The current recommendation is that you should take your daughter to see the gynecologist for the first time sometime between the ages of 13 and 15. If there is a problem, like irregular or very painful periods, you should take her in to see the doctor before that age. That first exam usually won't include a pelvic exam or pap smear, which can wait until after your daughter is sexually active or is about 21. So, what can you do in order to help your daughter be ready for her first appointment at the gynecologist?

Ask Her Preferences

You have your preferences about whether you see a male or female doctor. Your daughter likely does as well. She is at an age where she may feel very confused about her body, and she may only want a female doctor to examine her. She may also want to not see your doctor, preferring someone who is hers, and hers alone. So, talk to her and see what she wants. Letting your daughter know that she has the choice as to who to see can not only help her with any anxiety she may be feeling about the appointment but can also help her make good choices about her health in the future.

Explain What's Going to Happen

Your daughter may have heard all kinds of things about going to the gynecologist. She may prefer to try to put off the appointment out of worry as to what the appointment is going to entail. Explain that on the first appointment, the doctor will just talk to her and do a basic exam, including looking at her genitals, but only externally. Tell your daughter that she has the right to say no to the doctor at any time. No one is going to push her into doing anything that she doesn't want to. No one wants to feel like they have no say as to what is happening to their body. In fact, if your daughter wants, her first appointment may only involve talking to the doctor and giving a medical history if that's all she wants. She has the control during these appointments. 

As much as you may not want to admit that your daughter is growing up, it's not anything that you can stop. That means that you have to help her be healthy by taking her to her first gynecologist's appointment. 

To learn more, contact a company like Heart Of Florida OB/GYN Associates.