• Home
  • Contact
  • New Patient
  • My Chart
  • Pay My Bill
  • Reviews
  • (608) 729-6300
  • 5801 Research Park Blvd, Suite 400, Madison WI 53719
Madison Women's Health
  • COVID Clinic Updates
  • Providers
    • Karla Dickmeyer, MD
    • Ashley Durward, MD
    • Isabel Nellen, DO
    • Erin Schoenecker, MD
    • Beth Wiedel, MD
    • Sarah Yanke, MD
    • Sarah Juza, MD
    • Stephanie Brasser, DNP
    • Shannon Wixom, APNP
    • Vicki Slager-Neary, WHNP, APNP
  • Services
    • Telehealth
    • Well Woman Care
    • Expanded Care Services
    • Pregnancy Care
      • Planning for Pregnancy
      • Newly Pregnant
      • Testing for Birth Defects and Genetic Disorders
      • During Pregnancy
      • Delivery
      • After Pregnancy
      • Pregnancy Resources
    • Lab Services
    • Surgical Treatments
    • Ultrasound
  • Patient Information
    • Your Visit to Our OBGYN Clinic
    • Insurance Plans
    • Our Policies
    • Patient Forms
      • Registration Form
      • Personal Health History
      • Insurance Coverage
      • Genetic Screening Questionnaire
      • Authorization form TO Madison Women’s Health
      • Authorization form FROM Madison Women’s Health
      • HIPAA Acknowledgment
    • Resources
  • About Us
    • About our Clinic
    • SCOPE Certification
    • We Care
      • Weave of Hope
    • Careers
  • Classes / Groups
    • Prenatal Yoga Classes
    • Baby and Me Yoga
  • News
  • Search
  • Menu Menu

Tag Archive for: gynecologist

Posts

How to Prepare Your Teen for her First Gynecological Appointment

Blog, Healthcare 101, Women's Health

For many teen girls, going to their first gynecology appointment can seem a little scary or embarrassing. As her mom (or dad or aunt or friend), the support and advice you give could ease her anxiety so she has a positive first experience. Help prepare your teenager for her first gynecological appointment by helping her choose when and where to go, and by giving her an overview of what she can expect at the appointment.

But wait!

Before you tell her all about your first experience, make sure you’re up to date with the current recommendations. Chances are, her first appointment will be very different than yours was!

When Should Your Teen Should Have Her First OBGYN Appointment?

Encourage your teenager to schedule her first OBGYN appointment if:

  • she has questions about the changes her body is going through
  • she has periods that seem unusual
  • her periods are getting in the way of her daily life
  • she no longer feels comfortable with her pediatrician
  • she wants to learn about birth control options
  • she is sexually active
  • or she is moving away after graduating high school and needs to find a new medical provider.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends young women have their first gynecology appointment between the ages of 13-15. However, many adolescents continue seeing their pediatric providers until they are 18 unless they have menstrual concerns, birth control questions, or other concerns best addressed by an OBGYN.

Where to Go for a first OBGYN Visit

The next step is choosing an OBGYN clinic near you and making an appointment.

And yes, she can schedule an appointment on her own! In fact, making her own appointment is an important step in taking ownership of her health as a young adult. This is a great time to explain how your healthcare plan works and what to look for in an OBGYN provider.  You can tell her why and how you chose your primary care physician and offer to help her choose an OBGYN from within your covered provider network.

It’s also important to recognize that she doesn’t need her parent’s permission to seek care, including care related to contraception, a pregnancy test, or sexually transmitted infections (STI).

Just as you want a provider you can trust, your teen will also want a provider she feels comfortable with. Here are some ways you can help her choose a provider who is within your healthcare plan:

  • Look at the provider’s website together. Most providers will include their bios. Learn about the experience and specialities of Madison Women’s Health female gynecologists and nurses.
  • Ask for a referral from her pediatrician.
  • Ask for a referral from your network of friends and family.
  • Read online reviews together.
  • Offer to meet with the provider with her for the first time.

How to Ease Your Teen’s Nerves

Most teens are nervous about their first OBGYN appointment. You can ease your teenager’s nerves by:

  • Assuring her that it’s normal to feel nervous about a new experience, going to a new place, or meeting a new person.
  • Encouraging her to share with her doctor or nurse that she feels nervous. Her OBGYN is accustomed to meeting new patients and knows how to put them at ease.
  • Remind her that just because she’s going to the OBGYN, it doesn’t mean she will have an invasive exam every time.
  • Let her know that she can have someone else with her, like another nurse or a family member.
  • Encourage her to write down questions or topics she wants to discuss with her OBGYN, and that anything she shares with her provider will be confidential.

Common Questions From Teens to Gynecologists

Common questions that teens ask their gynecologists are:

  • Are my periods normal or irregular?
  • How much should I cramp or bleed during my period?
  • Do I have to have my period every month?
  • Does my body look normal?
  • What can I do about acne?
  • How does birth control work?
  • When do I need STI testing?
  • How can I best take care of my health?
  • Is it normal to feel this way about school, friends, or myself?

What to Expect at the First Gynecology Appointment

Here is what to expect at her first gynecology appointment. The first visit is typically 20-30 minutes long.

It is an important time for her to get to know her provider. We believe it’s important to establish a trusting relationship with our patients from the beginning—and it’s much easier to do this when the patient feels comfortable. That’s why at Madison Women’s Health, anyone’s first OBGYN visit is more of a talk than an invasive physical exam.

During the first OBGYN appointment, we’ll talk about her:

  • Personal health history
  • Family health history
  • Menstrual cycles: how often they occur, what the bleeding is like, whether she has cramps. Her OBGYN can help if her periods are interfering with her daily life.
  • Diet and exercise: Adolescence is an important time to develop healthy eating and exercise habits, as well as a healthy body image.
  • Sexual activity: Everything she tells her OBGYN is confidential. It’s important that she is honest about any sexual activity so that she can be given the appropriate STI testing and birth control options.

During the first OBGYN appointment, the physical exam will cover:

  • Height and weight measurements
  • Blood pressure
  • Pulse and respiration
  • Heart and lungs

Did you spot a difference from your first gynecological appointment?

The biggest change in the last 15 years is that we don’t perform a pelvic exam at every OBGYN appointment. The guidelines have changed because we have learned more about cervical cancer and what causes it. Now, cervical cancer screening is no longer done before the age of 21.

Read more in our article When Should You See Your OBGYN.

If your teen needs further physical examination, the reasons and methods used will be explained to her. She’ll have a chance to ask her OBGYN any questions at this point. She can also request to have another person in the exam room with her.

The physical exam MIGHT also include:

  • External genital exam
  • Breast exam
  • Pelvic exam to check the vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries. A speculum would be used to complete this portion of the exam.
  • STI (sexually transmitted infection) screening: this can be done with a urine test or a vaginal test (swab).

Before age 21, a pelvic exam is typically only performed if she has very heavy periods or pelvic pain. A pelvic exam is not a requirement for beginning birth control or for many STI tests.

STI, HPV and Cervical Cancer Screening

  • STI testing is recommended annually if she is sexually active. Adolescent women typically don’t have symptoms until the infection is advanced, which is why regular STI testing is so important.
  • HPV screening starts at age 30 unless your Pap test is abnormal.
  • Pap smears for cervical cancer screening start at age 21 and, if they are normal, are every 3 years.

Who Should Go to the First Exam?

Privacy and confidentiality are important aspects of every OBGYN visit. It is routine to extend these rights to teen patients. Who else should be present at the exam depends on how your teen feels. Some things to consider:

  • Teens are more likely to give an accurate health history to their OBGYN when a parent is not present.
  • Teens need to get used to talking to providers on their own behalf as they take charge of their health.
  • Some teens may feel uncomfortable asking their OBGYNs questions when another adult is present. Privacy gives them the space to speak candidly with a health care expert who has been trained to answer their concerns.
  • Some teens prefer to have a trusted adult with them during new situations. She can certainly invite you to remain with her during the exam.

Helping your teen have a positive first experience with her gynecologist is one way you can put her on the path toward a healthy lifestyle. If you have other questions about how to get the best healthcare for your daughter or teen, please let us know. We are happy to help.

Our goal is for every woman to be the happiest, healthiest version of herself that she can be!

Shannon Wixom, A.P.N.P. - Female gynecologistShannon Wixom is a board certified Nurse Practitioner and Lactation Consultant. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Edgewood College in 2005. After graduating nursing school, she enjoyed 13 years caring for women as a labor and delivery nurse. She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from Concordia University and began her career as a Nurse Practitioner in 2018. Her experience in primary care and passion for women’s health led her to Madison Women’s Health. Her areas of special interest include preventive health, pregnancy and reproductive health care.

