[seeemilywrite]

When do you think the right age is to start your daughter going to the gyno. I started when I was 18. I started my period when i was 14 however, I almost think I should have started then. What do you think?

[writerchick]

My primary care physician does the regular gyno work, and I took my daughter to him instead of her pediatrician when she was 13 because she had heavy and irregular periods. I think that was about the right age, regardless of any problems.

[EbayMom]

Originally Posted by writerchick

My primary care physician does the regular gyno work, and I took my daughter to him instead of her pediatrician when she was 13 because she had heavy and irregular periods. I think that was about the right age, regardless of any problems.

Same situation here...but my daughter was 16, and due to her irregular periods, and terrible PMS symptoms, he put her on birth control.

[writerchick]

Yup, my daughter, too, and it's been the best thing. She doesn't have PMS symptoms anymore, and it's nice to know when her period is coming. Once we went to a walk-in medical clinic for an after-hours injury and the physician's assistant was a cute young guy. When he asked her if she was on any medications, she nearly died when I said "birth control pills." After he left she said, "Mom, you should have told him why I take them!" She was soooo embarrassed.

[LisaDK]

I went to my primary care doctor until I was 21 (I think). She said it was ok for me because I was very regular, didn't have any difficulties, nor was I sexually active. However, if you issues it should be younger. In fact, my sister was having a lot of problems and they ended up being due to a thyroid problem (however, the primary care doctor didn't find it out, the gyno did).

[MJ7]

Originally Posted by seeemilywrite

When do you think the right age is to start your daughter going to the gyno. I started when I was 18. I started my period when i was 14 however, I almost think I should have started then. What do you think?

I don't think it's nessisary until a woman is an adult UNLESS, there is any concerns or abnormalities, or if the girl is sexually active. A sexually active girl really NEEDS to be seen regularly.

[RainbowMomma]

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist recommend the first visit to an OB-GYN be between the ages of 13 and 15. I have started my daughters at 13 to ensure they always have a professional available if one of them decides they are unable to speak with me.

I fully support ACOG's recommendation of 13 to 15.

[twinzplus3]

Originally Posted by RainbowMomma

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist recommend the first visit to an OB-GYN be between the ages of 13 and 15. I have started my daughters at 13 to ensure they always have a professional available if one of them decides they are unable to speak with me. I fully support ACOG's recommendation of 13 to 15.

ACOG (and other associations at that) make recommendations based on averages and statistics--not real people. Any OB/GYN I've been to says if they're not sexually active--there's no need unless there's a problem. I'll take my daughters when my pedi says they should go.

[RainbowMomma]

Originally Posted by twinzplus3

ACOG (and other associations at that) make recommendations based on averages and statistics--not real people. Any OB/GYN I've been to says if they're not sexually active--there's no need unless there's a problem. I'll take my daughters when my pedi says they should go.

I agree with ACOG because as parents we are not always aware of our child's needs. We can't know everything. I believe taking my daughters early has gotten them accustom to looking after their health. I believe it also made them more comfortable visiting an OB-GYN since they did not receive a pelvic exam during their first visit.

[QueenAngie]

Just a quick question: if the 13 yo did not have a gyne exam on the 1st visit, at what age was her first gyne physical exam with a pap smear?
If a teenager is having a problem with her periods or is sexually active, a gyne physical exam is appropriate.
Likewise, IMO, if a 13 yo is healthy and having no health problems, I think that is a little young for a gyne exam. Most 13 yos are still going to a pediatrician.
I was leaning more towards normal, healthy 16 - 18 year olds having their first gyne physical exam. Just my thoughts.
Ladies, if you are having a problem, go to the doctor for a checkup.