First visit

[travelbug]

I'm new here and have a few questions/worries.

I'm nearly 19, never had sex and have no other big problems other than abnormal periods at times. I'm just wondering when I need to start seeing a gynecologist and what happens during the first visit?

Any answers or advice would be greatly appreciated!

[2little]

my mother always told me that at the age of 16 would be a good time to start to having pap smears done. These checks are not only out there to check for stds, but for many other issues that may develop. such as: tilted uterus, endometriosises, ovarian cyst and many more.

I mean if your not having any problems don't stress, but i suggest you to go see a gyno soon if not before you decide to have sex

[sarah_rsl]

Whether or not you're planning on having sex, you should have started having checkups with an obgyn years ago...

[Brandye]

Generally we recommend sixteen. Now that Gardasil is available, a little earlier is a good idea. Different countries vary on their guidelines for the Gardasil shots. Not being sexually active you are probably eligible.

1. It is time to see the gyn.
2. It is time for Gardasil to prevent cervical cancer many years in the future.

In Sexual Health: Women is a sticky on what happens during that visit.

[travelbug]

Thanks Ladies, I'll call later this week to make an appointment.

Regarding the Gardasil... is it safe? I've heard a lot of controversy about it the past few months...

[Brandye]

Adverse effects of Gardasil are running about half of what is expected in a new vaccine. The negatives get press coverage; the positives go on with their lives. All vaccines, like all medicines have side-effects.

Three-quarters of cervical cancers are caused by HPV (four specific strains). More than half of us have those in our bodies by the age of fifty. You are risking a very low incidence of side-effects in the short term against a much higher incidence of serious illness thirty years from now if you do not get vaccinated. I recommend Gardasil. Several European countries require it.

[travelbug]

Thanks for all the information Brandye, and for your very informative sticky post.

I will call in tomorrow to get an appointment. I'm still scared and nervous, but not quite as much as before.