Your body is undergoing major changes. Which makes this a great time to establish care. We’ll chat through routine care and exams, contraception options and everything else.
ACOG’s recommended age. Medical organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend establishing care with a gynecology provider around age 13 to 15—and we are happy to see teens during this time or even before. The purpose of the first visit is to establish a trusting relationship and provide education.
Pediatrician vs. gynecologist. Many young people are comfortable with their pediatrician and prefer to receive all of their care from them until they are as old as 19 or 20. This is totally OK, too. The important thing is that you find a provider who is knowledgeable about reproductive health and who you feel comfortable going to with health concerns that are more personal, like puberty, menstruation and sex.
Both gynecologists and pediatricians can help you with birth control, the HPV vaccine, and screening and prevention of other sexually transmitted infections.
Beyond periods and sex. We are here to talk about your body’s changes, too. Puberty can be confusing. We are a great resource for questions about breast development, body hair, weight changes, acne, emotional changes and body image. No question about your development is too silly or small.
We also welcome confidential discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity. It’s important that your provider understands who you are so we can give you the most accurate and supportive care possible, whether we are talking about your overall health, mental wellbeing or reproductive care. Our office is a safe and affirming space.
When to see a gynecologist sooner. If you have a problem that requires a gynecology specialist, such as heavy, irregular, or painful periods; cysts; or unusual discharge, your pediatrician will refer you to one.
Many young people are anxious about visiting the gynecologist, and we get that. Don’t worry. Our goal is to put you at ease so your first visit here is mostly just a chance for us to get to know each other.
Starting the conversation. It usually begins with a conversation with you fully dressed. Your provider will ask you basic questions about yourself and your life—including the name and pronouns you use, and questions to ensure we understand your health needs related to your sexuality and relationships. They will also ask about any preferences for how we refer to your body parts—and give you time to share your concerns and ask any questions you may have. Together, we’ll develop a plan for how best to manage your health.
Your physical health check. The visit typically includes a general health check (like height, weight, and blood pressure), but you may be able to stay fully dressed for the whole visit.
Taking care of your mind. We know that health isn’t just physical. Your provider is also interested in your emotional well-being, stress levels, friendships and how you feel about school. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression or difficulty coping, we can help connect you with resources.
It’s your health, your choice. The most important thing you gain from this visit is knowledge. We want you to leave feeling confident about your body and knowing how to access reliable, accurate information—not just what you see on social media or hear from friends.
Will I need a pelvic exam? You probably won’t have an internal pelvic exam unless there’s a good reason for it. A Pap test (for cervical cancer screening) is not recommended until age 21, regardless of sexual activity. (Reasons for a physical exam could include unusual discharge when you’ve been sexually active or a lump on the outside of your vagina.)
How to prepare for your visit. To make the most of your time, consider writing down any questions you have before you arrive—even the embarrassing ones! It’s also helpful to know the date of your last period and have a list of any medications, supplements, or vitamins you currently take.
You can talk with your provider about anything. Really. Nothing is off limits.
Your right to privacy (how Oregon law works). In Oregon, you have the right to confidential care for your health:
(Read more about Oregon law regarding minor healthcare confidentiality and consent.)
The mandatory reporting exception. There is one exception: if we think there is a serious threat to your health from interpersonal violence or neglect, then we are obligated to report that, but we’ll talk with you about this beforehand.
Parents and support people. Many teens come to their visit with a parent. It’s up to you to decide how involved your parent will be in your visit. You can choose to have them in the room for all, part, or none of your visit. Most of our providers will ask the parent or other support person to step out of the room for at least some of the visit so you can talk privately. We encourage open communication among all parties, though—and we’re happy to share or help you share the results of the visit with your parent if you’d like us to.
Routine check-up frequency, Talk to your provider about how often they want to see you during your teen years. Behaviors, emotions, and bodies can change a lot during this time, and they may recommend every one to two years.
When to call sooner. Remember to call us sooner if you have urgent concerns, like a missed period, severe pain or questions about a new relationship.
