When do you take your child to the OBGYN?

Drs. Goodman & Partridge is a sponsor of ABC15's Smart Family

Dr. Christine McClusky is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist who has practiced in the East Valley since 1996. She is with Drs. Goodman & Partridge, OB/GYN, a practice that has been around since 1976 and now has six Valley locations. Dr. McClusky has a special place in her heart for making sure young women and teens have a positive first gynecology visit.

Q:What are the routine guidelines for the appropriate age that a young woman should start seeing an OB/GYN?

A: The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends that girls see an OB/GYN between the ages of 13 and 15. This is an education-based visit only and it is unlikely that an exam will be done unless there are health concerns.

Q: At what age should a young woman’s first pelvic exam or pap smear be done?

A: It is recommended that women get these exams at age 21 or three years after they become sexually active.

Q: Are there exceptions to the guidelines mentioned before?

A: There are many exceptions. An earlier exam might be necessary if a young woman has pelvic pain, irregular or heavy menstrual cycles, signs of sexually transmitted disease, requested birth control, or other conditions.

 

Q: When is the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine given?

A: The HPV vaccine is generally given to women in between the ages of 9 and 26, but is most effective if given before a young lady’s first sexual encounter.

Q: Should I accompany my daughter through the entire first visit and exam?

A: A mother should encourage a very open relationship regarding these issues. At times the girl might feel more comfortable sharing personal information without her mother in the room. This decision is one that a mother and her daughter must make. Mom will always be welcome unless the daughter is adamant otherwise.

-1 in 8 women aged 15-19 have Pelvic Inflammatory Disease from STDs

-Up to 80% of Americans have HPV

-74% of HPV cases are in Americans 15-24 years of age

-5-10% of teens have Polycystic Ovarian syndrome

-Ovarian tumors are the most common neoplasms (tumors) that occur in childhood. 1% according to Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics

 

Founded in 1976, Drs. Goodman & Partridge, OB/GYN is the most convenient and diverse OB/GYN practice in the State of Arizona with the largest number of female physicians. The 18 female and 3 male doctors are board certified or board eligible and have native fluency in English, Spanish, German, Russian, Polish, Hindi, French, Marathi, Arabic, Thai, Portuguese, and American Sign Language. Drs. Goodman & Partridge OB/GYN offers state of the art care, convenient appointments at multiple patient offices, personal, undivided attention to each patient, an excellent reputation in the medical community, and virtually all insurance is accepted. As specialists in today’s women’s health, whether it is for pregnancy, infertility or contraception, Drs. Goodman & Partridge OB/GYN provides help with new horizons in women’s care.

 

Drs. Goodman & Partridge, OB/GYN
6 Valley locations
www.MomDoc.com
(480) 821-3616