears, why they are done and what takes place during one; sexually transmitted infections such as HPV and how to avoid getting those; contraceptives; pregnancy; and many other areas. I take the time to answer all my patient’s questions. And while I always encourage girls to discuss their concerns and questions with their mothers, my office is committed to maintaining our patients’ rights to privacy.

I also think it is important to get to know what teens are thinking; what their goals are; what their level of self-esteem is; and how much they know about smoking, drinking, and weight. All this lets them know that I am concerned with more than just giving them a pelvic exam — I want to help them to be successful in life. And that is usually easier for teens when they delay childbearing, avoid STIs, and stay healthy.

First visit?

Many people ask me when I think a girl should come in for her first gynecologic visit. The answer is: it depends. However, girls should know that many times their first visit may not require an exam, especially if they are younger than 16.