We understand how adolescent/teen girls may be anxious about their first appointment with us. Our goal is to make them comfortable as well as provide the necessary health information, screenings and treatment if needed.
When should adolescent/teen girls have their first exam?
Recommendations vary but in our practice we recommend seeing the girl when she has started her period. We are available to meet with girls who haven’t started their period to explain what happens during menstruation and what they expect.
What happens during the first examination?
We’ll do a physical exam and talk to them about their overall health, the normalcy of menstruation, sexual activity and answer any questions they may have. Pelvic exams are not done unless a health problem indicates the need. Pap smears are typically never performed under the age of 21.
Do you recommend a female parent or guardian is present for the exam?
We always ask the patient if it is OK for the parent/guardian to be present during her appointment. If the patient prefers to see us by herself and is under the age of 18, we need the parent/guardian’s permission. A signed piece of paper or note is acceptable.
What type of information and education can you provide?
We are here to help supplement what the adolescents/teens learn from their parents. We provide information on safe sex, pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV (AIDS).
What care do you provide for menstrual concerns and problems?
We address problems such as abnormal bleeding, painful menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and screening for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Do you provide contraceptives?
Yes, we provide contraception for pregnancy prevention and bleeding control such as the pill, patch, ring as well as Nexplanon, Depo-Provera, & IUD. We also offer non-hormonal forms of Birth Control.
What about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)?
Safe sex education is an important part of our conversation. We provide STD screenings and treatment if needed. We also provide education on HPV sexually transmitted infections and counseling on Gardasil® vaccine to protect against HPV-related infections and cancers. In addition to education about HIV prevention, if there is a high risk for HIV, we can prescribe a Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) which is a course of HIV drugs taken by HIV-negative people to protect them against HIV infection.