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Do you have to go to the gynecologist once you get your period?

Check these out, too...

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a visit to the gynecologist when you’re between the ages of 13 and 15.

However, seeing a gyno doesn’t necessarily mean you need to undergo a pelvic exam. Instead, you can ask your new doc all those teen health-related questions. If you’re not comfortable talking this stuff over with your mom, ask your doctor. Your conversation will be private and confidential.

And, remember, if you’re having problems with missed or skipped periods, bad cramping, or heavy or prolonged bleeding, you definitely need to see a doctor, whether it be your family practitioner or a gyno! We know, we know—we already said that.

BY ANDREA T. ON 9/4/2009 8:00:00 AM 92 COMMENTS

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92 READER COMMENTS

******MOD********
What exactly is a pelvic exam???? Also, this is weird but what is EXACTLY do they do during one??? Thankyou and please answer!!!

hey girl!!!

Hey girl, check out this page and see if it helps:

http://www.girlslife.com/hub/periods-period.aspx

Sammy d.

srs226 on 1/23/2010 1:40:40 PM

hey

dancincarly125 on 1/10/2010 12:38:06 PM

HEY GL GIRLS...

if you're reading this advice column, you probably could use some advice yourself. So visit my profile, post me a question and if its super important, put *'s at the top and I will answer your question in 24 hours. THANKS! pass it on to your friends!

cloqueen on 12/26/2009 8:46:09 PM

♥MOD♥MOD♥MOD♥
what do guys do when they see their 'personal' doctor??

Hey girl! They are probably just getting a physical or checking in with the doc.

Eryn G.

dancer19 on 12/18/2009 3:50:25 PM

mod mod how old where u when u first went to the gyno

Hey babe, unless there's something weird or unusual you need to get checked out, 18 is a good age to go.

katelin s.

girlzrock123 on 11/3/2009 11:09:29 PM

MOD!
So by normal doctor do u mean just like your family doctor, or a pediatrician? Like one you'd go to if you had the flu? They'd be able to anwser my questions about getting your period?

Yep

Eryn G.

Im.Unique.YAY! on 10/10/2009 2:10:25 PM

Mod,
is talking to your normal doctor okay too? because thats what i do...

ecvolleyball88 on 10/6/2009 6:54:46 PM

MOD! Can a gyno or docter tell you if you're gonna get you period if you don't have it yet?

Hey girl! Usually they might be able to pinpoint why you haven't gotten it. If you're 16 and still havent gotten it, head to the doc. But, if not, just be patient! You will get it soon!

-Taeler

Taeler L.

sable.rose.13 on 10/5/2009 4:25:59 PM

Hey girly, sometimes our nipples perk or get hard when we're cold, to protect our skin and to conserve the heat within our bod. But no worries, this happens to every girl. Mhmm I'm not sure if you'll have to go under the pelvic exam, but I know they'll probably run some tests on you or ask you questions about your bod.

Lynae P.

~Pussycat in Paris~ on 9/19/2009 12:43:18 AM

If I ever go to a gyno I hope I am not on my period because that would be very weird. But in a way I sometimes feel like tampons go in easier during certain times of the period, so could that make it easier to fit things in there like the thing they use to check you out?

And does the gyno have to put their finger inside or is it just on the outside where they have to do that?

luckykel on 9/10/2009 8:50:08 PM

im only 10 and i dont have my period but i have breast buds but my doc makes me open up my legs and u know looks, what is he doing?

girlie1 on 9/10/2009 7:28:20 PM

MOD
sometimes i can feel my um buds through my shirt when im not wearing a bra and theyre well buds and other times theyre all softer and stuff.. why is this??

Hey girl, this is because your breasts are starting to develop. Consider wearing a training bra if their appearance on your shirt is getting a little annoying, and give it time. Your body's changing right now, and they're the first sign you're that much closer to becoming a woman.

xoxo

Alyssa B.

horserox23 on 9/9/2009 10:46:26 PM

MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD!!!!! My mom said it is more dangerouse for a teen to wear tampons than it is for someone in there twenties because teen are more likely to get TTS. is that true??

Hey girl! I don't know the answer to that question. But you and your mom could talk to a doctor because he has more info on that kind of stuff.

Eryn G.

Pugglegirl1008 on 9/8/2009 3:45:53 PM

AAAHH scary place!

Check out my profile; I give the best advice!

Abriella123 on 9/7/2009 8:27:30 PM

******mod*******
i dont understand when you need to see a gyno.what exactly do they do?i heard the stick something up there wont it hurt i dont feel comfortable seeing one.canu explain what they are for and do

The gynecologist is a doctor that specializes in the female reproductive system. They make sure you're healthy and make sure that nothing goes wrong. It can be awkward, but its important to have a check up. Its suggested that you go to the gynecologist the first time you have sex or when you turn 18 (whichever comes first). Best, Kristen

Kristen Y.

krissybug on 9/6/2009 8:19:24 PM

Is it normal for tampons to hurt going in?

mkat on 9/6/2009 6:47:24 PM

MOD MOD!!
I just got my period for thr first time in april and I got it yesturday fro the second time. I've tried to wear a tampon but they hurt.. what do i do?

You can wear pads, they're very effective. Eventually you'll learn how to put tampons in so don't stress. Best, Kristen

Kristen Y.

jellybean1998 on 9/6/2009 6:27:12 PM

HHHHEEEEYYYYYY CHICKAS!!!!!!!!!
I’ll MOD for anyone who needs any help. If any of you guys need advice, I’M ALL EARS!!! Just post a comment on my profile and I will reply ASAP since I check my profile like 3 times a day LOLZ.

Come check out the polls posted at the bottom of “My Healthy You Profile” section on my profile and comment on it so I know what your choice is! Don’t worry this is not a club. It’s just something fun to do and you can see what other girls say too!

musicrox on 9/6/2009 5:19:29 PM

musicrox on 9/6/2009 5:19:02 PM

MOD*MOD*MOD* how do you pronounce Gynecologists??<3

Hey girl, it's guy-na-kyle-loe-gist

Lynae P.

frostybunny9 on 9/6/2009 2:11:48 PM

MOD MOD MOD
im 15 and ive had my period for over 2 years. my mom hasnt mentioned anything about seeing a gyno yet. is it important to go? should i bring it up?

Hey girl,

No need to fret. Seeing a gynecologist is a personal decision, but if you're unsure, talk to your mom for her opinion on it.

Best,

Miliana

Miliana B.

sourpatchkidluver on 9/6/2009 11:02:54 AM

MOD MOD
I am confused, I was reading on another site that they said that we need to visit the gyno when we reach 21 or within 3 years after we start having sex. I thought it was sooner than that.
I mean 21 sounds so old and dont you need go the gyno to get on birth control, so how can they say within 3 years of becoming sexually active. I think it was from a government website so I think they know what they are talking about, but it just doesnt sound right.

Hey girl,

Visiting a gynecologist is something a girl does when she thinks she's ready. Those guidelines sound like they're about right, but it really is a personal decision. You can get birth control from your regular doctor and a gynecologist usually checks to see if everything is healthy down there. That just means it's up to you. Talk to your mom or a trusted female and see what she did. Then decide when you think you should go.

Best,

Miliana

Miliana B.

luckykel on 9/6/2009 9:58:39 AM

***MOD***
whats a gyno dr.? what do they do? and whats a pelvic exam?

A gynecologist is a doctor that specializes in the female reproductive system. A pelvic exam is when they examine your private area to make sure there's nothing wrong. It's very important to make sure that you go to a gynecologist to make sure you're healthy especially so that you can give birth to healthy babies in your future. xoxo kerra

Kerra S.

chefmandm on 9/5/2009 9:16:33 PM

hey girl s check out my profile

mynameislory on 9/5/2009 2:03:10 PM

I'm scared to go to a gyno. I'm 13 and I don't have my period yet...

