Our family doctor has advised that we schedule our daughter for a complete physical and a gynecological exam. She just turned 16 and has no unusual symptoms. Does this seem necessary? He says it's just precautionary.
2006-06-15 14:46:23 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
Definitely, It will establish a relationship with her ObGyn so when she needs to get on birth control she won't be so embarassed. And if he is a good doctor, he will talk to her about the importance of protection, etc. Not that you haven't, but they seem to listen better when it isn't coming from the parents. Also it is important to start a good routine for her womens health exam.
2006-06-15 14:52:05 · answer #1 · answered by OkcRN 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've always heard that the first exam should be at either 18 or sooner if the girl/woman is preparing to become sexually active. Since some gynecological problems show no symptoms for months it's a good idea. I'm 27 and didn't have my first exam till late last year after having a cyst on one of my ovaries burst (lemme tell you it was the worst pain I've ever felt in my life). I'm now on birth control to prevent any more cysts from forming. Plus because of family history I may be at risk of ovarian cancer. So for those two reasons I plan on going for the yearly exam now.
2006-06-15 21:56:33 · answer #2 · answered by shyvicki 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's probably not necessary, but could definitely be beneficial. I never went for an exam until I was 20 and they found cells on my cervix they believed were cancerous. After endless biopsies they were found to only be precancerous but had I gone to the doctor sooner they would have been caught before they were able to progress that far. Also, there are many other things that could be going on that have no symptoms. The first exam is scary, but I think well worth it.
2006-06-15 23:14:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have always been told that unless there are problems, that 18 is the standard age to start exams. I do know some 16 year olds that have gone to get a prescription for birth control due to acne, but not as standard procedure.
2006-06-15 21:50:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anna 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a abnormal pap done 2 months ago and had to have biopsies done that determined that I had precancerous cells. So I had to have a D&C cone done and I would have had cancer if I had wanted another year. I didn't think that you had to start having those exams until you became sexually active. But she must know the importance of having those yearly exams.
2006-06-17 22:20:35 · answer #5 · answered by Susan L 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've provided a link to help you out. It's advised that the first appointment be made for a non-sexually active female at 18, for those who are sexually active it's important to do it bi-annually. Check out the site I've provided on more information regarding when to schedule your daughters first gyno appointment.
Also- you may want to chat with her about birth control, protection, and how that is related to your values and hers.
2006-06-15 22:49:52 · answer #6 · answered by CAP 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you think she is sexually active , it may be a good idea . If not, and she is uncomfortable , I would wait until she is active and she can do it on her own.
2006-06-15 21:51:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