When should females start seeing a gynecologist?

What is the right age to take this step? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that girls first see a gynecologist when they're between the ages of 13 and 15. Most girls will not need a pelvic exam during this first visit, though.
Takedown request View complete answer on kidshealth.org

When should a girl see a gynecologist for the first time?

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends girls have their first gynecologic visit between ages 13 and 15.
Takedown request View complete answer on yalemedicine.org

What age do you get a pelvic exam?

These are recommended starting at age 21 for healthy women. But a girl who has problems like heavy bleeding, painful periods, or unusual vaginal discharge might need a pelvic exam sooner.
Takedown request View complete answer on kidshealth.org

When should you see a gynecologist?

Many women start visiting a gynecologist from their early teens and continue to attend a well-woman clinic for general health issues too. Women are advised to visit a gynecologist annually for a checkup, and any time they have symptoms that concern them.
Takedown request View complete answer on medicalnewstoday.com

Do I need to shave before seeing a gynecologist?

You do not need to shave before a gynecologist appointment (or any doctor's appointment!). Your doctor doesn't care how you care for your pubic hair, because it isn't a health or hygiene concern. They've seen it all, and how you style (or don't style) your pubic hair probably won't even register.
Takedown request View complete answer on teenhealthcare.org

Gynecologist reveals everything you need to know about your first appointment



Do Pap smears hurt?

Does a Pap smear hurt? A Pap smear should not hurt but may feel uncomfortable. You could experience light bleeding afterward, but you should not feel pain or cramping. Let your healthcare provider know if you feel discomfort lasting more than a few minutes or if the bleeding lasts longer than 24 hours.
Takedown request View complete answer on my.clevelandclinic.org

What age should I get a Pap smear?

You should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.
Takedown request View complete answer on cdc.gov

What age do you get your first Pap smear?

You should start having screening at age 21, regardless of when you first start having sex. How often you should have cervical cancer screening and which tests you should have depend on your age and health history: Women who are 21 to 29 should have a Pap test alone every 3 years.
Takedown request View complete answer on acog.org

How do I prepare for my first Pap smear?

If it's unavoidable, that's okay—however, a period-free day is best, as it makes the exam easier for both you and your doctor. Another thing to keep in mind with timing and your pap smear: avoid vaginal intercourse, douching and any vaginally applied medicine for at least two days prior to the exam.
Takedown request View complete answer on hancockregionalhospital.org

Should an 18 year old see a gynecologist?

Young women don't need pap tests until they are 21 years old, but it's recommended they receive a well woman's exam including a pelvic exam every year starting at the age of 18.
Takedown request View complete answer on bannerhealth.com

Should a 17 year old see a gynecologist?

So when's the right time? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends teens start seeing an ob-gyn between the ages of 13 and 15. You can schedule this first visit “just because” to be proactive.
Takedown request View complete answer on acog.org

Should every woman have a gynecologist?

Contreras reiterated that women need a gynecologist at every age. She encouraged women to talk to their physician about issues such as anxiety, sleeping, depression and vaginal dryness that often occur during the perimenopausal period.
Takedown request View complete answer on atlantichealth.org

Does going to the gynecologist hurt the first time?

We admit, it's not the most comfortable test, but it shouldn't hurt. If you feel any pain or discomfort, let us know.
Takedown request View complete answer on associatesinwomenshealthcare.net

Can a gynecologist tell the last time?

Most of the time, a doctor can't tell if a girl has had sex just from a pelvic exam (and doctors don't usually give teen girls pelvic exams unless there's a sign of a problem). But you should let your doctor know if you've had sex anyway. Why? Having sex puts a person at risk for STDs as well as unplanned pregnancy.
Takedown request View complete answer on kidshealth.org

What is the difference between a gynecologist and an OB GYN?

Obstetrics. An obstetrician specializes in obstetrics, which deals with all aspects of pregnancy, from prenatal care to post-natal care. An obstetrician delivers babies, whereas a gynecologist does not. An obstetrician can also provide therapies to help you get pregnant, such as fertility treatments.
Takedown request View complete answer on woosterhospital.org

What happens at your first Pap smear if you are a virgin?

For virgins a Pap smear might hurt a bit because the speculum is opened up inside them, which is a sensation they won't be used to. However, even if it hurts a little the first time it is likely to be bearable.
Takedown request View complete answer on vuvatech.com

What happens if you never get a Pap smear?

We want you to know that your Pap smear is a test that is far too important to skip and doing so means cervical precancerous changes may go undetected until they have reached an advanced stage or turned into cancer.
Takedown request View complete answer on chapelhillobgyn.com

Does a 21 year old virgin need a Pap smear?

Do Virgins Need Pap Smears? The majority of healthcare providers recommend women begin pap smears at age 21. If you're a virgin, or haven't had vaginal intercorse, you may be at extreme low risk but can still consider getting tested.
Takedown request View complete answer on roshmfm.com

How much does a Pap smear cost?

If your medical aid does not cover out of hospital tests, the fee. for Pap smear (liquid-based cytology LBC) is R280, HPV test 1100.
Takedown request View complete answer on drnovikova.co.za

Should a 20 year old get a Pap smear?

In general, it's recommended that women start getting routine Pap tests at age 21.
Takedown request View complete answer on plannedparenthood.org

Are you asleep during a Pap smear?

The short answer to this question is, yes, you can be sedated to get a pelvic exam and Pap smear. This is not common practice however, and usually only done when there is suspected clinical concern and a routine exam is not possible.
Takedown request View complete answer on mazewomenshealth.com

How long does a Pap smear take?

Pap Smear Procedure

It takes about 10-20 minutes for the whole exam, but only a few minutes for the actual Pap smear. The test is done in your doctor's office or clinic. You'll lie on a table with your feet placed firmly in stirrups.
Takedown request View complete answer on webmd.com

Can you bleed after Pap smear?

Many people who have a Pap smear notice light bleeding, or spotting, for a couple of days after the test. In most cases, this is not a cause for concern, and it usually goes away without intervention. This symptom may occur because the Pap smear can irritate the blood vessels of the cervix, which causes light bleeding.
Takedown request View complete answer on medicalnewstoday.com