August 24, 2021/by Shannon Wixom, A.P.N.P
https://madisonwomenshealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/first-teen-obgyn-appointment-gyno.jpg 800 1200 Shannon Wixom, A.P.N.P https://madisonwomenshealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/mwh_logo-300x177.png Shannon Wixom, A.P.N.P2021-08-24 10:11:262022-09-27 12:42:32How to Prepare Your Teen for her First Gynecological Appointment

Gynecologist Exams, Prenatal Care and More: When Should You See Your OBGYN?

Women's Health

Gynecologist, obstetrician (OBGYN), or primary care physician — which doctor should you see and when?

To know which type of physician you should visit, it’s important to understand the difference between them and what they specialize in.

What is a primary care provider?

A primary care provider is focused on the whole patient, specializing in family medicine, internal medicine or pediatrics. They are often at the center of your health journey and will refer you to other specialists as needed.

What is a gynecologist?

A gynecologist is a primary care physician who specializes in women’s health needs, reproductive health, and women’s health after menopause. Gynecologists also perform minimally invasive surgeries including hysterectomies, removal of ovaries or ovarian cysts, tubal ligation, removal of polyps and fibroids from the uterus (hysteroscopy), treatments for precancerous changes of the cervix such as LEEP, and other surgical procedures.

What is an obstetrician (OBGYN)?

An obstetrician (OBGYN) is a physician who has received specialized training in the care of women who are pregnant. They care for women throughout their pregnancy, delivery, and into their post-partum period. While they are primarily focused on women’s health and reproductive health, they can also help women manage other health issues.

Which One Should I See?

Many women choose an OBGYN to be their primary care provider so that all their care is through the same person. This is a common choice, especially with younger women who have uncomplicated medical needs. However, older women and women with complex medical problems should continue to have both a Primary Care Provider and a separate OBGYN or gynecologist.

Most of the physicians at Madison Women’s Health are OBGYNs. If you are already a patient at Madison Women’s Health and wonder if you should see an OBGYN or your Primary Care Provider, send us a message through MyChart. We’ll be able to tell you who would be the most appropriate physician for your unique situation.

Reasons You Should See Your OBGYN or Gynecologist

There are many reasons to visit your OBGYN or gynecologist. Below are the typical reasons someone would come in for an appointment at Madison Women’s Health.

    • Birth control: Discuss the many different contraceptive options that are available to you, how they work, how often you need to take birth control, and what kind of birth control would be best for your lifestyle and needs. Read more about birth control options.
    • Pre-pregnancy planning: Learn how to have a healthy lifestyle that will support a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Read more about preparing for pregnancy.
    • Pregnancy: Call us as soon as you find out you’re pregnant, which is usually around 8 weeks pregnant (or 3-4 weeks past your missed period). At your first prenatal visit, we’ll do an ultrasound to establish a due date and confirm viability of the pregnancy. You’ll meet with a nurse to learn about what to expect over the next 30 weeks. Read more about our pregnancy services.
    • Changes in your menstrual period: If your period is different than it was before — heavier, lighter, more prolonged, more irregular — then it’s a good idea to see your gynecologist or OBGYN. Changes in your period could be caused by a variety of factors, such as hormonal imbalances, stress, weight loss or weight gain, infections, abnormal cervical changes, presence of an ovarian cyst, and development of fibroids or polyps in the uterus.
    • Unusual vaginal discharge or odors: It’s important to know what is causing pain, irritation, discharge and odor so you can treat it. These things could be caused by a yeast infection, vaginitis, or STI. Read more about our well woman care services.
  • Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
    • Pain while going to the bathroom (urinary tract infection)
    • Age-related screenings for breast cancer, colon cancer, osteoporosis, and bone health.
  • Pap smear and pelvic exam
  • HPV screening beginning at age 25

If you have other health symptoms or concerns, such as questions about skin issues, painful joints and aching muscles, anxiety and depression, postpartum depression, it is perfectly fine to ask your OBGYN about them. As a primary care provider, your OBGYN can give you care and write prescriptions. They will also refer you to other specialists as needed.

How Often You Should Receive an HPV Screening/Pap smear and Pelvic Exam

Several years ago, women received annual pelvic exams and Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. We’ve since learned that the presence of certain types of HPV (human papillomavirus) is what increases your risk of developing cervical cancer. The changes to the cervical cells that lead to cancer take a number of years to develop. We know that HPV causes the cells to become abnormal.  For that reason, HPV screening is routine alone, or in conjunction with a pap smear for women 25 and older.  If you test negative for HPV, the pelvic exam may not be needed as often as previously recommended.

