Visits to the Gynecologist Among Teenagers and Young Women
Isha Gupta
February 2024
Many teenagers and young women opt out of pap smears and mammograms, but are visits to the gynecologist still essential for teenagers and young women? Teenagers and young women are not usually medically advised to get regular mammograms like older women, since research has not found significant benefits regarding mammograms among this younger age group.[10] Moreover, some young women are not comfortable getting pap smears, even after they turn 21, because of personal and cultural beliefs, including bad experiences with previous gynecological tests and procedures, lack of social support, and facing discouragement from loved ones.[5] Although many teenagers and young women may not regularly get mammograms and pap smears, visiting the gynecologist can still help safeguard other aspects of their reproductive health and wellness. There is even a subspecialty within obstetrics and gynecology that is focused on the reproductive health of children and adolescents, known as pediatric and adolescent gynecology. By the same token, based on recommendations from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), the first pediatric gynecology exam should occur between 13 and 15 years of age, but it can happen earlier if gynecological health issues arise.[9] Furthermore, ACOG claims that there can be more than 21 reasons why teenagers should visit gynecologists.[1] A few of the most common reasons visits to the gynecologist are essential for teenagers and young women include concerns surrounding the menstrual cycle, preventing pregnancy, regulating hormones, and preventing, diagnosing, and treating sexually transmitted diseases.
Menstrual Cycle
Teenagers and young women can have concerns about their menstrual cycles,[4]including amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods), dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain), and menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding). Gynecologists can help address these important issues which can significantly affect diverse aspects of their lives, such as by leading to reduced academic performance due to absenteeism, inability to participate in social activities, and infertility later on in life.
Unplanned Pregnancy Prevention and Hormone Regulation
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are several different types of birth control methods for adolescents, ranging from barrier methods like condoms to short-acting hormonal methods like daily pills, and long-acting reversible contraceptives like intrauterine devices.[2] Gynecologists can help prevent teen pregnancy and unplanned pregnancies among young women, by offering a safe and non-judgmental space where they can learn more about different birth control methods, and even evaluate with their medical provider which form of birth control is best suitable for them. Some forms of birth control, namely, the pill may not only prevent unwanted pregnancies but also help regulate hormone levels. This, in turn, can simultaneously help address menstrual cycle-related irregularities and complaints.[8]
STD Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment
According to the CDC, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are more common in adolescents and young people. STDs are a major cause for concern especially among this population, due to risky health behaviors and because they may not feel comfortable sharing personal information about reproductive health with medical professionals.[3] Preventing, diagnosing, and treating STDs early on is important to help prevent adverse health outcomes associated with these diseases, such as the development of cervical cancer and infertility,[7] which can have profound consequences for young people throughout their lives. Gynecologists can provide access to vaccines, testing, and treatment to help prevent, diagnose, and treat STDs in a timely fashion. These medical specialists can help promote health literacy about STDs, along with other reproductive health issues, among teenagers and young women. This, in turn, can also help combat disinformation about the transmission of such diseases and promote this population’s health.
Although several gynecologic cancers and their associated risks of mortality are less common among teenagers and young women as compared to older women,[6] visits to the gynecologist are still significant among this age group. There are critical ways teenagers’ and young women’s gynecologic health can be affected. Some of the most common gynecological-related complaints teenagers and young women can have include concerns about their menstrual cycles, pregnancy prevention, hormone regulation, and STDs. Having access to a trusted medical professional specializing in gynecology where teenagers and young women can get accurate information about their health can empower them to make the best decisions for their reproductive health and well-being. Therefore, gynecologists can play significant roles in helping to promote teenagers’ and young women’s health and wellness.
References
[1] “21 Reasons to See a Gynecologist Before You Turn 21.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2024, www.acog.org/womens-health/infographics/21-reasons-to-see-a-gynecologist-before-you-turn-2 1.
[2] “Birth Control.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Jan. 2024, www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/healthservices/infobriefs/birth_control_information.htm.
[3] “CDC Fact Sheet: Information for Teens and Young Adults: Staying Healthy and Preventing STDs.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12 Apr. 2022,
www.cdc.gov/std/life-stages-populations/stdfact-teens.htm#:~:text=How%20common%20are%2 0STDs%3F,ages%20of%2015%20and%2024.
[4] Cummings, Holly W. “Should My Teen See an Ob-Gyn? Here’s What I Tell Parents.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Mar. 2022, www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/should-my-teen-see-an-ob-gyn-here s-what-i-tell-parents.
[5] Hassani, L., PhD, Dehdari, T., PhD, Hajizadeh, E., PhD, Shojaeizadeh, D., PhD, Abedini, M., PhD, & Nedjat, S., PhD (2017). Barriers to Pap Smear Test for the Second Time in Women Referring to Health Care Centers in the South of Tehran: A Qualitative Approach. International journal of community based nursing and midwifery, 5(4), 376–385.
[6] McGonigle, K. F., Lagasse, L. D., & Karlan, B. Y. (1993). Ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancer in the elderly woman. Clinics in geriatric medicine, 9(1), 115–130.
[7] Monteiro, I. P., Azzi, C. F. G., Bilibio, J. P., Monteiro, P. S., Braga, G. C., & Nitz, N. (2023). Prevalence of sexually transmissible infections in adolescents treated in a family planning outpatient clinic for adolescents in the western Amazon. PloS one, 18(6), e0287633. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0287633
[8] Osborn, Corinne O’Keefe. “10 Benefits of Birth Control Beyond Preventing Pregnancy.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 26 July 2018, www.healthline.com/health/birth-control-benefits.
[9] “Pediatric Gynecology.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 5 Jan. 2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24574-pediatric-gynecology.
[10] Qin, J., White, M. C., Sabatino, S. A., & Febo-Vázquez, I. (2018). Mammography use among women aged 18-39 years in the United States. Breast cancer research and treatment, 168(3), 687–693. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-017-4625-6
