Rebecca Baudoin, MD, Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics, sees female patients in their teens and continuing through their lifespan for a variety of women’s health concerns. Her patients often ask, ‘When should I bring my teenage daughter for her first visit? At what age does it make sense to transition from her pediatrician to a women’s health specialist?’
Dr. Baudoin helps moms make this decision by discussing reasons for making that first appointment. She addresses some of the worries that girls might feel about seeing a gynecologist for the first time. “Typically, a teenager in my office can expect mostly talking,” Dr. Baudoin said. “I don’t tend to do a pelvic exam at that first visit for my teenagers. The standard is to begin those at age 21, when the first Pap smear is due, unless she has a specific problem we need to sort out. Just knowing that can relieve some of the fear and anxiety. No one should have to fear going to the gynecologist!”
Watch the video below to learn more: