Knowing when to send your daughter to the gynecologist can be confusing. Do you bring her after her first period? Or when she becomes sexually active? Madge the Vag interviews gynecologic oncologist and advanced pelvic surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Poyner to find out when is the perfect time for your teen to go to the gyno.

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Dr. Poyner recommends that young women should start going to the gynecologist right after high school. Although this trip won’t include a pelvic exam, it’s a great way to start the conversation about birth control, review healthy habits and learn about normal vs. abnormal symptoms. For young women just getting their period, they can consult with their parents and pediatrician. Vaginas can be confusing and who better than a doctor to clear things up?

It’s important to note that Pap smears are not performed until the age of 21. This is due to the fact that many potential issues are too low of a risk factor to warrant this type of test. However, for sexually active patients, Dr. Poyner recommends yearly screenings for STDs – like chlamydia and gonorrhea. And remember, once you start going to the gynecologist, annual visits are recommended. So mark your calendars.

Not sure where to send you daughter? Look no further than your own gynecologist. Family history can be important in determining or diagnosing some health conditions. So go on, take your daughter to your doctor. What better way to say “I care about your health” than sharing your health provider?

Happy first annual!