Going to the gynecologist shouldn't be scary.
"Hi, Mom. I'd like to go to a gynecologist."
We’re not going to lie: Going to the gynecologist for the first time can seem like the most uncomfortable thing in the world. Visiting a doctor just to talk about your vagina? Um, yeah, no thanks.
But the truth is, starting around 13 years old, every girl (yep, including you!) should be seeing a gynecologist regularly. It’s a routine event that will give you peace of mind, answer questions too awkward to ask elsewhere and better protect your reproductive health for the future.
So to help you prep for your first-ever gyno visit, we asked top docs to share what you should *really* know before your appointment.
WHEN TO GO
The best age to book your first visit? Between 13 and 15, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. But if you’re having any concerns or possibly worrisome symptoms (think: missed or heavy periods, pelvic pain, unusual discharge or vaginal discomfort), you should def see a doctor sooner.
“Don’t just accept something if it’s bothering you,” says Dr. Christine Greves, OB/GYN at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. “If you’re asking yourself, ‘Is this normal?’ that’s what we’re here for.”
Another reason to see a GYN is if you are sexually active or considering becoming sexually active, no matter your age. It’s important to talk to an expert about staying safe, preventing pregnancy and steering clear of STDs. (And this might be stating the obvious, but if you think you might be pregnant or have possibly contracted an STD, go to the gyno ASAP.)
HOW TO PREPARE
Bu hikaye Girls' Life magazine dergisinin August/September 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Girls' Life magazine dergisinin August/September 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
YOUR CLOSET IS ACTUALLY FULL OF Cash
You're about to clean your room, help the planet *and* find your aesthetic.
WHAT'S YOUR LIFE PATH NUMBER?
ASTROLOGY GIRLIES, LISTEN UP: NUMEROLOGY JUST BECAME YOUR NEWEST OBSESSION.
NO MORE SUMMERTIME Sadness
School's out, the sun is shining and you're feeling...down in the dumps? Despite sleeping in, the newfound freedom from homework assignments, endless hours of leisure time and pool days aplenty, something's got you in a major funk.
Hey girl drink your water
In case you needed another reason to hit *add to cart* on that trendy tumbler...
grief
KENNEDY MURPHY WAS JUST 5 YEARS OLD WHEN HER DAD DIED-AND HER WORLD WAS COMPLETELY SHATTERED. A DECADE LATER, SHE'S SHARING HOW SHE LIVES WITH LOSS AND HOW SHE HELPS OTHER KIDS COPE.
Who's Your sunny Szn Bestie?
Your bsf packed her bags for sleepaway camp, leaving you stuck at home, hoping to find a friend to fill her flip-flops. So, in her absence, who's your go-to gal gonna be for the next 10 weeks?
PRESENTING YOUR no drama summer
You tell your dad you’re grabbing pizza with the girls…when you’re really headed on a date with that cutie from swim team.
Dear Carol
FRIENDS OR MORE? So I'm friends with this boy. People always assume he likes me because he is super nice to me and always smiles at me and stuff. What should I do?
5 SUMMERY LOVEVE RULES TO LIVE BY
Sooo what exactly does a girl have to do to make her \"Cruel Summer\" fantasy a reality?
WE KNOW WHAT YOUR CRUSH IS THINKING
That infamous \"I think we should break up\" text pops up (ouch). Or your situationship keeps saying they can't wait to hang out with you...until band practice, math homework, a pickup game and, well, just about anything else happens to get in the way.