Child gynecology
When should a girl or young woman visit a gynecologist if she has not yet started having sex?
If the menstrual cycle is disturbed
If a girl’s menstruation begins at the age of 11, 12, or 13, this is common in our country. Often, menstruation is irregular at first, sometimes it disappears for a longer period, it may not even occur for up to 3 months, then it reappears, and this can continue for half a year or a year, sometimes a little longer, but not longer than two years. In such cases, there is no need to worry, it is normal. But if menstruation is very heavy, painful or long (lasts more than a week), bothers the girl, reduces her working capacity, mood, she should visit a gynecologist. You should also be concerned if a 16-year-old teenager has not yet had her period.
When discharge is bothersome
Often, a mother brings a girl to a gynecologist after noticing discharge from the genitals on her panties. Unusual discharge is the most common sign of a disorder or disease. Due to a gynecological infection, the patient may experience increased urination, a burning sensation in the genitals, itching of the labia, vagina, vulva, and may have an unpleasant odor of abundant white, even purulent discharge.
Before the start of sexual life
A mother should accompany her daughter to a gynecologist not only because of a disturbed menstrual cycle, pain, or discharge. It is very important to notice the girl’s puberty and talk when questions arise about contraception. Rarely can a mother talk openly with her daughter about sex, sexual relations, and protection from unwanted pregnancy. Every girl should also get checked before starting birth control pills or other hormonal contraceptives.
It is very important for girls to get vaccinated against cervical cancer before starting sexual life. A girl can also become infected with the dangerous human papillomavirus during intercourse, even if she has not had sexual intercourse. It will be useful to discuss all possible methods of protection during a visit to a gynecologist.
What tests can be performed on girls who have not started having sex? A general examination, when the whole body is examined, body proportions are assessed, weight and blood pressure are measured, and the body mass index is calculated and evaluated. The mammary glands are necessarily examined: they are examined for any abnormalities, their structure is palpated and evaluated, and there is no discharge from the breasts, the lymph nodes are checked, and self-examination is taught.
The abdomen and genitals are examined, assessing the general appearance, type of hairiness, anatomical correspondence, and features of the hymen. A smear of discharge is taken. Depending on the characteristics of the hymen, older girls can be assessed by inserting the smallest speculum into the vagina to assess the condition of the cervix, perform colposcopy. Examine the uterus and ovaries using an ultrasound examination through the rectum or through the abdominal wall. During an ultrasound examination, it is possible to detect congenital cysts or other formations in the ovaries or uterus, assess the structure of the ovaries and uterus, determine whether it is normal. Predict whether the girl will be able to have children, whether she can use contraceptive pills, etc.
The most important part of a gynecological consultation is a conversation. Teenage girls always have many questions about themselves, their health, sexuality, sexual relations, protection from pregnancy, etc., which they are often shy about discussing with their mother or older sister, which is why it is very important to bring the girl for a conversation with a specialist gynecologist.
Only a qualified consultation can protect the girl from fatal mistakes, unwanted pregnancy and dangerous diseases.