SummerROx on 9/5/2009 1:55:28 PM

hey if you do have to go to the gyno it is no biggie!If it makes you more comfortable request a female doctor! But most women/girls do not go till 18! O and a gyno is a doctor that looks at the girl parts and makes shure you are ok!

Mrs.EdwardCullen123 on 9/5/2009 12:25:53 PM

Ive had my pd 4 a while and my mom hasnt said anything about it and neaither has my doc but wen i get a physical my doc says not thing about one eaither plz post awnser on my pro lol

toby1 on 9/4/2009 8:18:06 PM

MOD IS there a good chance of a girl getting ovarian or some other from of cancer down there? Because I'm afraid of getting it!!

Hey girl, just to be sure you're healthy and safe, talk to your doc for a check up and more info.

Lynae P.

furuba97 on 9/4/2009 8:11:53 PM

MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD!!!!!
heyyy so i wanted to know i've had my period before but only a couple times and i last had it at the beginning of june. for the last week or so i've been feeling kinda dizzy sometimes and yesturday i had minor cramps. do you think this just means that another period is soon? or maybe the dizziness is unrelated? thanks!!!!!

Hey babe,

It's normal for your period to be really irregular for the first few years. The dizziness and cramps might be something else - it sounds like it could be dehydration, so try drinking some more water. You might be about to get your period though, so just in case you should carry a pad with you so you'll be prepared.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

lovemusic!23 on 9/4/2009 5:43:16 PM

****MOD MOD MOD
ok, so my mom said when ur 16, u hav 2 c a gyno cuz they hav 2 swab the inside of ur "down there" parts 2 make sure u dnt hav ovarian cancer and all those other reproductive cancers. is that true??
MOD MOD MOD MOD

Hey babe,

Yep, those are some of the things a gyno will look for. It's def a good idea to see one!

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

FutureWarriorCheerleader on 9/4/2009 5:10:49 PM

I use tampons and I havent been yo a gyno yet and I am also wondering about that speculum so I searched online. I was able to find out about them and I also was able to see online videos of the doctors going over everything. After watching it, it makes me feel better about going to the gyno.

I also got to to see videos of what guys have to go through when they get their check up down there and they dont have it that easy either. Some guys were talking about getting their physicals for sports in one of my classes and explaining what the nurses had to do and now after seeing it, it is about as gross as what we have to go through at the gyno.

I still would like to be a doctor or nurse someday, even after seeing what they have to do.

luckykel on 9/4/2009 4:03:31 PM

MOD MOD MOD does the speculum go inside you and how big is it also does the doc stick there hands up there

soccerfreak11 on 8/24/2009 3:42:25 PM

Does the speculum go inside you how big is it

soccerfreak11 on 8/12/2009 2:22:35 PM

MOD MOD MOD what are some of the tools a gyn uses? and last time i went to the doc she said something about puberty, and once you hit puberty, should you see a gyn?

Hey girl,

I'm not sure what the name of the tools are. But girls don't usually start going to the gyn until they're 18.

Mel

Melany T.

bubblybee411 on 7/21/2009 3:18:34 PM

I've never been to a gyno. Probably won't for a while, although according to this I should go within about a year, because I turn 14 on Sunday.

supersingershannon on 7/20/2009 11:54:49 AM

MODMODMODMODMODMODMODMOD
Isn't it pretty uncomfortable to be going to the gynecologist? I mean, it's uncomfortable enuff when u have a person looking at your vagina, but what if it's a guy doctor? Can U ask if U can see a different doctor? Are there even guy doctors in this type of business? Tell all please!!!

Hey girl, you can most definitely ask for a different doctor and trust me. Even if you have a guy doctor, he will not be looking at your vagina or touching you in any manner that is deemed inappropriate! <3 Jeannie

Jeannie L.

tinxangel12 on 7/1/2009 8:19:21 PM

MOD!! im totally uncomfortable bout going to a gyno. and havng any doctor "down there". what do i do cuz some people say all girls have to go no matter what?

thanks!