Pelvic exams are done along with HPV screening and pap smears,  typically about every 3-5 years unless you have had an abnormal pap smear or positive HPV test, or if you have concerning pelvic symptoms. A pelvic exam is one way your gynecologist can screen you for infectious diseases, cancers to the reproductive system, or other conditions like endometriosis and pelvic floor dysfunctions.

During a pelvic exam, your gynecologist will look at your vulva, vagina, and cervix. They do this by gently inserting a speculum, which widens the vagina so they can see the vagina and cervix. They will also check for any changes in your other organs, the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and bladder. Samples needed for HPV screening or a Pap smear are taken during the pelvic exam while the speculum is inserted. Your gynecologist will use what looks like a long popsicle stick and brush shaped like a mascara brush to swab the cervix, collecting a sample of cells which will be used for testing.

Most women ages 21-65, regardless of sexual history, should receive HPV screening and or a pap smear every 3-5 years to test for the presence of abnormal cells that could lead to cervical cancer. Some women may be more at risk of developing cervical cancer, such as women with HIV, those with a weakened immune system, or those who have had treatments for pre-cancer or cancer. These women would be screened more frequently, on an individual basis.

HPV screening detects whether the HPV virus is present. If HPV is detected in the sample, then the remaining cells from that sample are sent in for cytology (Pap smear) to see if they are pre-cancerous or cancerous. If the test for HPV is negative, you won’t need another screen for 3-5 years.

How to Prepare for Your Exam with a Gynecologist

It’s important that you feel comfortable and listened to at your gynecological exam. The best way to have a good exam is to relax and remember that your doctor is on your side. We want to help you be the very best version of yourself!

You might be surprised to hear this, but as OBGYNs, we’re really not worried about whether you shaved your legs or waxed your bikini line. You don’t need to do anything special ahead of time. We’re here to take care of you just as you are!

We generally don’t recommend douching because it throws off your vaginal pH, which can cause bacterial imbalances which can lead to or predispose to infection.

Questions to Ask at Your Next Gynecologist Exam

Never be afraid to ask your doctor anything! We care about you as a whole person, so we’ll ask you a lot of questions that cover many aspects of your life. If we haven’t covered something in our conversation with you, please feel free to ask us.

Here are the most common questions we’re asked. If it helps, write a list ahead of time of questions you’d like your doctor to answer (or screenshot ours).

  • Do I need birth control? How does it work?
  • Is my period normal?
  • Do I have to be in so much pain every month?
  • Do I have to have my period every month? Is it too heavy? Too light?
  • How often should I consider sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening?
  • What should I expect about perimenopause and menopause?
  • How can I reduce perimenopause and menopause symptoms?
  • How can I reduce mood changes associated with my menstrual cycle?
  • I have a family history of chronic illnesses, like diabetes, heart disease, and thyroid disorders. How can I reduce my risk of living with these disorders?

Preparing Your Daughter for Her First Gynecological Exam

Moms, we strongly encourage you to openly discuss reproductive and sexual health with your daughters. We’re here to help you with that discussion and process! We have pamphlets at our office that you can use to talk to your daughters about what to expect.

A common question we’re asked is, “When should I bring my daughter in for her gynecological exam?” You may be surprised to hear the answer because many of the recommendations may have changed since you were a teenager.

If your daughter doesn’t have a particular concern regarding her period, risk for sexually transmitted infection,  or need for birth control, she may not need a pelvic exam and HPV screening until she is 21.  If she is using birth control for contraception or periods, she should have a visit at the doctor’s office, but she may not need a pelvic  exam until age 21. Urine tests for STIs can be done without the need for a pelvic exam. If she does need a pelvic exam, reassure her that even though it is awkward, it’s not painful. The exams are very brief, and if it gets uncomfortable, we always stop and readjust.

What To Expect at a Well Woman Exam

Even though you do not need a Pap test or HPV test every year, it’s important that you continue scheduling your annual Well Woman Exam. Your Well Woman Exam is an essential part of your ongoing health maintenance, and is usually covered 100% by your insurance.

At your Well Woman Exam, your doctor will screen you for chronic, preventable diseases such as cardiovascular (heart) disease and diabetes by checking your blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, and glucose levels. You’ll be able to talk to your doctor about other symptoms you may have, such as allergies, migraines, low libido, depression / anxiety, and more. You’ll also discuss whether you need refills for specific medications, or whether you should be seen by a specialist. Your doctor will also make sure you feel safe in your home environment.

Because a Well Woman Exam is more for preventative care and routine health maintenance, the assumption is that you do not have a specific medical problem or condition. If you have specific concerns, you may need to make an additional, separate appointment to talk about your symptoms in more detail with your doctor.

