For Teens
Dear Teen,
It is important to start thinking about your female health now in order to prevent problems in the future. Our providers can explain how preventive healthcare and annual visits during your teen years, while you are developing, can help ensure better health both now and in the future.
We understand that your teenage years can be a very confusing time. Your body is changing, and you probably have many questions. You may not be comfortable talking to your parents. Maybe you sense that your parents are a bit uncomfortable with the subject, too. Your friends might act like they know everything, but you suspect some of this is just big talk not really based on facts.
We want you to know that we understand your concerns. You do not have to be embarrassed to ask us about anything that concerns you. We will answer all of your questions honestly and give you all of the facts you need. Our conversations will always be confidential.
You might be worried that your visit to our practice will involve an uncomfortable exam. This is usually not the case. Most of your visits will involve sitting together in the office and talking about teen health and anything that concerns you. Feel free to ask us about anything you like.
We look forward to meeting you.
Sincerely,
The providers of The Women’s Group of Northwestern
Sensitive Guidance and
Education for Teen Gynecology
Teen Gynecology
Beginning between the ages of 15 and 16 we recommend a teen annual gynecological appointment. At The Women’s Group of Northwestern, these visits are usually consultative in nature, with exams performed only as indicated. Our Practice provides these visits in a relaxed, comfortable, private setting, giving teen patients undivided attention and fact-based counseling to address their concerns to help them make better choices.
Importance of Teen Gynecology
Adolescent girls have many questions and concerns about the changes they are experiencing at this time in their lives. A confidential relationship with a professional provider can provide factual information about all of these aspects of teen gynecology that help girls make better choices in their lives. The long-term health implications are significant and are not limited to pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases but also include nutritional and lifestyle choices.
Early Engagement with Teen Gynecology
The Women’s Group of Northwestern recommends that girls have their first visit with a gynecologist between the ages of 15 and 16. Visits with the provider should then be repeated annually, whether or not the teen is sexually active. In fact, it is best to begin visits before sexual activity begins.
In addition, the Center for Disease Control recommends that girls between the ages of 11 and 26 receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which helps to prevent most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts. These guidelines present an opportunity to increase awareness among teens about female and preventive health. For more information visit the CDC website click here.
College Prep
An exciting time for young women is the launch into the college years. Teens are experiencing the thrill of independence and busy establishing new lives away from home.
The goal of our provider’s is to help prepare college-bound girls for a healthy and safe college experience during the Pre-College Visit. Education is provided on important topics such as campus health services, emergency care, preventive care, reproductive health, emotional health, substance use and abuse, relationship violence and campus safety.
In addition, medical and immunization history are reviewed, examination and screening tests are performed as indicated, and other current and future needs addressed.
Please call our office to schedule an appointment with us. Request an invite to our new patient portal.
Knowledge about teen gynecology is powerful. With this education and preparation, young women are better equipped and prepared for a safer and healthier college experience away from home.
Educational Resources for Teens
Teens
North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
www.naspag.org
Young Women’s Health
www.youngwomenshealth.org
Go Ask Alice! (Columbia University)
www.goaskalice.columbia.edu
Nemours Foundation
www.kidshealth.org
www.teenhealth.org
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
www.LoveIsRespect.org
Lurie Children’s, formerly Children’s Memorial Hospital
https://www.luriechildrens.org
Educational Resources for Parents of Teens
North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
www.naspag.org
Society for Adolescent Medicine
www.adolescenthealth.org
Lurie Children’s, formerly Children’s Memorial Hospital
https://www.luriechildrens.org
American Academy of Pediatrics
www.aap.org
Child Development Institute
www.childdevelopmentinfo.com
Safeteens.com: Internet Safety for Teens
www.safeteens.com
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: Net Smartz Program
www.NetSmartz.org
Parents, Families, Friends of Lesbians and Gays
www.community.pflag.org
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
https://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov
