Experts recommend that teens have their first visit to a gynecologist at age 13 to 15, even though a pelvic exam is usually not necessary. At the Center for Women’s Health, we see patients from when they start their period, or ages 9 and older.

A parent or guardian can join the visit for younger patients, but this is not required. All teens can access birth control and testing or treatment for sexually transmitted infections without consent from a parent or guardian.

Teens 14 and older always talk to the doctor alone at some point in the visit. This gives patients a chance to ask questions they may not want to ask in front of a parent. Older teens often attend alone.

All patients, including minors of any age, can access birth control and testing or treatment for sexually transmitted infections without consent from a parent or guardian.

In Oregon, reproductive health is private for people older than 14, unless the patient:

• Has been abused or neglected.
• Is at risk of harm or likely to harm someone else.
• Has a disease such as HIV/AIDS or syphilis that can spread to another person.

At OHSU, parents and patients can access medical information online at MyChart. Information related to reproductive health may not be included (see the question above about consent).  You can see your child’s MyChart account if:

• Your child is younger than 15, and you ask medical staff for access.
• Your child is 15 to 18, and you both complete release forms.
• NOTE:  You may only access your child’s medical chart through your own MyChart account.

The doctor will have a conversation with you. Depending on your age, your doctor may:

• Ask about you and your family.
• Ask about periods and sexual activities.
• Explain what to expect at future visits.
• Ask about questions or worries.
• Ask to discuss health habits such as eating.

This is a good time to ask your doctor about:

• Period pain or other menstrual problems
• Weight
• Acne
• Mood swings
• Birth control
• Gender or sexual identity
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Alcohol, smoking and drugs

We don’t always do an exam at the first visit. If we do, you may have:

A general physical exam: We check your height, weight, blood pressure and any physical problems.

External genital exam: If you have any concerns, your doctor looks at your vulva, or the outside part of your genitals. If you want, the doctor may give you a mirror so you can see and learn the names of parts.

Pelvic exam (internal): We do not do pelvic exams before age 21 unless you have abnormal bleeding, discharge, pain or other risk factors. Learn more below.

Tests for sexually transmitted infections: If you’re having sex, your urine or blood may be tested for infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis.

You usually don’t have a pelvic exam until you are 21. You may have one when you are younger if you have pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding or discharge.

The exam takes only a few minutes.

Visual exam: First, the doctor checks your vulva for sores, swelling or abnormalities.

Speculum exam: A speculum is a special tool made of metal or plastic. The doctor inserts it to gently widen your vagina. The doctor checks inside your vagina and looks at your cervix. This is the opening of your uterus.

Samples or swabs: The doctor uses a tiny brush to gently remove cells from your cervix or vagina. The doctor or laboratory looks at the cells under a microscope to test for infection or abnormal growth.

Bimanual exam: Your uterus and ovaries can’t be seen using a speculum. The doctor feels them to check that they are the right size and free of growths. They will put one or two gloved fingers inside your vagina, while using their other hand to gently press on your lower belly.

Shots to protect against disease, given to teens ages 11 to 18, could include:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine: This protects against cancers and genital warts caused by HPV infection. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States.

Vaccinating teens before they start having sex protects them before they are exposed to the virus. Kids who are 11 or 12 get two shots. Teens 15 and older need three shots.

Influenza vaccine: This yearly shot protects against the flu.

Meningococcal vaccine: This protects against meningitis, an infection of the lining of the brain or spinal cord.

Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis: This protects against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough.

Varicella vaccine: This protects against chickenpox.

COVID-19 vaccine: This protects against the virus that causes COVID-19.

My period is irregular. Should I see a doctor? If your period is irregular two years after it started, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.

My period hasn’t started. Should I see a doctor? If you are 16 and have not had a period, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.