For over a decade, you’ve built a relationship with your child’s pediatrician. They’re the provider who handles every vaccine, every symptom and every annual visit. But now, your daughter is a teen and may need care more specialized for women.

It may be time to schedule your teenaged daughter’s first gynecology visit.

That said, your teen could be nervous about starting her adult healthcare journey. You may be a little nervous about how to handle the transition too. That’s OK. Lauren Ord, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist with The Christ Hospital Physicians-Obstetrics & Gynecology​, can offer some guidance.

Here, she explains when your teen should start gynecology care, what they can expect from their first visit and how you can help them prepare.

“The goal of starting gynecology care is to empower teens to take care of themselves as the adults they’re becoming,” she says. “Being proactive about gynecology care sets them up for a much healthier adulthood.”

At what age should your teen start seeing a gynecologist?

According to the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, teens should have their first gynecology visit between ages 13 and 15. Unless there’s a pressing health concern, Dr. Ord says that while these guidelines help to ensure established OBGYN care for when it’s needed, there’s little reason for a teen that young to see a gynecologist, unless determined by individual circumstances. Instead, she recommends saving the first visit for the later teen years.

“By age 18, it’s very reasonable for your teen to make an appointment with the person who’s going to be responsible for their adult care,” she says. “By age 21, it’s even more vital. That’s when we start screening for cervical cancer and would need to begin pelvic exams.”

However, if your teen is sexually active, they should start their gynecology care no matter how old they are, she says.

“If your daughter is having sex, she should see a gynecologist for routine screening of sexually transmitted infections,” she says. “That’s something we can do with a blood or urine test. A pelvic exam isn’t necessary.”

Why should your teen see a gynecologist?

Your teen’s pediatrician or primary care provider can meet most of their health needs. But these providers may not deliver all the care your teen needs. A gynecologist can provide more advanced services.

“While some primary care providers and pediatricians feel comfortable doing Pap smears or providing screening for sexually transmitted infections, others don’t,” Dr. Ord says. "In many cases, a gynecologist will be more at ease discussing matters of sexual health in the most appropriate way. So, it’s really important to, at least, involve a gynecologist in your teen’s care.”

There are also other situations where you should schedule a gynecology visit. Dr. Ord recommends making an appointment if your daughter:

• has abnormal vaginal discharge.

• has heavy periods (soaking through a pad or tampon within one hour​ on their heaviest flow day).

• hasn’t gotten her period by age 15.

• is experiencing pelvic pain.

• is struggling with signs of puberty and bodily development.

• needs birth control (a gynecologist can discuss and prescribe a wide range of options).

And even if your teen doesn’t need regular gynecology care now, she says it’s helpful to begin building a relationship with a physician who will manage their reproductive and sexual health in the future.

What’s the best way to choose a gynecologist for your daughter?

Choosing a gynecologist for your teenaged daughter is no different from selecting any other healthcare provider, Dr. Ord says. Focus on finding one who makes your teen feel comfortable and heard.

As a female parent, you may want to take your teen to your gynecologist first to see if that relationship would be a good fit. Remember that it’s OK if your teen prefers to see a different physician. If you’re a male parent, you can help your teen select the right gynecologist by asking questions about the kind of doctor they would prefer.

“It’s all about finding a gynecologist who is relatable,” she says. “Your daughter needs a doctor who makes them feel at ease. If you meet with a gynecologist and your teen feels uncomfortable, that’s a reason not to go back to that provider. It can take time to find the right physician.”

How can you help your daughter prepare for a first visit?

Scheduling your teen’s first gynecology visit is the easiest step. But helping them prepare for the appointment is crucial. To reduce your daughter’s anxiety, Dr. Ord recommends these three tips:

1. Talk about what to expect. Your daughter may be nervous about how a gynecology visit is different from seeing the pediatrician. Explain that some things—like height, weight and blood pressure checks—are the same. However, the gynecologist will ask questions about their period, relationships and sexual activity. Otherwise, the first visit will be a conversation about the importance of gynecology care and what they can expect in future visits, such as pelvic or breast exams.

2. Come up with questions. Your teen may have a lot of questions about their sexual health. But they may not know how to ask them. Creating a list before the appointment can be helpful. Some important topics to discuss include birth control, hygiene, menstrual cycle and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Let your teen know they can talk with the gynecologist alone to discuss any topics they’d like to keep private.

3. Encourage honesty. Make sure your teen understands the value of being open and transparent with their gynecologist. This type of care is a fundamental part of being a healthy adult. So, it’s important for your teen to be honest about any symptoms or behaviors that impact their he​alth.
   

Ultimately, Dr. Ord says, helping your teen establish a relationship with a gynecologist—even if they don’t have an urgent health need—helps set them on a path to a healthier adulthood.

“For a teen, having their first gynecology appointment when they’re still under the care of their parents means they have one less health-related thing to figure out on their own as they get older,” she says. “They’ll be well-prepared and will know who to go to when they need a screening or if they have a problem.”