Visiting the gynecologist will come eventually for every girl, and when it does, you'll see that it’s not so bad, but actually makes you feel healthy andconfident in your changes! The good news: you don’t necessarily need to see your doctor the second you get your period. Unless you feel like there’ssomething wrong, you most likely don’t have to visit your gynecologist for a couple of years.
This visit may be just a talk to get to know each other, ask questions and find out what to expect at future visits.
You also shouldn't hesitate to see your doctor if:
- You’re 14 and haven't noticed any changes from puberty
- You’re 16 and haven't had a period
- You’re having severe menstrual cramps or any other pelvic pains
- Your period is extra heavy, unusual or lasts more than a week
- You have vaginal itching, redness, sores, swelling, unusual odor or discharge
- You might be pregnant
- You need to discuss safe sex
- You’ve been having periods for more than a year and have irregular periods
- You’ve missed more than three periods (You can wait three months if you are certain that you are not pregnant, but if there is a chance that you may bepregnant, you should see your doctor right away.)
- You experience a burning sensation while urinating
- You experience frequent urination
- You've injured your pelvic area
- You’ve had non-consensual sex
- You believe that you’ve been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease
- You notice a change in the regularity of your periods