ACOG’s recommended age. Medical organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend establishing care with a gynecology provider around age 13 to 15—and we are happy to see teens during this time or even before. The purpose of the first visit is to establish a trusting relationship and provide education.
Pediatrician vs. gynecologist. Many young people are comfortable with their pediatrician and prefer to receive all of their care from them until they are as old as 19 or 20. This is totally OK, too. The important thing is that you find a provider who is knowledgeable about reproductive health and who you feel comfortable going to with health concerns that are more personal, like puberty, menstruation and sex.
Both gynecologists and pediatricians can help you with birth control, the HPV vaccine, and screening and prevention of other sexually transmitted infections.
Beyond periods and sex. We are here to talk about your body’s changes, too. Puberty can be confusing. We are a great resource for questions about breast development, body hair, weight changes, acne, emotional changes and body image. No question about your development is too silly or small.
We also welcome confidential discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity. It’s important that your provider understands who you are so we can give you the most accurate and supportive care possible, whether we are talking about your overall health, mental wellbeing or reproductive care. Our office is a safe and affirming space.
When to see a gynecologist sooner. If you have a problem that requires a gynecology specialist, such as heavy, irregular, or painful periods; cysts; or unusual discharge, your pediatrician will refer you to one.
Many young people are anxious about visiting the gynecologist, and we get that. Don’t worry. Our goal is to put you at ease so your first visit here is mostly just a chance for us to get to know each other.
Starting the conversation. It usually begins with a conversation with you fully dressed. Your provider will ask you basic questions about yourself and your life—including the name and pronouns you use, and questions to ensure we understand your health needs related to your sexuality and relationships. They will also ask about any preferences for how we refer to your body parts—and give you time to share your concerns and ask any questions you may have. Together, we’ll develop a plan for how best to manage your health.
Your physical health check. The visit typically includes a general health check (like height, weight, and blood pressure), but you may be able to stay fully dressed for the whole visit.
Taking care of your mind. We know that health isn’t just physical. Your provider is also interested in your emotional well-being, stress levels, friendships and how you feel about school. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression or difficulty coping, we can help connect you with resources.
It’s your health, your choice. The most important thing you gain from this visit is knowledge. We want you to leave feeling confident about your body and knowing how to access reliable, accurate information—not just what you see on social media or hear from friends.
Will I need a pelvic exam? You probably won’t have an internal pelvic exam unless there’s a good reason for it. A Pap test (for cervical cancer screening) is not recommended until age 21, regardless of sexual activity. (Reasons for a physical exam could include unusual discharge when you’ve been sexually active or a lump on the outside of your vagina.)
How to prepare for your visit. To make the most of your time, consider writing down any questions you have before you arrive—even the embarrassing ones! It’s also helpful to know the date of your last period and have a list of any medications, supplements, or vitamins you currently take.
You can talk with your provider about anything. Really. Nothing is off limits.
Your right to privacy (how Oregon law works). In Oregon, you have the right to confidential care for your health:
(Read more about Oregon law regarding minor healthcare confidentiality and consent.)
The mandatory reporting exception. There is one exception: if we think there is a serious threat to your health from interpersonal violence or neglect, then we are obligated to report that, but we’ll talk with you about this beforehand.
Parents and support people. Many teens come to their visit with a parent. It’s up to you to decide how involved your parent will be in your visit. You can choose to have them in the room for all, part, or none of your visit. Most of our providers will ask the parent or other support person to step out of the room for at least some of the visit so you can talk privately. We encourage open communication among all parties, though—and we’re happy to share or help you share the results of the visit with your parent if you’d like us to.
Routine check-up frequency, Talk to your provider about how often they want to see you during your teen years. Behaviors, emotions, and bodies can change a lot during this time, and they may recommend every one to two years.
When to call sooner. Remember to call us sooner if you have urgent concerns, like a missed period, severe pain or questions about a new relationship.
