When did you first take your daughter to the gynecologist?

[Anonymous]

I took my daughter to Dr. Joshi in Fairfax, and she was so nice and easy to talk to that I was ready to tell her anything, and I wasn't the patient! I left the room and my daughter, who is in college, said she was very comfortable with her. I would recommend her at whatever age you take your kid for. I don't think it's necessary until right before college, assuming she's not sexually active and not having problems. We went for bad cramps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My GYN said to start visits when they become sexually active or when they turn 21, whichever comes first. Unless there is a problem, of course. Until then, a family practice doctor (or ped) is fine. One of my girls was sexually active at 17 and the other was a virgin at 21. Just depends on the kid.

That is alarming to me that a woman could potentially be menstruating for 11 or so years before visiting a gynecologist! Sure, some pediatricians are decent at whole-picture stuff, but that's not a certainty by any means! I have a son, but I'd say 16 unless a concern crops up.

Why is it alarming? Mine started menstruating at 10, and I have no plans to take her before 21 unless there's a problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My GYN said to start visits when they become sexually active or when they turn 21, whichever comes first. Unless there is a problem, of course. Until then, a family practice doctor (or ped) is fine. One of my girls was sexually active at 17 and the other was a virgin at 21. Just depends on the kid.

That is alarming to me that a woman could potentially be menstruating for 11 or so years before visiting a gynecologist! Sure, some pediatricians are decent at whole-picture stuff, but that's not a certainty by any means! I have a son, but I'd say 16 unless a concern crops up.

Why is it alarming? Mine started menstruating at 10, and I have no plans to take her before 21 unless there's a problem.

21! why would you wait so long before helping your daughter learn how to take care of all the parts of her body?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology says between 13 and 15, although it may be sooner if like pp your daughter has a medical issues with her period (cramping, abnormal bleeding) or other concerns.

This seems young. If they're not sexually active, what is the thought process behind this? I would not have like to go at 13--I was years away from being active, and would have had nothing to discuss with the gyno that I couldn't with my pediatrician.

My understanding is that this would include an external genital exam (not an internal one if not sexually active), but also that the gynecologist can answer privately any questions about menstruation problems, vaginal secretions, sexuality - even alcohol and drugs - in a safe environment. It's also helpful that she has information about safe sex practices before sexual activity begins, especially if she might not alert her parents what's going on until after she has had several sexual encounters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology says between 13 and 15, although it may be sooner if like pp your daughter has a medical issues with her period (cramping, abnormal bleeding) or other concerns.

This seems young. If they're not sexually active, what is the thought process behind this? I would not have like to go at 13--I was years away from being active, and would have had nothing to discuss with the gyno that I couldn't with my pediatrician.

My understanding is that this would include an external genital exam (not an internal one if not sexually active), but also that the gynecologist can answer privately any questions about menstruation problems, vaginal secretions, sexuality - even alcohol and drugs - in a safe environment. It's also helpful that she has information about safe sex practices before sexual activity begins, especially if she might not alert her parents what's going on until after she has had several sexual encounters.

But can't her ped do this as well? Mine always did an external check, and talked to me separately from my parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My GYN said to start visits when they become sexually active or when they turn 21, whichever comes first. Unless there is a problem, of course. Until then, a family practice doctor (or ped) is fine. One of my girls was sexually active at 17 and the other was a virgin at 21. Just depends on the kid.

That is alarming to me that a woman could potentially be menstruating for 11 or so years before visiting a gynecologist! Sure, some pediatricians are decent at whole-picture stuff, but that's not a certainty by any means! I have a son, but I'd say 16 unless a concern crops up.

Why is it alarming? Mine started menstruating at 10, and I have no plans to take her before 21 unless there's a problem.

21! why would you wait so long before helping your daughter learn how to take care of all the parts of her body?

You don't need to see a medical specialist to learn about your body or taking care of it. Do you take her to a cardiologist to learn about being heart healthy?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My GYN said to start visits when they become sexually active or when they turn 21, whichever comes first. Unless there is a problem, of course. Until then, a family practice doctor (or ped) is fine. One of my girls was sexually active at 17 and the other was a virgin at 21. Just depends on the kid.

That is alarming to me that a woman could potentially be menstruating for 11 or so years before visiting a gynecologist! Sure, some pediatricians are decent at whole-picture stuff, but that's not a certainty by any means! I have a son, but I'd say 16 unless a concern crops up.

But you are still going to be having your period whether you go to the gynecologist or not. My gyn and I haven't ever discussed my period and I've seen her for 25 years now. If you are having a huge issue, okay, go and discuss. Or if DD wants to discuss birth control and/or she is sexually active then go. Otherwise you don't have to until you are a bit older.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology says between 13 and 15, although it may be sooner if like pp your daughter has a medical issues with her period (cramping, abnormal bleeding) or other concerns.

This seems young. If they're not sexually active, what is the thought process behind this? I would not have like to go at 13--I was years away from being active, and would have had nothing to discuss with the gyno that I couldn't with my pediatrician.

My understanding is that this would include an external genital exam (not an internal one if not sexually active), but also that the gynecologist can answer privately any questions about menstruation problems, vaginal secretions, sexuality - even alcohol and drugs - in a safe environment. It's also helpful that she has information about safe sex practices before sexual activity begins, especially if she might not alert her parents what's going on until after she has had several sexual encounters.

