Adolescent Gynecology in North Syracuse, Syracuse, and Fayetteville, NY

What is adolescent gynecology?

Two teenage girls smiling and hugging each other outdoors on a sunny day, with greenery and buildings in the blurred background. They appear happy and close, both wearing light-colored shirts.Adolescent gynecology helps address issues that affect the female reproductive organs for young women. Your gynecologist can be a partner in your healthcare to help you diagnose, treat, and manage conditions that may arise in puberty or through the teen years. Often, young women have their first visit with a gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 18.

At Associates for Women’s Medicine, we understand the adolescent years can be challenging. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that female adolescents be introduced to the gynecological office between the ages of 12 and 15 years old. The first office visit is intended to be for discussion and health guidance. This visit may or may not involve an internal pelvic exam — in most situations, it will not. This provides the adolescent with an opportunity to establish a rapport with a gynecological provider, as well as a time to review and ask questions pertaining to sexual development and changes in their physical appearance. This is also a time for discussion on abstinence, pregnancy prevention, and STIs. 

Please call our office at (315) 422-2222 if you have any questions or concerns about how to prepare your adolescent. Please feel free to review New York State’s law on healthcare and teenagers at https://www.nyclu.org/sites/default/files/thl.pdf. We look forward to meeting you and your child.

What are topics addressed under adolescent gynecology?

Early on, young women will often see a family medicine doctor or a pediatrician who oversees their health and wellness.

However, there may come a time when you need to seek help from a gynecologist who specializes in helping young women feel comfortable and cared for.

Some issues that may need to be addressed include:

  • Education about menstruation or periods
  • Discussions about painful or heavy periods
  • Birth control options and implementation
  • First pap smear
  • Changes through puberty that may raise concerns
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Yeast infections
  • PMS symptoms
  • Emotional ups and downs
  • Healthy discussions about sexuality or sexual relationships
  • Protection against sexually transmitted diseases
  • Concerns about rape or abuse
  • Preventing, planning, or addressing teen pregnancy

When should I have my first gynecology visit?

It is normal to feel nervous about your first visit. It may help if you talk about your concerns with your parents or someone else you trust. You may want to let your provider know you are nervous. Your provider can help put you at ease and answer any questions you may have.

Many young women have their first visit between 13 and 18 years of age. If the young woman is sexually active or has issues with periods, you may see a gynecologist sooner.

The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends annual pap tests to screen for cervical cancer starting at age 21, regardless of sexual activity. But issues can come up long before then.

What can I expect at my appointment?

The first visit may be just a talk between you and your provider. It is important to find someone you can trust, so you can have an open conversation.

Your provider may ask a lot of questions about you that may seem personal. For example, you may be asked questions about your menstrual period or sexual activities (including vaginal, oral, or anal sex). Your provider needs to ask these questions to best know how to care for you.

Giving honest answers to these questions is key to your care. If you are concerned about confidentiality, you and your provider should talk about it before you answer any questions. Much of the information you share can be kept confidential. If you are worried about a parent, discuss this ahead of time.

After you have had a consultation or conversation, you may have another appointment for future visits. This may include an exam, vaccinations, or a prescription for medications or birth control, depending on your needs. You can ask questions about your body, growing up, and sex.

Will I need an exam?

Many concerns can be addressed without an exam. Your gynecologist will put your needs first and make sure you feel heard and cared for.

If there are some issues that need a closer look, your provider may recommend:

  • A weight, height, and blood pressure check
  • A urine sample
  • If you are sexually active, you may have tests for certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Your provider may recommend an ultrasound, where a jelly-like substance is placed on your stomach and your provider uses a wand to see your uterus or other organs
  • You usually do not need to have a pelvic exam unless you are having problems, such as abnormal bleeding or pain
    • A pelvic exam includes a look at the vagina or vulva
    • To check your internal organs, your provider will place one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into the vagina and up to the cervix
  • A pap smear is when a sample of cells is taken from your cervix with a small brush, looking for things that can lead to cancer

Seek a Specialist for Help

Our adolescent gynecologists are highly trained to care for young women in a respectful way. They are skilled at making patients feel comfortable while keeping them safe and healthy. If you are unsure whether what you are experiencing is “normal” when it comes to growth, development, periods, or sex, please seek out help.

Schedule Your Adolescent’s First Visit

Have questions about your adolescent’s first gynecology visit? Our caring team is here to help you and your child feel prepared and at ease. Call us at (315) 422-2222 or request an appointment online.

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