The initial visit primarily focuses on preventive counseling and education, with a main goal to establish a rapport with young patients so they feelcomfortable discussing gynecologic issues with a physician. An exam and/or pap smear is not necessarily performed (first pap smear is recommended three years after a woman becomes sexually active, or at age 21). Topics covered may include but are not limited to:
- Menstruation
- Dating and Sexual Activity
- Contraception/STD Protection
- HPV Vaccination/Gardasil
- Substance Use
- School Performance
- Depression
- Diet and Exercise
For more information on these and other topics, go to Patient Education. You may also find more information at www.acog.org.