I have a 16 year old daughter who's about to turn 17 in March. She has never had a gynecological exam or PAP smear type visit. I don't know if she is still too young for that type of visit. As far as I know, she is not sexually acitve. Does anyone know at what age she should be getting examined? Any feedback would be helpful.
I recently asked my OB-GYN that very question. His recommendation was, if they are not sexually active, then 16 - 18 is the right age. He also suggested having a conversation with her pediatrician.
Hi L.,
My daughter is also 16 and will be 17 in May. I asked her pediatrician and my Gyn and they both told me that she doesnt need a pap or exam before she is 18 unless she is sexually active and mine isn't. But she has had the Guardasyl shots...they need to have those (series of 3 shots) before they become sexually active. So I am waiting till she turns 18.
My Gyn said a girl should have her first exam when she becomes sexually active and not before, whether that be 16 or 21. Make sure your daughter is ready emotionally for such a visit.
L.: I wouldn't worry about taking her to a GYN until she asks or is having trouble with her period. Or, you can always ask her if she feels she needs to see a GYN because she might have questions for the Dr that she doesn't feel comfortable asking you. Love you, Girl and Good Luck!!
Go to the gyno. Maybe pick a female. Its very important she is checked from head to toe looking for a thick hymen, yeast infections, or anything else. It will also teach her how to do a breast exam early on to make it a part of her monthly routine. If she wants privacy with the dr. - go for it! This could dispell any myths she's been fed. Your daughter may cry or feel slightly violated afterward - that's o.k. Its a good way to open dialogue. If she is sexually active this is the best thing for her. If she's not, what a way to open a door to lots of good, informed conversation. If I'd had a girl, she'd have gone as soon as menstruation and I'd go for guardasil as well.
I was 13 with my first gyno exam due to repeated yeast infections, low and behold I was allergic to bubble bath.
I am a nurse in Labor and Delivery and though your daughter may seem young to you, she should be seen by a gynecologist. It's ok to start as early as when they get their period. You never know what you can be protecting her from. She may be more comfortable if she sees a female. You can also talk to the doctor about guardasil.
It's important to allow the doctor time alone with your daughter so that private questions can be answered. If needed, she can then be provided with appropriate knowledge of birth control, abuse prevention, etc.
