You're 13-20

Many young people are anxious about visiting the gynecologist, and we get that. Don’t worry. Our goal is to put you at ease so your first visit here is mostly just a chance for us to get to know each other.

Starting the conversation. It usually begins with a conversation with you fully dressed. Your provider will ask you basic questions about yourself and your life—including the name and pronouns you use, and questions to ensure we understand your health needs related to your sexuality and relationships. They will also ask about any preferences for how we refer to your body parts—and give you time to share your concerns and ask any questions you may have. Together, we’ll develop a plan for how best to manage your health.

Your physical health check. The visit typically includes a general health check (like height, weight, and blood pressure), but you may be able to stay fully dressed for the whole visit.

Taking care of your mind. We know that health isn’t just physical. Your provider is also interested in your emotional well-being, stress levels, friendships and how you feel about school. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression or difficulty coping, we can help connect you with resources.

It’s your health, your choice. The most important thing you gain from this visit is knowledge. We want you to leave feeling confident about your body and knowing how to access reliable, accurate information—not just what you see on social media or hear from friends.

Will I need a pelvic exam? You probably won’t have an internal pelvic exam unless there’s a good reason for it. A Pap test (for cervical cancer screening) is not recommended until age 21, regardless of sexual activity. (Reasons for a physical exam could include unusual discharge when you’ve been sexually active or a lump on the outside of your vagina.)

How to prepare for your visit. To make the most of your time, consider writing down any questions you have before you arrive—even the embarrassing ones! It’s also helpful to know the date of your last period and have a list of any medications, supplements, or vitamins you currently take.

You can talk with your provider about anything. Really. Nothing is off limits.

Your right to privacy (how Oregon law works). In Oregon, you have the right to confidential care for your health:

• Reproductive care (all ages): If your visit is for reproductive health services, such as birth control, STI testing, pregnancy care, or abortion, your conversations and treatment are confidential at any age. We will not tell your parents or school anything unless you give us permission to.
• Most other medical care (Age 15+): For other general medical care, such as an annual check-up or treatment for an infection, you have the right to full confidentiality once you turn 15 years old.

(Read more about Oregon law regarding minor healthcare confidentiality and consent.)

The mandatory reporting exception. There is one exception: if we think there is a serious threat to your health from interpersonal violence or neglect, then we are obligated to report that, but we’ll talk with you about this beforehand.

Parents and support people. Many teens come to their visit with a parent. It’s up to you to decide how involved your parent will be in your visit. You can choose to have them in the room for all, part, or none of your visit. Most of our providers will ask the parent or other support person to step out of the room for at least some of the visit so you can talk privately. We encourage open communication among all parties, though—and we’re happy to share or help you share the results of the visit with your parent if you’d like us to.

Routine check-up frequency, Talk to your provider about how often they want to see you during your teen years. Behaviors, emotions, and bodies can change a lot during this time, and they may recommend every one to two years.

When to call sooner. Remember to call us sooner if you have urgent concerns, like a missed period, severe pain or questions about a new relationship.

If you are sexually active, annual screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is recommended. Your provider will talk with you openly about safety: protecting yourself from STIs, communicating with partners, and avoiding sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They may recommend a different STI screening frequency depending on your activity.

Gardasil 9 protects against the nine different types of HPV (Human Papillomavirus) that are responsible for the majority of cancers affecting the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, mouth and throat. If started before age 15, Gardasil 9 is given in two doses six to 12 months apart. If started at age 15 or later, it is given in three doses over six months.

If you are or may become sexually active with sperm-producing partners, your provider wants to talk to you about contraception. We will help you explore all methods of birth control (including IUDs and implants) to find the best choice for you.

A yearly flu vaccine is recommended for teens by the end of October, if possible. Most teens get this at school or the pediatrician’s office, but we are happy to provide it during your visit if you need it. We also recommend staying up to date with current COVID vaccination guidelines.