This question sounds very weird, but it's very honest. I'm looking for serious Christian answers or opinions?

Question

Ok, here goes:

I happen to know several teens, many I've taught and/or mentored, and others who are just friends through church, work, etc. Anyway, I've been asked this question several times before and I know I'll be asked again, but I dont' know how to answer it, and there are lots of different opinions by people.

So this is the question, asked by teen girls (and their parents). They want to know when they a girl should have her first OB GYN exam. I'm asking on the religion section, because the question is does it have anything to do with virginity and waiting for marriage? In other words if a girl chooses to wait until she's married to have sex (or wait at all), should she postpone getting anual exams until then too? Or does it make a difference?

I've heard many people say it doesn't make a difference, but then some people say it does. So does it?...(more)

Also in my experience, I was told to wait until you are 18 or sexually active. I happened to be getting married at 18, and my doctor (who was a Christain) postponed my first exam until AFTER I got married. It was the same with my friend. But now people suggest girls get them at 13-15 years old. So what's the deal?

Even different doctors have given different advice on this.

I have talked to several doctors and others, and there have just been so many differeing opinions, and some have been really strong on either side. Biblically, I haven't really found anything specific (obviously) but I'd like to know.

By the way I know I dont' have authority to answer for others, but I'm just curious myself.

Answer 1

A young girl doesn't need that stuff until she becomes sexually active.
But, then that's a whole 'nuther subject, isn't it?

My parents NEVER took us three daughters to the gyno. We knew to go on our own when we became sexually active.

Answer 2

I'm 23 years old, and I asked this question in a health class in highschool... I was told that a girl, whether she's having sex or not, should have an ob/gyn exam at the age of 18... If she's younger and having sex, then she should have her first exam, but the recomended age would be 18...

Answer 3

If a young person is having female problems then I definately think an internal exam is in order. Beyond that I am of the opinion that a young lady should wait till she is contemplating having sex...weither she be considering single sexual activity or planning on marrying. It is a very personal decision and only the one who is contemplating the exam should make the decision. However, having said that I would certainly support any young lady who decides to have an internal exam at any age.

Answer 4

I am a christian girl that has been raised in a christian family, and I feel that even if a girl is not sexually active until she is married she still needs to go to an OBGYN when she is I would say around 15 because girls can get cancer or infections of all sorts and an OBGYN is not just for sexually active problems or concerns or whatever else. It is to make sure your female organs and so forth are working properly and you do not have any problems. And the bible does say our body is a temple, so shouldn't you get regular check ups to take care of your temple!

Answer 5

First, your Pediatrician should be able to help you the most. I would also make sure that my child had a Christian Pediatrician. If your in a position where its inappropriat to ask about the relgious status, you always have the oportunity to interview and ask the doctor other questions and determine their morality before selecting the doctor.

Since you're the parent you can go with your daughter to express your upbringing view and ask questions to the Pediatrician. I belive it is good for any woman who has had her period to seek medical guidance. The Pediatrician should be introduced to the child so that she can start building a relationship with a Doctor and start learning how to ask questions about her own body. Second, the exams also reflect stuff like cancer and development. Stuff that is important for your kid to learn how to ask questions and to receive answers on ...

Or, you can let her find out on her own without your guidance or your Pediatrician's guidance at school ... Or God Forbid in a "Girls Gone Wild" video.

Answer 6

That is a question that every parent and young woman should answer for them selves. First you are a virgin until you have had sex. Second how would the young woman feel? Would she be OK with it or feel she lost some of her virtue. I don't feel this is something that can be answered by any one but the young woman her self and there will be times where an exam may be needed out of necessity and they would have no choice. Making any one position invalid.

Answer 7

A girl should start seeing an OB-GYN once a year for pap smears and such after she begins her 1st cycle. This is how abnormalities are found. You don't have to be sexually active for an ovarian cyst to pop up, or a u.t.i, or many other things a pap can detect. You should not wait for that. Has nothing to do with virginity or waiting for marriage.

Answer 8

I have heard that you should probably go as soon as you start menstruating. Just as a side note I had a friend at 16 get a nasty cyst on her ovary that needed treatment and she was a virgin. So even if you are not sexually active, I think that there is benefit to getting examined in your teens. I'm not a doctor but that's my opinion.

Answer 9

I do not recall anything being said in the bible about waiting for a pelvic exam till a certain age. I was raised as a christian and had my first pelvic exam at the age of, I believe, 17. It depends on whether the child is having any physical problems or menstrual frequency problems on whether they need one. Not what the church says.

Answer 10

I think if you are not having any problems in that area, then there is no reason to get an exam until you are sexually active. If a girl feels more comfortable getting an exam when she's younger, to ensure her health, then there is no reason not to have one. What we really need to be discussing is ways to get young people to stay virgins until they are married. It's what God wants, and we need to follow Him!

Answer 11

I would ask the advice of a doctor before taking the advice here especially if you intend to pass it on to others!!!

There may be a medical reason to have the exam or not without it having anything to do with sex!!