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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My GYN said to start visits when they become sexually active or [b]when they turn 21[/b], 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.[/quote]

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

Because maturing young women might have health concerns that they want guidance about, and they deserve to have the opportunity to dialogue with a professional and not just their parents (or god forbid, their friends). I view it as a parental responsibility to give your kids the opportunity to have these learning experiences so they can obtain knowledge and decide what to do with it. It's like giving the tools to prepare them for college. You don't just say "Hey, fill out the applications" the summer before Junior year; you give them resources and their school provides them with counselors to professionalize the exploration of their next few years. At least that's how it's supposed to work![/quote]

She sees her pediatrician regularly. I'm out of the room for more than half of the appointment. We've had a chat about birth control. I've encouraged her to discuss it with the doctor, and explained what is said between her and the ped is private. It's not like a gyn is the only kind of doctor that can address her concerns. She's been seeing the same doctor since birth, so they have a rapport. [/quote]

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