Delaware County Medical Society Winter 2017 - 13

When should my daughter have
her first gynecologic visit?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
recommends an initial reproductive health visit
between the ages of 13 and 15 years. The initial visit
allows the gynecologist to begin developing a patientphysician relationship, counsel patients and parents
about healthy behaviors, and dispel myths and fears.
The scope of the initial visit will depend on the patient's
individual needs, her physical and emotional development,
and medical history. The visit is predominately an
educational one to discuss normal pubertal development
and assess the menstrual cycle. It also provides the
opportunity to screen for risk-taking behaviors and
for the gynecologist to provide future education.

The American College
of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists
recommends an initial
reproductive health
visit between the ages
of 13 and 15 years.

The physician may perform a general examination and
do a visualization of the breasts and external pelvic
exam at the initial reproductive health visit. Internal
pelvic examinations, however, are rarely indicated and
are only recommended for symptomatic patients.
Initiation of gynecologic care early on can assist in
the development of adequate preparation before
the patient's first pelvic exam is performed.
Continued on page 12

Ten Medical Specialties
in One Group - and One
Convenient Location.

How are patient conditions
managed in a PAG practice?
The management plan and follow up are individualized
and determined by the patient's medical condition. Some
conditions can be managed with observation, others with
medical intervention. Occasionally, surgery will be needed.
Medical treatment can improve conditions such as skin
irritation or vaginal infections. Menstrual regulation
with hormones either taken orally, through a skin patch,
Depo Provera shots, intrauterine devices and other
treatments are offered to assist in the management
of painful or heavy menstrual cycles, endometriosis,
seizures linked to menstrual cycles, or difficulty
managing menstrual cycles due to hygiene issues.
Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery is often used to treat
ovarian cysts and pelvic pain. Surgical techniques, such as
laparoscopy, can shorten the patient's recovery period.

For high-quality medical care from a team
of specialists, discover Bryn Mawr Medical
Specialists Association (BMMSA).

825 Old Lancaster Road
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
BMMSA Specialties:
Cardiology: (610) 527-3800 | Dermatology: (610) 642-1090
Endocrinology: (610) 527-1604 | Endoscopy: (610) 525-9570
Gastroenterology: (610) 525-9570 | Hematology/Oncology: (610) 525-4511
Infectious Disease: (610) 527-8118 | Neurology: (610) 527-8140
Pulmonary/Critical Care: (610) 527-4896 | Rheumatology: (610) 525-4463

www.delcomedsoc.org

DELAWARE COUNTY MEDICINE & HEALTH

http://www.delcomedsoc.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Delaware County Medical Society Winter 2017