Bucks County Female OBGYN
Every woman deserves the high-quality healthcare she needs to live a full, happy, and healthy life, and at Doylestown Women's Health Center, that's what we're here to provide. Our all-female team of world-class OB/GYN doctors provides a comprehensive array of women's health services, ranging from obstetrics and gynecological care, to more involved treatments like surgery. Our doctors take a caring, compassionate approach to treatment, and we're proud to be a high-quality resource for gynecologic care and info for teens in Doylestown.
Your First Gynecology Visit
Visiting the gynecologist for the first time is a milestone of growing up, and we recommend that patients schedule their first gynecologic check-up between ages 13-15. During the visit, your gynecologist will ask a number of questions about your overall health, your menstrual cycle, and your sexual activity. No matter what the situation, it's critical to answer these questions honestly. Your doctor will explain exactly what remains confidential and the few types of information that we must disclose, but we respect our patients' privacy to the full extent of the law. In addition to these questions, we may conduct some routine exams like a breast exam, pelvic exam, or general physical exam, depending on your specific needs.
Do I Need an HPV Vaccination?
In addition to a gynecology checkup, we recommend that teens also receive an HPV vaccination as a routine element of care. An HPV vaccination protects against human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted infection that affects roughly 14 million people each year. Once contracted, HPV can cause a wide range of cancers in the vagina, vulva, and cervix, as well as anal cancer, cancer at the back of the throat, and genital warts. The HPV vaccination is a safe effective way to permanently protect against HPV, so except in rare cases, we recommend HPV vaccination for our teen and preteen patients.
Health Concerns and Topics to Discuss with Your Doctor
While your first gynecology appointment will chiefly focus on gynecologic health, your doctor is here as a resource to discuss any aspect of life and health. Your body is undergoing enormous changes during the teenage years, and these can be both confusing and sometimes scary. But thankfully, your Doylestown OBGYN is here to help.
One subject many teens have questions about is menstruation. The menstrual cycle is how the body prepares for pregnancy, and it's what causes the bleeding during your monthly "period." Menstruation can cause a number of surprisingly intense problems ranging from cramps to nausea to irritability, and it's normal to be unsure how to handle these issues. Your OBGYN can answer any questions you have about menstruation, and if you experience any of these menstrual cycle problems, we may be able to provide treatment:
- The absence of a period (amenorrhea)
- Pain when menstruating (dysmenorrhea)
- Excessively heavy or long periods (menorrhagia)
- Excessively light or infrequent periods (oligomenorrhea)
As the hormones ramp up and your body becomes sexually mature, you'll also be faced with decisions regarding sexuality. These decisions can be tough, but your doctor can talk through situations with you and help you make the right choices. Despite how it may seem, not all teenagers are sexually active, and while there's nothing wrong with sex, it is important to be sure to make choices that are right for you. If you're considering becoming sexually active, it can help to ask yourself questions like these:
- Do I really want to have sex or is this person pressuring me to do so?
- Do I really care for this person and does this person care for me?
- Does this person respect me and my views of life?
- How will I protect myself against sexually transmitted infections and prevent becoming pregnant?
- Is this person sexually active with others?
- Will we remain a couple if either one of us does not want to have sex?
Most importantly, you should understand that sex is never mandatory. It's perfectly OK to not want sex and say how you feel about it, and it's never OK for anyone to pressure you into having sex. If you’re not ready to become sexually involved, stand your ground and set boundaries during those times you’re intimate.
If you do decide to become sexually active, talk to your family doctor, gynecologist, parent, or an adult you trust about how you can prevent becoming pregnant and contracting a sexually transmitted infection. Having a trusted person with whom you can talk through things in clear terms and get help is important, and your OBGYN is a resource for that. We can also help you choose the best methods of contraception and STI protection for your situation:
- Patches
- Pills
- Condoms
- Diaphragms
- Long-acting, reversible contraception
- Vaginal rings
Contact Your Bucks County Gynecologist
Adolescence is a time of major changes in the body, but the compassionate OBGYNs at Doylestown Women's Health Center are dedicated to helping you stay healthy and happy as you navigate this transition. So what are you waiting for? Get the help you deserve to make healthy, informed choices about your reproductive health: call us at 215-340-2229 to schedule an appointment today.