Cathy McAfee
Cathy McAfee (courtesy)
For young women, the first trip to the gynecologist can be a bit overwhelming. Maybe they have heard stories from friends about their experiences or are putting off a visit because they have a health concern.

Why is it important to make an appointment and what can a woman expect during that first visit?

When to go

Young women should start going to see a women's health care provider (such as a gynecologist, family physician, midwife or certified registered nurse practitioner) at age 21, when they become sexually active, when they are considering becoming sexually active or any time they have concerns or questions.

Women should also be seen if they are having any problems such as heavy periods, bleeding between periods, pain, abnormal discharge or burning.

If a woman is thinking of becoming sexually active, meeting with a provider is an opportunity to ask questions and find out about birth control methods or condom use as well as the risks associated with sexual activity.

What happens at the first visit?

At the first gynecologic visit, young women have their height and weight checked. They will then have a physical exam; the provider will listen to their heart and lungs, do a breast exam and possibly a pelvic exam. Screening will be offered for sexually transmitted diseases.

If she is 21 or older, a woman will also have a pap test to screen for cervical cancer, which is often caused by the human papilloma virus, a sexually transmitted disease.


The HPV vaccine is available to help decrease the risk of acquiring HPV. This vaccine can generally be given in the providers' office.

Going to a women's health care provider before becoming sexually active is important. Young women need to be aware of their reproductive health and how their body works. Many teenagers receive wrong information at an early age from friends or the Internet, which can cause unnecessary stress or alternatively not enough concern. Visiting a provider can help them get answers to any questions they may have and get the correct information.

Privacy is important

Although many young women may want a parent or friend to go with them on their first visit, some young women may prefer to go alone. If privacy is a concern, women may ask for a parent or guardian to step out of the exam room and all information gathered during the visit will be kept private, according to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Cathy McAfee is a certified registered nurse practitioner at Keystone Women's Care, Chambersburg.