A Healthy Young Woman: Your First Gynecologic Exam

With the right information and the right physician, your first gynecological exam can help establish healthy habits that will last a lifetime. That is why Penn Ob/Gyn Care places a special emphasis on the gynecological needs and concerns of young women. At Penn Ob/Gyn Care, we work to educate you about your health needs and prepare you for your first gynecological exam.

Before Your First Exam
"The most important thing is to make an adolescent feel comfortable," said Michelle Vichnin, MD, gynecologist at Penn Medicine at Radnor. "That's why I meet with the young woman, and sometimes her parent, in my office before the exam. I explain the exam and will also ask general questions about her health, nutrition, exercise habits and school. This is also an opportunity for the young woman to ask me any questions or express any concerns."

Before an exam, the physician will often show diagrams that help explain the gynecological exam and offer written material on the exam, menstrual cycle, exercise and nutrition. After the exam, the physician will talk with you one-on-one and answer any additional questions.

It is also important to know that the exam and the information you provide is always confidential. You can feel comfortable sharing information with your physician and trust that it will be kept in confidence.

When to See a Gynecologist
"We recommend that adolescents see the gynecologist by age 15, or by age 18 at the very latest. This helps to identify problems and establish a healthy lifestyle. It also gives us the opportunity to discuss reproductive health, sexually transmitted diseases prevention and contraception," said Dr. Vichnin.

You should also see the gynecologist if you have any of the following problems:

• Delayed puberty or delayed menstruation. Puberty normally starts between 8 and 14 years old. The average age for the first menstrual cycle is 12.7 years.
• Development which begins before age 8
• Irregular menstrual bleeding
• Breast problems
• Severe menstrual cramps or premenstrual symptoms
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Unusual vaginal discharge, burning or itching
• Excessive hair growth on face, back or chest

It is important for an adolescent, and women at any age, to have a gynecological exam and Pap smear performed on an annual basis. Annual exams allow the physician to detect problems and treat them before they become worse. Annual exams are also important for every woman's total health and well being.

Common Problems Seen in Adolescents
According to Susan Roitman, MD, gynecologist at Valley Forge Ob/Gyn Associates and Phoenixville Hospital, the most common problems seen in adolescents are irregular periods, menstrual pain and abdominal pain. "For cramps, we usually recommend over-the-counter medication. If the woman is still suffering, she may need a prescription or low-dose oral contraceptive," said Dr. Roitman.

For irregular periods and heavy bleeding, Dr. Roitman will check for anemia and may consider medication. For surgical problems, young women can see Samantha Pfeifer, MD, a specialist in reproductive endocrinology, at Penn Medicine at Radnor.

Leaving for College
Adolescents can continue their care at Penn even while away at college. Our physicians are available by phone for any questions or concerns and annual exams can be scheduled over college breaks. Before going off to college, Dr. Roitman will counsel her patients on how to stay healthy, including information on sexually transmitted diseases prevention, alcohol and drug abuse and safety on college campuses.

	Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor.