Every so often, an adult patient will ask me about something her teen is going through. “My daughter’s periods are really unusual,” this mother might say toward the end of her own visit. “Can she come see you?”
Adolescence is marked by many milestones, including a teen’s first visitwith an ob-gyn. This experience can set the stage for a lifetime of talking about reproductive and sexual health.
There are many reasons teens might want to start seeing an ob-gyn. Some reasons are routine, and others less so. 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. But in my experience, the appointment is usually prompted by a question or concern related to the teen’s development.
Here are just some of the reasons teens may start seeing an ob-gyn. (This infographic has the full list.) And if you need help finding an ob-gyn for your teen? Your own ob-gyn or your teen’s doctor are great people to ask for a recommendation.
1. They have not gotten their period. In the United States, most girls get their period between ages 12 and 14. If your teen hasn’t gotten her first periodby 15, it’s worth checking with an ob-gyn. We can assess whether any underlying issues are causing the delay.
2. Their periods are troublesome. What counts as a “normal” period can vary for teens, as it can for adult women. Still, if your teen’s periods seem differentfrom what you’d expect, or if your teen is bothered by them, ob-gyns can help. Whether periods are very painful, very heavy, coming too often, or not coming often at all—we can address these concerns.
3. They are struggling with puberty. Periods are only the beginning. Teens may have other pubertyconcerns too, such as heavy acne or unwanted hair growth. An ob-gyn can help discuss these questions and possible treatments. Ob-gyns can also reassure teens about normal signs of development.
4. They are sexually active or in a serious relationship. Sex and relationships are a normal part of growing up. Teens should be able to talk about them in a safe way. An ob-gyn visit can be a great opportunity for your teen to explore these topics with a neutral adult. Ob-gyns can discuss it all, from choosing birth control and preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to understanding what makes a healthy relationship. Remember, many parents think their teens aren’t having sex when they actually are. Your ob-gyn can also coach you on how to bring up this topic with your teen.
(Teens should be able to speak privately with their ob-gyn, though some state laws and insurance policies may affect what can be kept confidential.)
5. They are questioning their gender identity. More ob-gyns are becoming well versed in gender identityissues, both physical and emotional. These doctors can be a resource for talking with teens about their gender identity. If and when teens want to explore a transition, ob-gyns can talk about the process. They can discuss medications that can pause the onset of puberty, and other medications that can begin a hormonal transition. An ob-gyn can also help address any mental health needs your teen may have related to gender identity.
One thing to clarify: Ob-gyn visits are closely associated with pelvic examsand Pap tests. This fact alone is enough to make teens nervous. It may help to know that the first visit won’t include a pelvic exam unless absolutely necessary—and even then, only with a teen’s consent. As for Pap tests? They aren’t recommended under age 21.
Instead, your teen should think of the visit as a chance to get one-on-one health advice in a safe, comfortable setting. You can encourage your teen to write down any questions they have ahead of time, and to write down the answers during the visit. This is a good lifelong practice for any type of doctor’s visit.
Setting the stage
Your teen’s first visit to an ob-gyn can feel like a big deal. And it is! As a parent, I understand that watching your kids grow up can be as exciting and confusing for you as it is for them.
[The Top 3 Questions Parents Ask About Their Daughters and Puberty]
Whatever the reason for that first visit, my role as an ob-gyn is to help young people form a positive relationship with their bodies. I want my patients to know how to talk about their health questions and get the support they need—no matter their age.
Published: March 2022
Last reviewed: February 2024
Copyright 2024 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. All rights reserved. Read copyright and permissions information.
This information is designed as an educational aid for the public. It offers current information and opinions related to women's health. It is not intended as a statement of the standard of care. It does not explain all of the proper treatments or methods of care. It is not a substitute for the advice of a physician. Read ACOG’s complete disclaimer.
FAQs
Teens should be able to talk about them in a safe way. An ob-gyn visit can be a great opportunity for your teen to explore these topics with a neutral adult. Ob-gyns can discuss it all, from choosing birth control and preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to understanding what makes a healthy relationship.
