Prevention of diseases and early detection of abnormalities, especially for teens, are the chief reasons for obtaining regular gynecologic care. Women’s internal organs are not visually accessible without a special exam. Like x-rays of your teeth at the dentist, a pap test detects many minor abnormalities of the cervix long before they are able to be seen by a doctor or midwife, or felt by the patient. A pelvic exam can detect problems with the uterus and ovaries. All of these issues should be discussed with your doctor or midwife.

Routine care also allows patients to discuss menstrual difficulties, contraception, hormone therapies, pre-pregnancy preparations, problems with sexuality or intimacy, and menopausal changes.

Although CT Coastal OB/GYN is always available for emergency or problem visits, we would encourage you to establish a primary relationship with one of our physicians or one of our midwives. In this way, we will establish a relationship with you and familiarize ourselves with your healthcare needs and approach treatment as necessary. Our staff understands scheduling and timing constraints as you may need to proceed with a different provider. Our goal is to adapt as much as possible to your needs. 

Services provided by our doctors and midwives include:

• Evaluation and treatment of gynecologic disease
• Screening for cancers, including breast cancer and mammography
• Family planning, birth control
• Evaluation and treatment of infertility
• Routine exams and pap tests
• Testing for and treatment of sexually transmitted infections
• Evaluation and treatment of urinary tract infections
• Health history and attention to preventative health care needs
• Menopausal health care
• Surgery for gynecologic issues (doctors only)
• Vaccination for the prevention of cervical cancer (Gardasil)

When to Schedule Your First OB/GYN Appointment 

Connecticut Coastal OB/GYN offers providers that specialize in gynecologic care for adolescents. Understanding that an early visit to a gynecologist may be daunting, we provide expert, comprehensive care for adolescents with compassion, sensitivity, and confidentiality.

Women should have their first gynecologic visit between the ages of 13 and 15 to enable disease prevention and early detection of abnormalities. Routine care also allows young patients to privately discuss menstrual difficulties, contraception, hormone therapies, and sexuality or intimacy.

For more information about what to expect at your first gynecologist appointment, read our blog post answering any questions you may have.

Ready to begin your journey into womanhood? Book your first appointment below.

Why Should I See a Gynecologist Early?

It’s important for adolescent patients to schedule an annual appointment with their gynecologist so they can become educated on topics such as: 

• Puberty: During your teenage years, your body goes through an immense period of change. It’s entirely normal for teenagers to struggle with acne, weight gain, and their period; therefore, it’s important for your gynecologist to understand what is considered normal, and help you manage these changes.  
• Menstrual Cycle Questions or Concerns: It’s normal for patients to have questions regarding irregular periods, heavy bleeding, discharge, pain, and more.  
• Birth control options: In addition to protecting against pregnancy, many adolescents seek birth control to help regulate and alleviate symptoms of their period. There are many different birth control options, so it’s important to discuss which one is right for you with your gynecologist.  
• Testing and Vaccinations for STDs and STIs: If you are sexually active, your gynecologist can get you tested for STDs/STIs and HIV. To prevent cervical cancers, your gynecologist can administer the HPV vaccine. Additionally, your gynecologist will also educate you on how to help lower your risk of contracting any STDs or STIs.  
• Safe Sex Practices: Your gynecologist will educate you on steps you can take to practice safe sex (condoms, birth control, etc.). During this stage, it’s normal for women to have questions about intimate relationships and sexuality and your doctor can help answer those questions.  
• General Health: Learning about your body and how to live a happy and healthy lifestyle are extremely important issues to master in your teenage years, and a visit to the OB/GYN can assist in that education. Going through these many changes as a teenager may be difficult, but your gynecologist can help with any questions you may have, provide advice, and provide treatment if necessary.  

Seeing a gynecologist allows you to become more aware of—and prepare for—changes happening in your body. 

OB/GYN FAQs for Teens

FAQ’s: 

What should I expect at my first gynecological visit?

• During your first gynecological visit, you can expect certain exams and vaccinations (more information on this below). Your doctor may ask questions about you and your family to get a sense of your general health. Some of these questions may seem personal, such as those about your menstrual period or sexual activities, but it’s important for your doctor to understand your health and history in order to give proper treatment and care.

How do I prepare for my gynecologist appointment?

• To ensure your first visit is effective and you receive the best possible care, we recommend having a record of your medical history and your last menstrual period. You may also come prepared with questions to ask your doctor. 

What questions should I ask my gynecologist?

• Answering uncomfortable or even scary questions is part of your doctor’s job and it’s important to speak up about your health. Here are a few examples of the topics you might discuss with your doctor: 
  • Painful periods 
  • Vaginal odor 
  • Sexual discomfort 
  • Sexual history 
  • Low libido 

What exams might be done at a gynecology appointment?

• Your exam with your gynecologist may include a urine sample, breast exam, pelvic exam, Pap test, and testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

 Schedule Your Gynecology Appointment Today

CT Coastal OB/Gyn is here to provide guidance and support to adolescents looking to schedule a gynecology appointment. 

Call us at 203-562-5181 or visit our contact page to schedule an appointment with the gynecologists at CT Coastal.