Women's Health: Pre-Teens & Teens
Adolescent girls go through a remarkable number of changes on their journey to becoming a young woman. From puberty to mental health and new experiences, it's important for pre-teen and teenage girls to have the support they need to stay healthy as they mature.
First OB/GYN Appointment
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends adolescent girls have their first gynecology appointment between the ages of 13–15. It may also be a good idea to schedule an OB/GYN appointment for your teen if they experience unusual periods, feel uncomfortable speaking to their pediatrician, want to learn about birth control, are sexually active or have questions about their body. Once your teen schedules their first OB/GYN appointment, they will begin seeing the provider annually for routine care.
To learn more about what your teen should expect at their first OB/GYN appointment, read the article below.
If you've talked with your teenager and agree it's time to schedule their first OB/GYN appointment, search for a provider using our Find a Doctor tool.
Sexual Health for Teenagers
It's important to discuss sexual health with your growing daughter. While it may not be the most comfortable topic of conversation for all families, it is a vital part of helping your pre-teen stay healthy as they navigate puberty, hormones and new interests.
Your teen can discuss topics like sexual activity, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraception with their OB/GYN. They can choose to have their doctor-patient conversations remain confidential, or they may prefer to discuss these topics with a parent present.
The American Academy for Pediatrics offers many resources to help parents navigate the topic of sexual health with their children. Click below to access those resources.
Pediatrics and Primary Care
Baptist Health System offers complete pediatric care delivered by a dedicated staff devoted to caring for children of all ages. Whether you need a general Pediatrician or a Pediatric Specialist, our team is ready to care for your child.
Additional Resources
Below is a list of additional resources for your teen's health. For questions about your child's specific health needs, please reach out to their primary care provider or OB/GYN.
- Talking to Your Child About Sex
- How to talk to your child about HPV
- Contraception Explained: Options for Teens & Adolescents
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Parent and Guardian Resources
- Monitoring Your Teen's Activities: What Parents and Families Should Know
- Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Teens: Facts for Teens and their Parents
- Health Concerns for Gay and Lesbian Teens