Adolescent Gynecology

​Girls should have their first gynecologic visit between 13 and 15 years of age. This initial visit is usually just a conversation with the doctor and does not involve any type of pelvic exam. It is mostly about patient education and basic teaching about topics such as menstrual periods and PAP smears. These early visits also provide a foundation for trust & a comfort level with the doctor who may play an important role in later childbearing or gynecological issues.

This is also the time to discuss the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine which is important in the prevention of cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer. This medication, Gardasil®9, is administered in three separate injections, the second and third received at two & six months after the first.