Hey babe,

You don't HAVE to but you could be risking your life if you don't! It's important to be healthy. You don't have to go right away and you have plenty of time to find a doctor that you feel comfortable with. Keep reminding yourself that for a doctor it's like a mechanic looking at a car - it's their job! They see people's bodies all the time and there isn't anything about yours that they haven't seen before.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

mebgirl12 on 6/30/2009 4:52:29 PM

hey i went to the gyno when i was 10 and didnt have my period and im nearly 12 now and still dont have my pd yet...how often do you have to go??? please help

You don't have to go for a few years unless a doctor recommends that you do.

katelin s.

jellybean2010 on 6/30/2009 12:33:38 AM

MOD MOD MOD~ Do you have to go to a gyno or is it optional?

Hey babe,

Anything you do for your health isn't mandatory, but if you don't go you could develop a serious problem and not know about it until it's too late! It's always better to take care of yourself and get checked out by a professional if you can.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

Tayburr112 on 6/26/2009 5:52:20 PM

But do you like have to go to a gyno or is it optional?

Tayburr112 on 6/26/2009 5:49:27 PM

hey i went to the gyno when i was 10 and didnt have my period and im nearly 12 now and still dont have my pd yet...how often do you have to go??? please help

jellybean2010 on 6/18/2009 12:07:56 PM

~MOD~MOD~MOD~
i saw a pic of a speculum & it looks like scissors, i dont want them clippin anything off of me HELP!!!!!!!!!!

emilyj7296 on 6/16/2009 10:48:14 AM

MOD
I started my period awhile ago,and I haven't seen one, but should I go see one if I don't need to??

Hey girl, there are a lot of people who don't see one right away, but it's best that you do because he/she will know how you're doing and how to help you in case you do have to check something. <3 Jeannie

Jeannie L.

olivia13 on 6/9/2009 7:52:36 PM

MOD, so what do these gyn people really do? are there guys? and do they really touch you and stick things in there? does it hurt when they do?

Hey girl, it really depends on each and every gyncologist so I can't really tell you what they'll do and if it'll hurt or not whatever they're doing. What I can tell you is that there are guys and whether its a male or female doctor, they are there for your health. <3 Jeannie

Jeannie L.

blondbeauty305 on 6/7/2009 6:16:58 PM

MOD MOD MOD i REALLY REALLY DONT want to go to a gyn. So do i have to go??? my mom never said anything to me about it!!! HElP

ask your mom about it--she'll know best!

Katie P.

sportschick596 on 6/6/2009 2:20:51 PM

mod! mod! mod!
do u really have to go to the the speaical doc when u have ur (.) because i'm really really scared!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks!!!!

Hey girl, check out this page and see
if it helps:

http://www.girlslife.com/hub/periods-period.aspx

We have everything you need to know about
all things period! ♥, Your Blog Patrol Babes

Annemarie D.

huntinsistah12 on 6/5/2009 5:50:04 PM

MOD MOD MOD MOD
i havee a qustion i heve had my period for about almost a year and i never really told my mom i had it because there has always been pads or tampons in my house....... and now i have run outt wat do i tell my mom she is goping to be upset with me that i never toldd herrrr
becca please please responddd

Hey girl, check out this page and see
if it helps:

http://www.girlslife.com/hub/periods-period.aspx

We have everything you need to know about
all things period! ♥, Your Blog Patrol Babes

Annemarie D.

beccapattinson on 6/5/2009 5:00:07 PM

Hey My name is sydney and last night june the 3 i had blood in my panties what do I do I showed my mom!!!

schapman1998 on 6/4/2009 9:10:25 PM

MOD!!! MOD!!!I am 13....what happens if we feel uncomfortable telling a gyn.?

You kinda have to, write it down, recite it and tell the gyn anyway. They are here to help you!

Sherryn D.

sarina_4eva on 5/16/2009 1:06:30 AM

i didnt tell my mom about my . and I dont know when im even going to get it!! so i could get it at school and that would be horrible..when do you get it every other month?

nsingergirl33 on 5/3/2009 7:20:25 PM