At what age do little girls need to visit the GYN?

Question

More specifically, my daughter is approaching pre-teen age and has had some complaints "down there". The way she explains it, I think she may have a mild yeast infection. I am just wondering, should I take her to her pediatrician (who is male), should I just keep her using an over-the-counter external cream, or should I take her to see a GYN ( of course I would find a female one for her)

Answer 1

Your daughter is better off seeing her doctor. When you describe the symptoms, he should be able to determine whether or not it's a yeast infection. He'll probably want to take a sample to make sure, at which point I'd let him know that it'd be best for a female docotor or RN at the practice to take the sample. Although if he's a good doctor, he wouldn't let it get to that step and bring in a female on his own accord. For something as simple as a yeast infection, it's too early to take her to the gynecologist. She'll probably be prescribed antibiotics and will be fine in no time! Hope that was helpful, and that your daughter feels better soon.

Answer 2

I would try and find her a female doctor. No need for a gynaecologist. I have delivered four children, only once in my life did I have an appointment to see a gyn. I decided then that there was nothing different in a gyn to a doctor... so from then on, my regular doc handled all things, including the delivery of my children.
I would urge you to take her to a doctor though... you can do more damage with wrong treatments than no treatments.. and I think it's important for her to know that if she has an issue, the doctor will help and treat her. Remember you are leading by example.. don't make an issue out of seeing a doctor (or which) about this complaint, all that's important is that she sees someone about it. Her regular doc that she trusts, even if male, would be more suitable than someone she doesn't know at all. The important message for your daughter is that this is nothing to be ashamed about, just something that needs to be looked at and identified so it can be treated.

Answer 3

A female pediatrician is probably the best way to go! GYN's generally don't see children until they are sexually active! If you are already worried about her having a male Dr. now would probably be a good time to find a great female pediatrician so you won't have to try to decide what to do when things like this arise! If she already is starting to get yeast infections... she probably will have them frequently! Another suggestion... yogurt or acidophilus can really help with yeast infections! GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 4

Normally, the age to begin seeing the gynecologist is 18, or when you first become sexually active. But, because she's having complaints, and you suspect she may have a yeast infection, you may want to call your gynecologist and speak with her first. Some gynecologists won't see younger girls, but most of them will. She may be more comfortable talking to a female doctor versus a male, especially about such private issues. It's not best to use cream on younger girls, especially if you're not 100% sure if she has an infection. It's best to let the Dr. diagnose, then she can suggest options for treatment.

Answer 5

You might want to see if you can find a female doctor specializing in adolescent medicine. But until than you should take her to a Female gyn and you should do it soon. IF the infection isn't cleared up and it 's not a yeast infection it could become a bladder or kidney infection if it's not treated correctly and when My daughter had an severe UTI and had to be hospitalized for almost a week. Find her a doctor as quickly as you can.

Answer 6

First, note that yeast infections can be detected with urine samples, so going to the pediatrician should be your first bet. This will be more comfortable for your daughter than being examined at the gyno.

Second, it is a general rule of thumb to start having gynocological exams at age 18, at the beginning of sexual relations, or when there is a problem. If the pediatrician isn't able to diagnose and prescribe a cure then think about taking her to the gynocologist.

Answer 7

i started going to the GYN when i was 16
before that i don't think i wanted to.. i was pretty scared of having someone looking and touching me especially someone i don't know.
my first time @ the GYN was also with the same guy my mom went to.. it was horrible i didn't enjoy it at all

i say stick to over the counter drugs for a while and if it doesn't get any better take her to her general doctor
there is also now a new thing that they sell over the counter at like Walgreen's and CVS to check to see if what you have is a yeast infection or another type of infection
http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=100702&navAction=jump&navCount=0&id=prod733685
this is the only kind of test i found but i think monistat came out with some new device to check if your properly diagnosing a yeast infection
im just saying to have the GYN as your last option because she is a pre-teen and it may be a very strong experience for her


***Edit: Look i found the screening test
http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=100702&navAction=jump&navCount=1&id=prod3252361

Answer 8

Usually, girls don't go to the gyn until they start to have menstrual problems or until they become sexually active. I think you should talk to your pediatrician's nurse or a phone nurse at their office and see what they recommend.
A female gyn at her age will probably make her more comfortable, so finding her one will at least take away some of the awkwardness.
She'll be fine either way-good luck to you both.

Answer 9

You should take her to see a female gynecologist! Definitely. You are not positive what she has is a mild yeast infection.. so buying over-the-counter external cream may not be helping. Also, she will obviously feel more comfortable with a female looking at her vagina, opposed to a male.

Answer 10

You never have to see a GYN doc. Your regular doc can handle all of your GYN needs. If you have a problem that is more than he wants to deal with he/ she will REFER you to a GYN, You cannot self diagnose a yeast infection so please take her to her pediatrician. Remind her that the doc is only doing his job and this is what he went to school for. She needs to learn to be comfortable with all docs including males as there might not always be a female doc available to treat her all through her life.