Best Age to Start Seeing a Gynecologist

When your child was born, navigating doctor’s visits was straightforward; the schedule for pediatrician visits was laid out for you by your doctor. But knowing when it’s time to start visiting specialists can be confusing, especially if you have a daughter. When should she start seeing a gynecologist?

A gynecologist specializes in women’s reproductive health and can provide valuable care to monitor health and catch issues early on. Regular preventative care visits can screen for conditions like cervical and breast cancer. Gynecologists can also offer guidance on menstruation, contraception and menopause.

It’s recommended that girls have their first gynecological visit between 13-15. This visit is a general consultation, meant to establish a relationship with the doctor, discuss menstruation and answer any questions around the many changes girls go through at this age.

If your daughter is experiencing symptoms such as severe pain during menstruation, irregular periods or abnormal discharge, it’s also important to see a gynecologist. Addressing these issues can help with an early diagnosis of conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome, which may impact her reproductive health in the future.

For women, routine gynecological exams should start at age 21. These visits include a pelvic exam, Pap smear (which should be repeated every 3 years), breast exam and general health assessments.