When to See the Doctor

A teen-aged girl should have her first healthy-girl gynecologic exam within a year after she begins her first period (menstruation). The annual healthy-girl exam offers an excellent chance to learn about your body and reproductive organs, and we encourage you to ask questions.

You may need to have more frequent checkups if you have:

• a history of sexual health problems
• a history of abnormal Pap test results
• a mother or sister who had breast cancer before menopause
• a breast lump
• a sex-related illness (STD)

Warning Signs

If you have any of these warning signs, schedule a gynecological exam right away:

• unusual vaginal or pelvic pain
• abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
• severe pelvic or lower abdominal pain
• pain, swelling, or tenderness of the vulva or vagina
• sores, lumps, or itching of the vulva or vagina
• growths or thickening of the breast or armpit
• puckering, dimpling, or other changes in the skin of the breast
• newly retracted nipples or bleeding or discharge from the nipple
• changes in size or shape of the breast
• increased pain or discomfort before your period