There are so many wonderful experiences to share with your daughter when she is a teenager. While preparing her for her first gynecological checkup may not be at the top of your list, it is very important to talk about this important step in her health care. After all, you're probably still the person she trusts the most, and the way you approach this conversation can affect how she cares for her body in the years to come.
When to start the conversation?
The specialists of Carmen Clinic in Gran Canaria They recommend that girls have their first gynecological visit between the ages of 13 and 15. There are several options to consider when selecting a doctor your daughter feels most comfortable with. You can talk to her and decide if she would prefer:
- A man or a woman.
- A young or old person.
- Your own doctor, or someone who is not connected to you.
The why and honesty as a cornerstone
Be honest with your daughter. Let them know why annual gynecological check-ups are important and the doubts they can clear up with the specialist:
- Answers to questions about sex, body changes and menstrual periods in a confidential and non-judgmental environment.
- Prevention of pregnancy, STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and healthy lifestyles.
What can you expect?
Your daughter may feel nervous, embarrassed or scared about her first visit, so we recommend reassuring her, reassuring her and letting her know what to expect.
The visit can simply be a conversation with one of our specialists, a general physical examination and the external genitalia. It is also good to explain that the specialist can do a breast exam and ask about her health history and menstrual cycle.
Unless your daughter is experiencing pain or abnormal bleeding, she probably won't have a pelvic exam, but it's still important to understand what it is. Let him know that the exam will not be painful, but it may be uncomfortable.
Pap smear
Although it's not typically recommended until you're 21, this is also a good time to talk about the Pap test, which screens for cervical cancer. The specialist can ask if you have already been vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which protects against the main types of HPV that cause genital warts and some types of cancer.
If you have not done so, at our Clinic we can provide you with the vaccination. Even if your daughter receives the HPV vaccine, she should still have regular Pap tests starting at age 21 to check for other forms of cervical cancer.
Once you have had this conversation with your daughter and have accompanied her to her first gynecological check-up, you will feel as a mother that you are giving her the main tools for her gynecological care and health.
En Carmen Clinic in Gran Canaria, Our specialists can advise and guide you on gynecological care, contraceptive methods and any pathology of the female reproductive system. We have 3 locations to serve you closer to you: Arucas, Vecindario and Las Palmas. Make your appointment today. You will be in the best hands.
Recent comments