If you have a teenage daughter, you may have wondered if it’s time to take her for her first gynecological checkup, what it will consist of, how to help her be prepared, and what information the specialist will find useful. Dr. Raúl Chumpitaz, a gynecologist at the Plaza Lima Sur Medical Center of Clinica Ricardo Palma, helps us answer these questions and guides us on this highly relevant topic for parents with adolescent daughters.

At what age should I take my daughter to the gynecologist?

The first visit to the gynecologist is recommended before the first menstrual period, approximately between the ages of 11 and 13. Although all adolescent girls should see a gynecologist, it is even more important for those who have already begun their sexual life or have thought about beginning it to do so.

What will happen in this first consultation?

During the consultation, the gynecologist will ask your daughter a series of questions in order to answer any doubts regarding the growth process, the menstrual period, and the physical, hormonal, and emotional changes that will be experienced, among other issues related to the adolescent’s sexual health. Many gynecologists will limit themselves to performing an ordinary physical examination; others may order some general examinations and/or administer some vaccinations. The adolescent may be accompanied by her parents, a family member, or a nurse.

Should a male or female gynecologist be chosen?

Many parents may ask themselves this question, however, the most important thing is that it is a specialist and that the teenager feels comfortable with the doctor she chooses.

What information will be useful in this first consultation?

The patient should know:

• At what age did you have your first menstrual period?
• What are your menstrual periods like, what do you feel before and after your period?
• What was the first day of your last menstrual period?
• Approximately how many days does your period last?

Recommendations from our specialist:

• Do not go to the checkup during your period, wait 4 days after the end of the period.
• Be as truthful as possible with your information, since the evaluation will depend on it.
• Days before the appointment, parents should talk to the adolescent and explain how the evaluation will be carried out.
• Together, draw up a list of questions so that the specialist can answer any doubts the adolescent may have and advise her in a more assertive manner.

Dr. Raúl Chumpitaz
Gynecologist at the Plaza Lima Sur Medical Center of Clínica Ricardo Palma