Youth and Teens
Let's Get To Talking
Adolescence is a time of unique physical and emotional changes. Here at Spokane OBGYN our medical providers are committed to offering you a safe and caring environment to evaluate and treat gynecologic concerns throughout the teenage years. We are specially trained to meet the medical and emotional needs of growing girls and young women.
Adolescent Services
We offer comprehensive services for the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of the following conditions in adolescence:
- Prevention and Screening in the Adolescent years
- Abnormal periods
- Painful periods
- Contraceptive Planning and pregnancy prevention
- Screening, prevention and treatment of STDs
- Vaginal infections
- Prevention and screening of cervical cancer, including HPV vaccinations
- Pelvic Pain
- Breast problems
- Pregnancy
Frequently Asked Questions
You should first see the gynecologist between the ages of 13 to 15. The first visit will likely just be a talk between you and the medical provider about your health. The gynecologist will ask you questions about your menstrual periods, general physical and mental health and discuss any other women’s health concerns. If you are under 21, you will likely not need a pelvic exam or a pap smear.
It is generally recommended to see your gynecologist once a year, especially if you are taking medication, like birth control, that is prescribed by your gynecologist. The gynecologist can evaluate and screen your health each year to help you maintain a healthy life. At 21 years old, you will need your first pap smear.
It is recommended to have a screening pap smear every three years. If your pap smear is abnormal or you have another concern, you may need more frequent pap smears.
Not having a monthly period can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Having a period more often than once a month or skipping periods should be evaluated by a gynecologist. If you are having problems with irregular periods, you can still get pregnant, especially if you have sex without using contraception.
If you are on a birth control pills, it is generally safe to skip your period. Some birth control pills are prescribed to “skip” periods. This is safe and often very convenient. Progesterone IUDs also can decrease or eliminate menstrual bleeding.
Most women have pain with their monthly menstrual period. The pain usually starts the day of or the day before the period starts. Typical menstrual pain lasts only 1-2 days and is helped with Ibuprofen. If you experience significant pain that lasts longer than 1-2 days and is not helped with over the counter medication, you can discuss this with your gynecologist.
Abstinence or not having sex is the best way to prevent against STDs. When you have sex, is it important to know your partner’s sexual history. The more sexual partners your or your partner has had, the more likely you are to get an STD. Condoms offer protection from most STDs if worn the entire time during intercourse. If you have not already been vaccinated for HPV, a sexually transmitted infection, getting the vaccine can also decrease your risk of contracting HPV.
It is recommended to test for common STDs (chlamydia) yearly if you are under the age 25. Other STD testing is recommended when you have a new partner or a possible exposure to the STD. Other STD testing includes: Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, HIV, Syphilis
There are many contraceptive options available to women. It is recommended that you meet with your gynecologist to decide which options will fit your needs and lifestyle. The options include:
Condoms or Diaphragm
Birth control pills
Birth control patches or vaginal ring
Injectable birth control
Birth control implant: Nexplanon
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)- hormonal and non-hormonal
There are many contraceptive options available to women. It is recommended that you meet with your gynecologist to decide which options will fit your needs and lifestyle. The options include:
Condoms or Diaphragm
Birth control pills
Birth control patches or vaginal ring
Injectable birth control
Birth control implant: Nexplanon
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)- hormonal and non-hormonal
More information about adolescent health can be found here.
