Girls: Family doctor or Gynecologist?

[Katie2003]

I just returned home from my first ever appointment with a gynecologist. I had gone to a family doctor for the first time for a complete physical upon turning 15 in April, as mom and me agreed I was getting too big to see the pediatrician any more.

While I found my exam from the family doctor to be quite thorough, the gynecologist spent even a longer time examining me down there and talking to me about related issues. I like him and feel a strong degree of confidence in his skills, although I feel much the same about the family doctor I saw.

Mom says since I am sexually active I should be seeing the gynecologist every year and follow his recommendations, and I should continue to see the family doctor for other things as well in between those exams.

Which do other girls prefer to see on a regular basis and why?

And at what age did you see the gynecologist for the first time?

[Jordan99]

For routine exams and illnesses I am just fine seeing a family practice doctor. For reproductive and sexually related issues, I prefer to see to see the gyno.

[Katie2003]

For routine exams and illnesses I am just fine seeing a family practice doctor. For reproductive and sexually related issues, I prefer to see to see the gyno.

Thanks, Jordan. That makes sense to me.

How old were you the first time you attended an appointment at the gynecologist? I don't think I know any other girls my age from school who have been, at least they haven't said anything to me about it.

[MagicGinnySurprise]

I went to the gyno for the first time when I was 10. My sister got me the appointment and went with me. I've gone at least once a year since, but I've also kept going to the family doctor (I've never seen a pediatrician). Like Jordan said, I go to the one for things like my sports physical or vaccines before I go overseas and to the gyno for anything related to my girl parts lol

[Elysium]

I've always been told that you should see both annually, though seeing a gynecologist depends on risk factors/lifestyle/age. As I have no particular risk factors and I'm not sexually active, it's been recommended to me that I not see a gynecologist until I'm older. I am a (young, obviously lol) adult now and have not yet seen a gynecologist.

In other words: seeing a physician annually for a regular physical exam/checkup is pretty standard. Seeing a gynecologist regularly depends on the person.

[Jordan99]

Thanks, Jordan. That makes sense to me.

How old were you the first time you attended an appointment at the gynecologist? I don't think I know any other girls my age from school who have been, at least they haven't said anything to me about it.

I was 15

[KristenS]

For just my regular checkups and sickness i see my family doctor. Anything concerning my lady parts i go and see the OBGYN.

First time seeing the OBGYN was when i was 13

[JessicaShy]

I see my family doctor (female) for every medical issue. I have had two medicals in school but these were very general - eyes, ears, blood pressure etc

[Barbara.]

I always go to the family physician and if for any reason that I must see gynecologist she would refer me to one. Just because I'm not sexually active or have any female problems I have not yet seen a gynecologist. I see my family physician periodically as needed.

[ChloeF]

Family doctor, he's looked after me since l was born and l've no doubt he'd refer me to a specialist if he had any concerns.

[JuliaVT]

Family doctor (male) for now, though I'd eventually like to find a female gyno.

[Katie2003]

Family doctor (male) for now, though I'd eventually like to find a female gyno.

My family doctor is female and I really like her. The gynecologist I attended is male, and I didn't have any issues letting him examine me there as mom and the nurse were both in the room with us. I'm sure he's quite professional and has examined thousands of other women and girls.

I can totally understand why some other girls might like a female gynecologist though, and if there is one in your area then go for it. There isn't one near here it would be an hour's drive.

[Common.Name]

For routine exams and illnesses I am just fine seeing a family practice doctor. For reproductive and sexually related issues, I prefer to see to see the gyno.

This. Seems to be pretty standard.

[TessTheGreat]

I have only ever been to a family doctor for illness things but I've never had gyno appointment .I don't think I need that unless I've got some problem there. I go to see the enuresis nurse every 3 months and she asks about periods and stuff but I've never like had an examination of that bit of me.

[gurquenjen]

For general sickness, I go to a GP. I go my gyno for anything sexual/reproductive. I've been going to a gyno since I was...13, I think. I kind of prefer having a female gyno, but I honestly don't care that much, because aside from yearly checkups, when I go to see a doctor I have a problem, and want them to fix it...what they have between their legs does not really bother me at all.

[Alexis16]

Ive only ever been to my family doctor