Taking care of your body and preventative health care is very important, especially for women and young women are no exception. You may think that because you are young and healthy that you don’t need to see a doctor, but with women’s health that is the perfect place to start. Women’s health care should include an annual exam by an OBGYN, obstetrician-gynecologist. The health care needs of women are different and the doctors at the Woman’s Clinic are ready to help you navigate the wide spectrum of OB/GYN needs.
Your First Exam
It is recommended that girls have their first well woman’s appointment between the ages of 13 and 15. Being nervous or anxious about your first OB/GYN visit is completely normal. Talking with your parents or the doctor about your concerns will help you to have a better experience. The first visit with your doctor may not include a pelvic exam but instead an opportunity for you to meet your doctor and ask questions. You do not have to be sexually active to need to see an OB/GYN. During your visit, your doctor will ask a lot of questions that are personal and you may not have talked about these things with someone before. It is important to answer the questions honestly so your doctor can help you in the best way. The doctor may ask about your periods, acne, weight gain and any sexual activity including vaginal, oral and anal sex. Again, being open and honest with your doctor about your history or any future plans is a vital part of your care.
Why Should I Go?
Having yearly preventive health screenings is very important for women. The body changes a lot during your teenage years which brings about many of questions and problems. Things like acne, weight gain, menstrual cycles, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases and emotional health are all things your OB/GYN can help you navigate.
The Other 364
While health screenings are super important, they are only once a year and how we treat our bodies the other 364 days a year are just as important. Make lifestyle choices that make a healthier you. Reach and maintain a healthy weight with a healthy diet and exercise. Research continues to show how much a healthy weight decreases your risk of chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and improves overall health. Don’t smart smoking, drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs. If you are sexually active and do not want to have a baby, make sure you use birth control. You can decrease your risk of sexually transmitted diseases by using a latex condom and by limiting your sexual partners.
If you have never had a well woman’s exam or if you are overdue, schedule an appointment with one of the specially trained doctors at The Woman’s Clinic today.
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