The common misconception is that young females do not need to see a gynecologist until they are sexually active. However, education on topics such as healthy relationships, regular menstrual cycles, and the human papillomavirus can guide adolescents to good health.
The initial visit to the gynecologist offers an opportunity for teens to build a relationship with the provider, ask questions, and discuss common issues they may face as they mature through different stages of life. It’s important to note that if the patient is not sexually active or experiencing a medical issue, no physical exam would be required. (The physical exam is often the reason why teens have increased anxiety about scheduling an appointment.)
Seeing a gynecologist before the age of 21 has many benefits for adolescents:
Healthy Lifestyle
- Start feeling better about yourself by learning how to have a healthy lifestyle.
- Learn about hygeine and healthy habits
Gynecological Health
- Learn about urinary tract infections and treatment options if necessary.
- Get treatment for vaginal itching, odor, or discharge.
Menstrual Health
- Find out if your periods are normal.
- Relieve painful periods.
- Learn why your periods are too heavy.
- Learn about the timing of your periods and why bleeding occurs in between.
- Learn ways to deal with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Sexuality & Relationships
- Know about healthy, consensual relationships.
- Learn how to maintain healthy relationships.
- Talk about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) topics.
- Learn about safe sex.
- Understand how your reproductive system works.
Pregnancy and Birth Control
- Learn about birth control so you can better plan.
- Discuss the ideal time to start a family.
- Get tested for pregnancy.
- Weigh your options if you become pregnant.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Learn how to protect and lower your risk from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Get tested from STIs and HIV if you are sexually active.
- Learn why you need the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
Getting care in a comfortable, educational environment
If you are looking for teen OB/GYN care in Richmond, know that VPFW prides ourselves on providing a supportive and comfortable environment for parents and young females to visit. Education and compassion is the best tool VPFW can provide our patients as their partners in health.
To make an appointment with an OB/GYN provider at one of our Richmond, VA, locations, call VPFW at 804-897-2100 or message us to schedule online.
Last updated March 13, 2026
