When should you first visit your OB/GYN?
Teenage girls should see an OB/GYN between the ages of 13 to 15. While pelvic exams are rarely required during this first visit, this visit helps to establish a relationship with your doctor and to go over your medical and sexual history (even if you have not had sexual intercourse.) This is a good time to ask questions about sexually transmitted diseases and contraceptives.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or ACOG recommends that Pap smear testing begin within three years of sexual intercourse, or by age 21.
Further Reading:
- Especially For Teens - Growing Up
- Especially For Teens - Your First Gyn Visit
- Especially For Teens - Menstruation
- Especially For Teens - Birth Control
- Especially For Teens - You and Your Sexuality
- Especially For Teens - Having a Baby
- First Ob-Gyn Visit Recommended in Early Teens
- Questions and Answers for Parents of Pre-Teens About Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and the HPV Vaccine
This information is provided for your information. It is not medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for visiting your doctor. If you need medical care, or have any questions, please contact your obstetrician-gynecologist.