Why does your Daughter need a Pediatric or Adolescent Gynecologist?

When we think about visits to the OB/GYN, we imagine grown women lining up in the waiting room. Partially, that’s true: the more we age, the more often we need to see our gynecologist. However, this does not mean that children and adolescents don’t need any gynecological care.

When should my daughter have her first gynecological consult?

Typically, the gynecological visits start with the first period. In other words, when your daughter’s first menstrual bleeding appears, even if everything seems perfectly normal, it is advisable to take her to see a gynecologist. The doctor can perform all the necessary tests in order to make sure that everything is alright with your daughter’s reproductive system.

Of course, if any symptoms that might indicate a genital problem appear before puberty installs, you may have to take your daughter for her first consult earlier. Check in with your general physician before making an appointment.

What should we expect from the first consult?

Depending on your daughter’s daughter and your personal preferences, her first consult can happen privately or with you in the room. The examination will be a complete one, with focus on the pelvis, abdomen and the outer genital area.

What are some of the most common problems that children and adolescents face?

Aside from the regular checkups, your daughter may needs to see a gynecologist for the following reasons:

• Delayed puberty – puberty typically appears between the ages of 7 and 13. If the first signs have not appeared after this age, it’s time she saw a gynecologist.
• Menstrual irregularities
• Ovarian cysts
• STIs
• Birth control

How can I choose the perfect gynecologist for my daughter?

Besides the medical expertise, a gynecologists who treats children and adolescents has to be endowed with a special set of soft skills in order to make this experience as agreeable as possible for the patient. It is a well-known fact that young women who have a bad experience with their first gynecological visit, will dread these check-ups for the rest of their life.

A pediatric and adolescent gynecologists has to have enough patience to explain everything and answer all the questions his/her young patient may have, as well as enough warmth and tact to make the patient feel safe and well cared for.

Dr. Evgenia Fefelova in Barrie, Ontario has a lot of experience in working with children and teenagers. Setup an appointment and rest assured that your daughter will be in great hands.