Does the gynecologist have to tell your parents? ›
Like any other doctor, a gynecologist is bound by the rules of confidentiality. This means they cannot disclose medical information to anyone, including parents, without the patient's consent.
What age should my daughter 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.
What do they do to a first time 15 year old at a gynecologist? ›
For some teens, the first visit may just be a talk with the doctor. For others, the doctor might do a physical exam, which can include looking at the genitals. (Genitals are the sexual or reproductive organs that are on the outside of the body.)
Can I see a gynecologist at 17 without my parents knowing? ›
You might be asking yourself, “Can I go to the OB-GYN without my parents knowing?” The good news is that even if you're a minor (under the age of 18), it is legal to see the OB-GYN without informing your parents.
Can I tell my doctor not to tell my parents? ›
Will my doctor tell my parents what we talked about? Your doctor will keep the details of what you talk about private, or confidential. The only time your doctor cannot honor your privacy is when they believe there is an immediate threat to your safety or someone else's.
Is it illegal for a doctor to tell your parents your pregnant? ›
“A minor may consent to medical care related to the prevention or treatment of pregnancy,” except sterilization. (Cal. Family Code § 6925). The health care provider is not permitted to inform a parent or legal guardian without the minor's consent.
Should my 14 year old see a gynecologist? ›
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends girls have their first gynecologic visit between ages 13 and 15. Why is that? Naturally, a girl should see us at any age if she has medical issues or questions.
Should my daughter see a gynecologist when she starts her period? ›
When a young woman starts to get her period, and develop what Beebe refers to as secondary sexual characteristics, like breasts and pubic hair, it's time to introduce her to a GYN. And if a young woman hasn't started menstruating by the age of 15, that's a reason to see a GYN, too.
What age do doctors look at your private areas? ›
You should have your first pelvic exam by age 21. After that, they become part of your regular preventive care and you receive them every year or every few years depending on your age, health risks and other factors.
Women over age 65 can stop getting screened if they've had at least three consecutive negative Pap tests or at least two negative HPV tests within the previous 10 years, according to the guidelines. But women who have a history of a more advanced precancer diagnosis should continue to be screened for at least 20 years.
Should a 15 year old get a Pap smear? ›
Who Should Get a Pap Smear? Teen girls don't need to get Pap smears unless their doctors think something's wrong. Once a girl turns 21, she should start getting regular Pap smears as a way to monitor her health. Women in their 20s with normal Pap smear results should have the test every 3 years.
Does a 15 year old need a pelvic exam? ›
Teens don't usually get pelvic exams.
For example, if a girl complains of heavy bleeding, missed periods, or discharge, the doctor will want to check for a cause. Otherwise, doctors don't recommend regular pelvic exams or Pap smears until a woman is 21 years old.
Will a doctor tell my parents I vape? ›
The only times when your doctor cannot honor your privacy is when someone is hurting you or you are going to hurt yourself or someone else. There are state laws that require doctors to share information when there is a concern about someone possibly getting hurt.
At what age should my daughter see an Obgyn? ›
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.
Do doctors tell your parents if you have an STD? ›
In most states, once you're 13, you can get tested and treated for STDs without a parent knowing. Many doctors will agree to treat patients this age and older confidentially. That means they won't tell parents or anyone else unless you say it's OK. So you can ask if your own doctor will do so.
Do gynecologists ask parents to leave the room? ›
Some will automatically ask moms to leave, so you may need to speak up if you'd like yours to stay. If your mom is not in the room, your doctor or health care provider will have a nurse or medical assistant in the room during the exam. Your discussions will be kept private, so feel free to ask any questions you have.
Can I go to the doctor without my parents knowing? ›
“In California, there are laws that protect the health status of our preteens and teens,” Dr. Ma says. “Minor patients can seek some health care for certain delicate matters on their own, without the consent of a parent or guardian.” Physicians typically ask to speak privately to patients 12 or older.
Is the gyno confidential? ›
Everything you say is confidential, and your doctor is not there to judge you. Be sure to mention any mood changes, heavy bleeding, or abnormal pain or cramping you may experience during your cycle.
