Berlin (dpa/tmn) – This news should make many young girls breathe a sigh of relief: “Most of the time, the first visit to the gynecologist does not involve a chair examination”, explains gynecologist Doris Scharrel .
“Young women get to know the gynecologist and the treatment room, ask questions about contraception or get prescribed the pill.
This first contact often takes place during a special adolescent consultation. And that’s important because it makes the doctor and the practice tangible – and therefore reduces the fears a bit.
Experience it in the advisory chat
Because many young women are afraid. Or at least a feeling of unease. Does the chair exam hurt? Should I disclose details about my love life?
“It is very important to remove the fears of the girls before the initial examination”, agrees Astrid Meßmer (name changed by the editorial staff). It offers online advice for the Federal Educational Advisory Conference (bke).
Among them, there is also the “topic chat with Dr. Gyn”, where participants can ask all their questions to a gynecologist. “It helps to reduce contact fears and shows young people that gynecologists are open and accessible, but at the same time discreet,” says Messmer.
Such offers can also help reduce fears. And this even before the first appointment with the gynecologist has been made.
Speaking of appointments: young women determine the time of their first visit to the gynecologist themselves, at least if there are no acute symptoms that make a visit to the gynecologist necessary. Many worry about a date when meeting a boyfriend or girlfriend for the first time.
Prescription for the pill: under 14 years old with authorization only
Also good to know for young women: Your data and findings will be treated confidentially and will not be passed on without your consent. However, when prescribing the pill, those under 14 generally need parental consent.
Girls between the ages of 14 and 16 can be prescribed contraceptives without parental consent. At least if the gynecologist is sure that the patient has understood the explanation and is aware of the importance and scope of the decision.
The first visit to the gynecologist is not only a problem for young women – but also for their parents. “I always find it helpful for parents to react openly to their children’s questions, talk to them if their daughters want to, but also withdraw when they don’t,” says Astrid Messmer of bke youth counselling.
This also applies if, for example, the children make a decision about contraception that the parent does not support.
What happens during the first survey
But what really happens during the first gynecological examination, which usually takes place within a year of the first office visit?
For example, breasts are scanned for early detection of cancer. A vaginal swab is also part of the examination. For example, the gynecologist can determine if a fungal infection is present.
A trick to help you feel less naked on your way to the armchair: put on a long top or a dress.
If young women are already menstruating, they are asked when they started and when their last period started. Also, depending on bleeding symptoms and cycle length and regularity.
The topic of HPV vaccination is also discussed. It protects against human papillomaviruses (HPVs), which can cause various forms of cancer and their precursors in the body.