When Should I Start Visiting an OBGYN?

The exact age differs from person to person and depends on a number of factors including genetics, sexual activity and maturation rate.  Ideally, you’ll want to visit an obstetrician and/or gynecologist before the age of 18.  Your body goes through a lot of hormonal changes in these years that directly relate to the areas an OBGYN specializes in.

However, if you’re 18 or older and haven’t visited a specialist yet, there are many qualified OBGYNs across the U.S. Talk to your friends, get some referrals and do your research.  This is the best way to find a specialist who’s right for you.  Also, if you’re a Texas native looking for a qualified Sugarland OBGYN, join other women who place their confidence in Michelle Wong, MD, for all obstetric and gynecological issues

If You’re Younger than 18, Visit a Specialist When …

You experience your first menstrual cycle.  Many OBGYNs encourage young women to start annual visits during their teenage years, or after their first period.  Although many women don’t require special tests after their first cycle, a great deal of knowledge can be gained from a gynecologist that may make you feel more comfortable.  In addition, you’ll make a habit of visiting your doctor annually at an early age. Which is a very good thing.

You become sexually active.  If you’ve already engaged in sexual activity, or are thinking of doing so, it’s highly recommended that you see a specialist.  An OBGYN can give you expert advice, prescribe birth control pills and test for STDs.

You experience discomfort.  You should never feel pain or discomfort in your private areas.  If you do, tell your parent or guardian and let them help you find a certified gynecologist who specializes in adolescent gynecology.  Most likely, what you’re experiencing is normal and curable with professional help.  Young women all around the world experience the same female issues as you on a daily basis.  There’s no reason to feel embarrassed about requesting expert counsel.

If You’re 18 or Older, Visit a Specialist When …

You want to have a baby.  This is when you’ll want to see an OBGYN or obstetrician – not just a gynecologist.  Both of these experts can provide clear direction on the best way to become pregnant.  Unfortunately, it’s not always as easy as it seems.  Sometimes tests are needed to test for factors prohibiting conception.

You become pregnant.  After conception, an OBGYN or obstetrician is required to track the process of your baby’s growth.  Using an ultrasound, the specialist can show you what your baby looks like.  The specialist can also detect and treat any problems that come along during your child’s growth process.

The Importance of Adolescent Gynecology

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, so we'd like to take a few moments to shine a light on the importance of adolescent gynecology and early cervical screenings. Although more women than ever are being educated on the importance of cervical screenings, it's important to ensure that young people and their parents remain vigilant. 

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of female deaths in the United States. A lack of preventative measures and the limited chemotherapeutic options of past years combined to forge a deadly disease. Today, numerous strides in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other medical interventions have prolonged the life expectancy of women in almost all stages of cervical cancer, but it isn't always enough.

Unfortunately, the number of preventative options is still limited. The Human Papilloma Virus inoculation is known to prevent cervical cancers associated with HPV, but other causative factors remain. The single most important step in the prevention of cervical cancer is early screening, as pap smears and yearly gynecological visits drastically increase the chances of early detection and survival. Parents who highlight the importance of adolescent gynecology and reproductive education ensure that successive generations are protected.

Education and the Gynecological Setting

It is unfortunate that some American women do not visit an OBGYN until they are 18 years of age or older. In fact, many women make it a point to avoid any doctor's visit unless they are sick. With the right parental guidance, young adults can better understand the importance of these visits and be conscious of their own responsibilities for their physical health. 

Mothers are the classic choice for OBGYN introduction, but circumstances don't always allow for this. Regardless, any parent that cares about their daughter's health should educate themselves on the subject so that they can explain things before they schedule the first appointment.

Parents should have a clear understanding of:

• What to expect at the first appointment.
• What a pap smear is.
• What a breast exam is.
• Their child's immunizations.
• Each parent's family history of cervical disease.

This information should be made available to your child so that she can feel more comfortable speaking with her gynecologist. Knowledge empowers young girls and women and allows them to take more control over their own bodies and health.