Depending on your age and health history, you may also receive a pelvic exam, mammogram, Pap smear, HPV screening, STI testing or other tests.

Beginning at age 40, you should have mammograms every few years. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, you may be screened more regularly.

For women 50+, a colon cancer screening is recommended. This is done with either a colonoscopy or an at-home Cologuard test.

As women get older, they’ll also be screened for osteoporosis and bone health.

Woman getting ultrasound at OBGYN clinic

What to Expect at Your Pre-Natal Appointments

At Madison Women’s Health, much of what our OBGYNs do involves pregnancy care and delivering babies. If you become pregnant, we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other!

Set up your very first prenatal visit as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. For most women, this happens around week 8, when they’re about 3-4 weeks past their missed period.

First Appointment: 8 Weeks Gestation

At your first visit, we’ll do a transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound. This will help us establish a due date and check for a heart beat. You’ll meet with a nurse to go through your medical history. You’ll learn all about exercise, diet, and ways to manage morning sickness. We’ll cover any changes you may need to make to your medication as well. After you’ve had some basic lab work done (blood and urine tests), your OBGYN provider will meet with you to answer any questions you may have.

12 Weeks – 32 Weeks Gestation: Appointments every 4 weeks

Some women choose to have genetic screening done at about 12 weeks. As part of the genetic screening, you will have another ultrasound and you’ll be able to see all the growth and changes that have happened in just 4 weeks. At 20 weeks, you’ll be able to find out the sex of your baby if you desire to do so.

You’ll continue to come in at 4 week intervals until you reach 32 weeks (about 7 months). If your pregnancy is higher risk, you may see your OBGYN more frequently.

33 – 36 Weeks Gestation: Appointments every 2 weeks

Once you reach 7 months, or 33 weeks, you’ll see your OBGYN every two weeks. Your weight and blood pressure will be monitored. And you may receive testing for gestational diabetes.

37 Weeks until Birth: Appointments every 1 week

In the final weeks leading up to your baby’s birth, you’ll come in for an appointment every week. Your blood pressure will be monitored, and your OBGYN will check the positioning of your baby.

Our Gynecologists and OBGYN Providers Are Here for You

At Madison Women’s Health, we’re committed to treating you as the WHOLE person you are. We want to help you be the happiest, healthiest version of you that you can be! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about how we can help you.

Dr. Karla Dickmeyer M.D. Founding partner of Madison Women's Health OBGYN ClinicDr. Dickmeyer has been providing healthcare for women in the Madison area since 1998 and is a founding member of Madison Women’s Health. Her specialties include minimally invasive surgical techniques, high and low risk obstetrics, pelvic floor disorders and postmenopausal medicine.

 

January 25, 2021/by Karla Dickmeyer
https://madisonwomenshealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/obgyn-gynacologist-exam-madison-womens-health.jpg 667 1000 Karla Dickmeyer https://madisonwomenshealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/mwh_logo-300x177.png Karla Dickmeyer2021-01-25 20:23:152022-09-27 12:43:15Gynecologist Exams, Prenatal Care and More: When Should You See Your OBGYN?

Find Answers to Your Questions

Recent Posts

  • Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy: Tips for Prevention and Relief
  • Geriatric Pregnancy? The Truth About Having a Baby After 35
  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms and Treatments
  • Breech Baby: What Causes it and What to Expect
  • At-Home Genetic Testing Kits: Do They Really Work?

Browse by Category

Tags

baby weight birth control birth control pills birth control shots bottle feeding breastfeeding C-section clogged duct Clomid colostrum conceiving condoms Depo Provera diaphragms epidural exercise exercising during pregnancy fertility tips genetic counselling genetic screening gestational diabetes gestational hypertension giving birth Glow App gynecologist HPV screening kegels labor tips latching Letrozole mastitis menopause mini-pill NuvaRing OBGYN perimenopause Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) pregnancy pregnancy tips pregnancy weight gain pregnancy weight loss pumping STI ultrasound weaning

5801 Research Park Blvd, Suite 400, Madison WI 53719

608-729-6300

Reviews
SCOPE Certified logo
© 2022 All rights reserved. | WordPress Web Design by Bizzy Bizzy
Scroll to top

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

OKLearn more×

Cookie and Privacy Settings



How we use cookies

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

Essential Website Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

Google Analytics Cookies

These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.

If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:

Other external services

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

Other cookies

The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:

Accept settingsHide notification only