As your child becomes an adult or sexually active, visiting the OB-GYN is an important step to take. But what are the questions to ask at a first OB-GYN appointment?
The questions to ask at a first OB-GYN appointment will vary based on your child’s needs, concerns, and lifestyle. But no matter what, it’s helpful to understand that gynecologists specialize in women’s health and can be a resource for the questions your teen is bound to have.
It’s also helpful to set an example for your child on the importance of caring for their health. Any person with female anatomy should receive regular checkups and care with an OB-GYN (or a gynecologist if pregnancy is not a concern) as they reach adulthood or become sexually active.
To help you and your child prepare for a first visit to an OB-GYN, here are some questions you may want to ask.
Questions to Ask at a First OB-GYN Visit
Questions to Ask About Sexual Health
Though it may be awkward, your daughter or child needs to have a safe space to ask her questions about sex, contraception, and sexual health.
9. How to make healthy sexual choices?
Part of reproductive health is making healthy lifestyle choices as it pertains to sex. If your daughter is considering — or partaking in — intimate sexual contact or oral, vaginal, and/or anal sex, her gynecologist will likely discuss:
- Consent
- Sexual health risks
- Safe sexual practices
10. What kinds of contraception are available?
Your daughter’s gynecologist will discuss the different types of contraception available, emergency contraception, and abortions. They should also be able to provide additional resources for your child to access.
Lastly, encourage your child to ask any questions they have with their OB-GYN, especially any that they are not comfortable discussing with you. As they grow, they will transition to being in charge of their own health more and more, so it’s important to empower them now to listen to their body and develop a good relationship with their health practitioners.
