The first visit to a gynecologist’s office is unpleasant for many young girls. After all, this is about the intimate area and about things like sexuality and love life. Getting undressed in front of strangers – that’s not easy for everyone either. What should parents and daughters know beforehand?
This news should let many young girls breathe a sigh of relief: “Most of the time, the first visit to the gynecologist does not involve an examination on the chair,” says gynecologist Doris Scharrel. “The young women get to know the gynecologist and the treatment room, ask questions about contraception or have the pill prescribed for them.”
This first contact often takes place in a special teenage consultation. And it is important because it makes the doctor and the practice tangible – and thus reduces fears a little. Because many young women are afraid. Or at least a queasy feeling. Does the examination on the chair hurt? Do I have to disclose details about my love life? “It is very important to take away the girls’ fears before the initial examination,” agrees Astrid Meßmer (name changed by the editors*). It offers online counseling for the Federal Conference for Educational Counseling (BKE).
Among them there is also the “topic chat with Dr. Gyn”, where participants can ask all their questions to a gynecologist. “That helps to reduce fears of contact and shows young people that gynecologists are open and approachable, but also discreet,” says Messmer. Such offers can also help to reduce fears. And that before the first appointment with the gynecologist has even been made.
Speaking of appointments: Young women determine the time of their first visit to the gynecologist themselves. At least if there are no acute symptoms that make a visit to the gynecologist necessary. Many worry about an appointment when they first meet a boyfriend or girlfriend.
“The vast majority of young women come to the practice alone or with a friend,” says gynecologist Doris Scharrel. “And that’s okay and completely normal.” So parents should accept that. “Sexuality is a topic you’re more likely to discuss with a friend at this age.”
Also good to know for young women: Your data and findings will be treated confidentially and will not be passed on without your consent. However, when prescribing the pill, under-14s usually need parental consent.
Girls between the ages of 14 and 16 can have contraceptives prescribed without their parents’ consent. At least if the gynecologist is sure that the patient has understood the explanation and is aware of the importance and scope of the decision. If this is not the case according to the doctor’s assessment, the parents’ consent is still required.
The first visit to the gynecologist is not only an issue for young women. But often also for their parents. However, according to gynecologist Scharrel, the fact that parents forbid their daughters to have sex is not helpful. Prescribing the pill alone would not make young women more likely to have sex.
“I always find it helpful when parents react openly to their children’s questions, talk to them if their daughters want them to, but also withdraw when the opposite is the case,” says Astrid Messmer from the BKE youth counseling service. This also applies if, for example, children make a decision on the subject of contraception that the parent does not support.
In one case, a particularly high level of sensitivity is required – also on the part of the parents. “For girls and young women who have experienced sexual abuse, a visit to the gynecologist represents a completely different hurdle,” says youth counselor Messmer.
“They often have great reservations about being touched and report that it helps them a lot if there is only one conversation at a first appointment.” So one thing counts here: taking the pressure off.
But what actually happens during the first gynecological examination, which usually takes place within a year of the first visit to the practice? For example, the breasts are scanned for early cancer detection. A vaginal swab is also part of the examination. For example, the gynecologist can determine whether a fungal infection is present.
From the age of 20, young women are entitled to an annual Pap test for cancer screening. This is a swab of the cervix and cervix that can clarify whether cells there have changed noticeably.
A tip to help you feel less naked on your way to the chair: put on a long top or dress.
If young women are already having their periods, they are asked when they have started and when their last menstrual period started. In addition, according to bleeding symptoms and the length and regularity of the cycle. The topic of HPV vaccination is also discussed. It protects against human papilloma viruses (HPV), which can cause various forms of cancer and their precursors in the body.
*The name of the BKE online consultant was changed at her own request. Your real name is available to the dpa editorial team.
