When To See a Gynaecologist?

There are many medical rights of passage a child will go through. As an infant, you’ll make your first doctor’s visit to get immunisations, and when you start growing teeth, you’ll visit a dentist to make sure everything’s growing as it should. The next visit your daughter might need to make it to a gynaecologist. As a parent, you might question the necessity of such a visit. Do you know what the best age is when to see a gynaecologist? Should every young girl visit a gynae at a certain age or should they only visit one if there’s a problem? Allow Durban gynaecologists Dr Augustine and Dr Parikh weigh in.

The Best Age Is…

Ideally, your daughter should have her first visit by 15 – or as soon as she becomes sexually active. The purpose of this visit goes far beyond making sure she’s using contraception. A visit at this age will help address any concerns she has with her periods – with irregular periods or excruciating pain often indicating endometriosis or PCOS. It’s also a good opportunity to discuss her getting the HPV vaccine.

If your daughter is sexually active, she’ll benefit from cervical cancer and sexually transmitted infection screening. This will also be an opportunity for her to discuss contraception concerns she might have and to have her questions about safe sex answered.

Better Safe Than Sorry

It can be overwhelming thinking of your child dating – let alone having sex – which is why many parents balk at the idea of taking their daughters to see a gynaecologist. It’s important to remember that avoiding it won’t keep her from experimentation. It’s better than she gets the information she needs from someone who knows what they’re talking about.

It’s also important to remember that women’s health doesn’t just involve sex. Seeing a gynaecologist now could detect serious issues that could compromise your daughter’s future quality of life, as well as her decision to start a family.

Book Your Appointment

If you’re still apprehensive about when to see a gynaecologist we suggest booking an appointment with our gynae in durban. They’re friendly, experienced and trustworthy doctors who’ll address any concerns you have so you can make the best decision for your daughter.

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