When should a girl have her first pelvic exam?

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends girls have their first gynecologic visit between ages 13 and 15.

Can a 12 year old have a pelvic exam?

Teens don't usually get pelvic exams.

Otherwise, doctors don't recommend regular pelvic exams or Pap smears until a woman is 21 years old.

Can a 13 year old get a pelvic exam?

What is the right age to take this step? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that girls first see a gynecologist when they're between the ages of 13 and 15. Most girls will not need a pelvic exam during this first visit, though.

What age is recommended for a woman to have her first pelvic exam and screening?

An obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn) is a doctor who specializes in the health care of women. Girls should have their first gynecologic visit between the ages of 13 years and 15 years. Is it normal to be nervous before the first visit?

When should a teenage girl have her first Pap smear?

When should my teen get her first Pap smear? Most teens don't need to have a Pap smear until they're in their early 20s. In fact, the recommended age for a first pelvic exam is 21. Sometimes, however, your provider may decide to conduct a pelvic exam or Pap smear earlier than 21.

What Should Happen During Your First Pelvic Exam

Can a 14 year old get a Pap smear?

When do girls need PAP smears and breast exams? Women do not need pap smears until they are 21 years of age, even if they are sexually active. Why? The human papilloma virus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer requires five years or more to actually cause significant cell change on the cervix.

Do pelvic exams hurt?

Does a pelvic exam hurt? You can expect to feel a little discomfort, but you should not feel pain during a pelvic exam. Take slow, deep breaths and urinate before the exam to help with any discomfort. If you feel pain or discomfort during your exam, tell your doctor.

Why would a child need a pelvic exam?

Examination of the genitalia should be performed if indicated, such as during the annual examination to check for normal development of the external genitalia, to look for endocrine anomalies, to check for physical signs of suspected abuse or if requested by the parents.

Can you go to the gyno on your period?

Yes, it's totally okay to get a pelvic exam when you're on your period. But most nurses and doctors would rather do your pelvic exam on a non-period day when you're not bleeding, or at least not bleeding heavily. That's because menstrual fluid (aka period blood) can affect the results of some lab tests.

Do you need to have a Pap smear if you are a virgin?

Do virgins need Pap smears? Answer From Tatnai Burnett, M.D. Yes. Doctors recommend routine cervical cancer screening, regardless of your sexual history.

What age do doctors check your private parts?

For girls who are not sexually active, pelvic exams should begin at age 18, the gynecologists' group recommends. It also recommends that girls begin at puberty to visit a gynecologist to be educated about sexuality and women's health issues.

Do doctors have to check your privates during a physical?

In This Article: At most physicals, doctors will screen your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, lungs and head, as well as check your general appearance. Males, specifically, should expect a testicular exam, a hernia exam, a penis exam and a prostate exam.

Why did my pelvic exam hurt?

It's human reflex to tighten up when we're anticipating that something—like a pelvic exam—will hurt. But when our pelvic floor muscles contract and tighten, it can lead to more pain during the exam. A way to prevent this pain is to 'bear down' during the early part of the internal exam.

Can you wear a tampon to the Obgyn?

When the nurse or medical assistant brings you into the room, I'd recommend you let her know you're menstruating. They can put something on the exam table to absorb the blood. You can either ask to use the restroom to remove a tampon or take it out and dispose of it when you're undressing and putting on a gown.

Do Gynos care if you shave?

Nope! You do not need to shave before a gynecologist appointment (or any doctor's appointment!). Your doctor doesn't care how you care for your pubic hair, because it isn't a health or hygiene concern.

Do I cancel my Pap smear while on period?

You may want to reschedule your Pap smear if you're on your period. Technically, you can get a Pap smear while on your period, but it may be better to reschedule to a time when you aren't menstruating. Depending on how heavy your flow is, it may affect the results of your screening.

Do they do pelvic exams on kids?

Most girls won't get an internal pelvic exam. These are recommended starting at age 21 for healthy women. But a girl who has problems like heavy bleeding, painful periods, or unusual vaginal discharge might need a pelvic exam sooner.

What is the best position for examining a child?

It is often best to examine kneeling down alongside the patient. Children may prefer palpation to be done with their hand underneath the examiner's.

Do Virgins need pelvic exams?

If I am a virgin, do I still need a pelvic exam? If you are a virgin, it is important to have a pelvic exam if you have not begun to menstruate around the same time as other young women your own age, or if you have had problems with bleeding, pain or discharge. You will still be a virgin after the exam.

What should you not do before a pelvic exam?

If you're uncomfortable with the thought of a pelvic exam during your period, you can reschedule your appointment. You should avoid some things beforehand. Two days before your Pap test, avoid intercourse, vaginal creams, suppositories, medicine and douches, as these may obscure abnormal cells.

Is it normal to bleed after a pelvic exam?

However, bleeding usually happens due to the cervix being irritated by the test, rather than an indicator that something is wrong. A small amount of blood (also known as spotting), is normal.

Does a pap smear hurt the first time?

Does it hurt? Pap smears shouldn't hurt. If you're getting your first Pap, it may feel a little uncomfortable because it's a new sensation that your body isn't yet used to. People often say it feels like a small pinch, but everyone has a different threshold for pain.

Can you be forced to have a pelvic exam?

Performing pelvic exams without consent is illegal in Hawaii, Virginia, Oregon, California, Iowa, Illinois, Utah, and Maryland. Legislation prohibiting this recently passed the New York legislature and is pending in other states, including Minnesota and Massachusetts.

Is pelvic exam necessary?

A pelvic exam is not needed to screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You also don't need one to get birth control, other than an IUD. Adolescents usually don't need a pelvic exam at their first gynecologic visit unless they are having problems.

How do you stay calm during a pelvic exam?

A: Communicate with your provider that you're feeling nervous and tense. They can help position you to feel more comfortable. Practice slow, deep breathing. Try to relax your shoulders, your stomach muscles and the muscles between your legs.