Each doctor at Cheyenne Women’s Clinic is an obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN), which is a doctor that specializes in the healthcare of women. We also have a physician assistant (PA) on our staff who can provide much of the same care. You should have your first OBGYN visit to a provider at CWC, either an OBGYN or PA, when you are between 13 and 15 years old.
It is normal to feel nervous about your first OBGYN visit. It may help if you talk about it with your mom, aunt, older sister or someone else you trust who can help put your mind at ease. If you are still nervous at your appointment, let the provider know. He or she may be able to help you relax.
Your very first OBGYN visit may well be just a talk between you and your provider. He or she can tell you what to expect at future visits and give you information on how to stay healthy.
Your provider may ask a lot of questions about you and your family. Some of them may seem personal, such as questions about your menstrual period or sexual activities. If you are concerned about confidentiality, you and your provider should talk about it before you answer any questions. Much of the information you share can be kept confidential.
But at your first OBGYN visit, you may also have certain exams.
What Exams will Your Provider Perform?
You may have certain exams at the first OBGYN visit. If you would like, a nurse or family member may join you for any part of the exam. Most often, these are the exams performed at a first appointment:
- General physical exam – A health professional will check your height, weight, and blood pressure. If you are having any health problems, your provider will examine you for those.
- External genital exam – Your provider will look at the vulva. He or she may give you a mirror so that you can look at the vulva as well. This exam is a good way to learn about your body and the names for each part.
You usually do not need to have a pelvic exam during your first OGYN visit unless you are having problems, such as abnormal bleeding or pain. If you are sexually active, you may have tests for certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Most of the tests that teens need can be completed through a urine sample.
Even though you probably will not have a pelvic exam, you should know what one is. The pelvic exam has three parts:
- Looking at the vulva
- Looking at the vagina and cervix using a speculum
- Checking the internal organs with a gloved hand
The provider will use a tool called a speculum to look at your vagina and cervix. When you have a Pap test, which is a test you have starting after you turn 21 that checks for abnormal changes in the cervix that could lead to cancer, a sample of cells is taken from your cervix with a small brush.
To check your internal organs, the provider will place one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into the vagina and up to the cervix. The other hand will press on the abdomen from the outside.
Will I Need the HPV Vaccination?
If you have not been vaccinated for the human Papillomavirus (HPV), your provider will recommend that you receive that series of vaccinations (two or three doses provided within six months). The HPV vaccine will help protect you against nine types of HPV that cause:
- Most cervical cancer cases
- Over 70% of vaginal cancer cases
- Over 50% of vulvar cancer cases
- Many cases of anal cancer
It will also protect you against two strains of HPV that cause 90% of genital warts cases.
What Health Concerns Can I Discuss with My Provider?
Many young women share the same health concerns, and most of these are a normal part of growing up:- Cramps and problems with menstrual periods
- Acne
- Weight
- Sex and sexuality
- Birth control
- STDs
- Alcohol, drugs, and smoking
- Emotional ups and downs
Let your provider know if you have any special concerns about any of these. Making good lifestyle choices can help you to be strong and healthy for years to come:
- Maintain a healthy weight by eating a well-balanced diet and exercising often.
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and using illegal drugs.
- Seek help if you have emotional ups and downs or feel depressed.
- Use birth control if you are having sex.
- Protect yourself from STDs by using a latex condom. Know your partners and limit their number.
- Keep up with routine exams, tests, and immunizations.
Call the Cheyenne Women’s Clinic if you ever have any questions about your health or if you need to schedule an appointment with a provider for your first OBGYN visit: 307.637.7700.
After going to another clinic in Cheyenne that didn’t treat me as a priority, it was a breath of fresh air stepping into Cheyenne Women’s Clinic. The entire staff was amazing, but Dr. Dozier was exceptional. She was kind, patient & answered any questions I had with great detail. I will never not recommend her. I am so pleased with my experience here.
I feel so lucky to have had the doctors at the Women’s Clinic for all three of my deliveries and GYN care. They provide high quality, compassionate, evidenced based care and Cheyenne is lucky to have such a great group!
I absolutely have loved it here! We just finished having our second kiddo and have worked with the vast majority of doctors here and they are all excellent!
Had an absolute amazing experience with the Cheyenne Woman’s Clinic during my first pregnancy. They did their best to accommodate my labor desires and made me feel as comfortable as can be. My husband appreciated how they took care of me, and now we’re going back with our second pregnancy! Highly recommend.
All of my appointments I’ve attended through the Women’s Clinic have been amazing the nurses and doctors have been lots of help throughout my whole pregnancy with lots of advice and support, I love every person from there they definitely are a welcoming and loving place!
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