But can't her ped do this as well? Mine always did an external check, and talked to me separately from my parents.

And at that age no one wants an 'external genital exam' from a doctor. The odds of something being wrong with your external genitals are pretty low. Don't we get enough of this from the TSA?

And I think most schools discuss safe sex practices constantly unless you opt your child out. Even the Catholic schools?
My doctor never did this either when I went. She just tested for STD's when I was pregnant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology says between 13 and 15, although it may be sooner if like pp your daughter has a medical issues with her period (cramping, abnormal bleeding) or other concerns.

This seems young. If they're not sexually active, what is the thought process behind this? I would not have like to go at 13--I was years away from being active, and would have had nothing to discuss with the gyno that I couldn't with my pediatrician.

My understanding is that this would include an external genital exam (not an internal one if not sexually active), but also that the gynecologist can answer privately any questions about menstruation problems, vaginal secretions, sexuality - even alcohol and drugs - in a safe environment. It's also helpful that she has information about safe sex practices before sexual activity begins, especially if she might not alert her parents what's going on until after she has had several sexual encounters.

But can't her ped do this as well? Mine always did an external check, and talked to me separately from my parents.

+1

[Anonymous]

My mom was a pediatrician. She never took me to the gynecologist or talked to me about my period. She put some pamphlets on my bed and later said "You didn't have any questions, did you?" I didn't tell her when my period started but I took her tampons. She left me a note in the drawer that said "Buy your own, cheapskate."

I did see another doctor for check ups and I don't recall him asking me anything about my periods or doing any kind of exam. I did finally get myself to Planned Parenthood when I started having sex at 15, but they focused on the sex part. I had one physician there express disappointment in me because she worked with my dad (he was also a doctor). A few years later when I had no boyfriend and I went off the pill it never occurred to me that a gynecologist might be able to help me with my overwhelmingly heavy periods and cramping. I did work up the courage to mention it to my mom and of course she had no advice. I saw a doctor for a physical and she told me it was "common to be uncomfortable" when you had your period, nevermind that I was often bed bound. I think I finally started going regularly in grad school at 26 when the physician assistant I saw referred me to an actual gynecologist.

My mom, the pediatrician, did nothing to teach me about my period or connect me with anyone who could. It makes me sad to learn that other parents are like this, too. I thought my mom was just a b*tch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology says between 13 and 15, although it may be sooner if like pp your daughter has a medical issues with her period (cramping, abnormal bleeding) or other concerns.

Of course they do. They serve their members.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My GYN said to start visits when they become sexually active or when they turn 21, whichever comes first. Unless there is a problem, of course. Until then, a family practice doctor (or ped) is fine. One of my girls was sexually active at 17 and the other was a virgin at 21. Just depends on the kid.

That is alarming to me that a woman could potentially be menstruating for 11 or so years before visiting a gynecologist! Sure, some pediatricians are decent at whole-picture stuff, but that's not a certainty by any means! I have a son, but I'd say 16 unless a concern crops up.

Why is it alarming? Mine started menstruating at 10, and I have no plans to take her before 21 unless there's a problem.

21! why would you wait so long before helping your daughter learn how to take care of all the parts of her body?

What exactly is the gynecologist suppose to teach her regarding taking care of her body that her mom can't teach her?

[Anonymous]

I would think 16 to introduce her to the concept or regular exams. Whatever you don't introduce to her before 18, she will most certainly learn about in college. At least you're a credible and reliable source.

[Anonymous]

I started getting gynecological exams at 15, which was required for me to get prescribed birth control. I needed it to control my acne and wasn't sexually active. Birth control was a lifechanging miracle for my appearance, so PSA to moms, please don't withhold birth control from your daughters if they have bad skin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My GYN said to start visits when they become sexually active or when they turn 21, whichever comes first. Unless there is a problem, of course. Until then, a family practice doctor (or ped) is fine. One of my girls was sexually active at 17 and the other was a virgin at 21. Just depends on the kid.

That is alarming to me that a woman could potentially be menstruating for 11 or so years before visiting a gynecologist! Sure, some pediatricians are decent at whole-picture stuff, but that's not a certainty by any means! I have a son, but I'd say 16 unless a concern crops up.

Why is it alarming? Mine started menstruating at 10, and I have no plans to take her before 21 unless there's a problem.

21! why would you wait so long before helping your daughter learn how to take care of all the parts of her body?

What exactly is the gynecologist suppose to teach her regarding taking care of her body that her mom can't teach her?

Yeah Gynecologists know practically nothing compared to mom. Why take them to the pediatrician? Just give them a once over, because you are a mom and you know everything! You are also overlooking the idea that the kid might be more comfortable talking with a medical professional than with their mother. Maybe the kid does have a symptom that they don't want to mention to mom. I think it is important and wonderful to teach your children that it is important to take care of your health and this is nothing to be embarrassed about. The number of adults who neglect their most basic healthcare needs out of embarrassment or discomfort is striking. The number of men who get prostate cancer because they don't want to do the check, the number of people who suffer with digestive symptoms for ages and let cancer get a foothold because it is gross. This is as important as teaching them how to manage a budget.