Here are some topics you—or your provider—may bring up.
Using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs (including prescription medications) can affect overall health, pregnancy outcomes and long-term well-being. These substances can also increase the risk of chronic disease and heart attack. If you’re looking to cut back or quit, WHA can provide support.
Here are some topics you—or your provider—may bring up.
Using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs (including prescription medications) can affect overall health, pregnancy outcomes and long-term well-being. These substances can also increase the risk of chronic disease and heart attack. If you’re looking to cut back or quit, WHA can provide support.
A healthy relationship is built on trust, respect and open communication. If you feel controlled, unsafe, isolated or fearful, these may be signs of an unhealthy or abusive relationship. Everyone deserves care and connection without fear. Speak with your provider to discuss available support and resources.
Vulvar health refers to the care and function of the external genital area. It includes understanding what’s normal for your body, identifying signs of irritation or infection and managing conditions like vulvar dermatitis. Good vulvar health also means paying attention to hygiene, skin changes and comfort during activities like sex or exercise. Talk to your provider if you notice new or ongoing symptoms.
Contraception, aka birth control, helps prevent pregnancy, but it can also be used to manage conditions like painful periods, abnormal bleeding and hormonal imbalances. Options range from pills and IUDs to implants and permanent procedures. Some methods, like condoms, also reduce the risk of STIs. Finding the right birth control for you depends on your lifestyle, health and family planning goals.
Estrogen and progesterone are the two main hormones that regulate the female reproductive system, influencing puberty, menstruation, libido, pregnancy and menopause. These hormones also play a role in symptoms like acne, mood swings and hot flashes. While fluctuations are normal, a significant imbalance may indicate conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and ovarian tumors, or potentially miscarriage risk or a multiples pregnancy.
The National Eating Disorders Association defines body image as how you see yourself when you look in the mirror or when you picture yourself in your mind. That includes:
Many of us internalize messages starting at a young age that can lead to either positive or negative body image. Having a healthy body image is an important part of mental wellbeing and eating disorders prevention.
You’re just getting started with your health—and that’s a good thing. These recommendations are here to help you build healthy habits early. Your provider will help you understand what applies to you and when to start.
You don’t need a Pap smear—the test that screens for cervical cancer—until age 21, regardless of your sexual activity.
If you are sexually active, annual screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is recommended. These infections are common and don’t always have symptoms.
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical and other cancers.
If you are or may become sexually active with sperm-producing partners, contraception is an important part of your care. There are many safe and effective options available, including pills, IUDs, implants and more. We’ll help you find the best choice for you
A yearly flu vaccine is recommended—ideally by the end of October. Most teens get this at school or the pediatrician’s office, but we can provide it during your visit if needed. We also recommend staying up to date with current COVID vaccination guidelines.
You’re just getting started with your health—and that’s a good thing. These recommendations are here to help you build healthy habits early. Your provider will help you understand what applies to you and when to start.
You don’t need a Pap smear—the test that screens for cervical cancer—until age 21, regardless of your sexual activity.
If you are sexually active, annual screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is recommended. These infections are common and don’t always have symptoms.
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical and other cancers.
If you are or may become sexually active with sperm-producing partners, contraception is an important part of your care. There are many safe and effective options available, including pills, IUDs, implants and more. We’ll help you find the best choice for you
A yearly flu vaccine is recommended—ideally by the end of October. Most teens get this at school or the pediatrician’s office, but we can provide it during your visit if needed. We also recommend staying up to date with current COVID vaccination guidelines.
Online resources for parents.
A website about birth control and STDs.
The website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – this is a great resource for vaccination and disease screening and prevention recommendations.
A resource from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
A book (and now an organization) that's been around for decades, revised often.
Great information about all aspects of reproductive health.
A blog about lots of topics for teens.
A website for teens, by teens.
This resource from the Oregon Medical Board provides more information on what to expect from various types of physical exams at the doctor's office, including how to advocate for your rights and what to know about medical chaperones.
