Building a relationship early with a trusted obstetrics and gynecologic specialist can be instrumental in helping young girls grow into healthy young women.

An obstetrician-gynecologist, or OB-GYN, is a physician who specializes in the care of women of all ages. They provide a wide range of services, including:

• Prenatal, pregnancy and postpartum care
• Screenings, such as Pap tests, mammograms and pelvic exams
• Postmenopausal care
• Surgery, including procedures to treat conditions of the urinary tract and pelvic organs

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that teenage girls begin seeing a gynecologist between the ages of 13 to 15. This gives the specialist an opportunity to help girls understand how their body is changing and how to care for it. It also allows the specialist to explain what is normal, so that if girls notice any changes — such as the symptoms of a vaginal infection — they can receive treatment quickly.

Part of the visit will be spent just talking.

Doctors sometimes seem to talk a language all their own, but understanding “doctor-speak” isn’t necessary to communicate. Just try to be as clear and honest as you can. And don’t be concerned about bringing up embarrassing topics; your doctor discusses sensitive issues every day and is committed to maintaining your privacy.

The gynecology specialist will ask questions about the girl’s health history, family health and more. He or she will also try to get to know the girl as an individual. Topics that can and should be discussed with the gynecologist include:

• Questions about periods and cramps
• Concerns about acne
• Weight issues
• Questions about adequate development
• Feelings of depression or exclusion
• Risky behaviors, such as drinking, using drugs or smoking
• Developing healthy relationships, preventing sexually-transmitted infections and understanding contraceptive options

The physical exam is the part most girls worry about most. For an initial visit, we’ll take the usual check-up measurements — weight, blood pressure, etc. — and we will probably conduct a pelvic examine to check the outside of the genitals. Breast exams are also common during a visit. Pap tests are not currently recommended until age 21, so these are not necessarily performed during this first visit. We do, however, recommend receiving the HPV vaccine that can prevent cervical cancer.

Many girls tend to feel more comfortable discussing their health in private, and the gynecologist will accommodate those wishes and will maintain confidentiality with the patient. A loved one, such as a mother, sister or friend also may stay in the room if the patient prefers.

Teens don’t have to be embarrassed about visiting a gynecologist. This is a sign that they’re growing up. Having a frank, open and honest relationship with a gynecologist is part of being a healthy adult. And for parents, it means their daughter has a health professional they can rely on to provide their child with healthy advice as they mature.

For more information about the services available for women at Tanner, visit Women's Services.

West Georgia Healthcare for Women is located in Carrollton. For more information, visit wghfw.org or call 770-214-2121.