Health & Wellness
Moms and
Daughters Adolescent Health Q and A, Ask Dr. Jen
By: Jennifer R Gilby, MD FACOG
When should I
take my daughter to the gynecologist?
That is a
question that comes into the minds of most parents who have
daughters entering the teen years. The American College of
Obstetrician Gynecologists has recently recommended that young
teens see an OB/GYN at age 13-15.
Doesn’t that seem too early, most of you are saying to yourself?
Well, consider
that 50% of teens are sexually active; and that 65% have had sex
by their senior year in high school. With those staggering
statistics in mind, wouldn’t it be prudent to make that
appointment to discuss all the risks of early promiscuity;
therefore, highlighting the benefits of abstinence with your teen?
This is a very critical time to begin discussing the benefits of
birth control, safe sex as well as abstinence, and the risks of
promiscuity. We also now have Gardasil, the new Human
Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) to discuss and administer anytime
from the ages of 9-26 years of age. This could prevent cervical
cancer and the long-term consequences of HPV exposure.
What are things that I need to discuss at that appointment and how
do I broach the topic?
Initially, in
my office both the parent and teen are seen together. I ask the
teen if she needs her privacy and if so, the parent will wait in
the waiting room. Do not take offense to this, nor should any of
you think that this is confirmation that your child is “hiding
something from you.” At this age, they are starting to find their
independence and becoming very modest. This helps them establish
rapport and know they have the respect of the physician by knowing
they respect their need for privacy. During this time, I
personally give them a long talk about the risks of venereal
disease and their long-term consequences. We thoroughly discuss
the menstrual cycle, what the exam may entail, and determine if
the exam is necessary. The majority of 13-15 year old girls will
not need any pelvic exam unless there is a current problem. By
reassuring your teenager that an exam is unlikely, this can take
the extreme anxiety out of this first meeting, and smooth the
transition until it really is necessary in the future.
Will I be able to find out what was discussed at this visit if I
am not present?
Usually, the
physician will ask the teen if they would agree to have
information discussed with a parent at the parent’s request. If
the teen agrees, information can be made available to the parent.
Again, do not become frustrated with a teenager’s need for
privacy. Be comforted that they are gaining advice from a health
professional, and would have someone to turn to in a crisis in
which they may not feel comfortable turning to a parent. Having
this relationship established and teaching your child how to
contact their OB/GYN physician could save your family from
unexpected tragedies in the future.
Why would my teenager need birth control if she is not sexually
active?
There are many
other reasons to place a teenager on birth control: menstrual
cramps, heavy bleeding, irregular bleeding, control of the timing
of the menstrual cycle, and acne are some of the many reasons to
place teenagers on birth control. The sooner this is initiated and
they become comfortable with taking medication daily, the better
they will be when actual birth control is really necessary. The
freedom of simply being able to control their cycles in order to
avoid being on their cycle during a beach vacation, sporting
competition or any other important event is extremely
advantageous.
So, for all those concerned parents out there, call now and make
the appointment for your teenager tomorrow. If your insurance
policy covers health maintenance exams, this exam should be
covered.
Call for
reservations!
727-456-0750
Most insurance
accepted Jennifer R Gilby, MD FACOG Adolescent Health Seminar
Absolute Health & Wellness, $200 per Mother/daughter a division of
Tampa Bay Women’s Care Saturday, Oct. 20th 9am-12pm 1600 Dr Martin
Luther King Jr St N Bayfront Medical Center
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