For many girls, the teen years are filled with excitement and drama about dating, friendships, parents�you name it. But the drama about one aspect of a girl�s life definitely takes the cake: The trip to the GYNECOLOGIST. Just the thought of it can make a girl shudder. As a result, too many put it off.
A recent study by the American Social Health Association found that females of all ages and ethnicities avoid annual gynecological care. Why? For many, a lack of health insurance can make appointments quite costly; for others, language and cultural differences with the health care provider play a major role. Some also say a fear of the diagnosis and embarrassment keeps them away.
Others are worried about confidentiality. But all federally-funded clinics must protect your privacy by law. So, they will not tell your parents or guardians about your visit.
So, girls, it�s time to put embarrassment aside and overcome any hurdles to gynecological care, because the risks of skipping visits are much costlier. By avoiding the gyno, you subject yourself to health risks. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that are left untreated can cause serious long-term health problems.
Even STIs that are easy to cure can pose health problems if left untreated. Chlamydia, for example, usually has no symptoms, and if left untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease or sterility.
Girls who are already sexually active or age 18 should have annual gyno visits. To find a low-cost gynecologist, look in the yellow pages under �clinics� or �family planning,� or contact your local Planned Parenthood at (800) 230-PLAN (7526). You can also ask your mom or another trusted female adult for helping finding one.
Either way, you need to protect yourself. So, if you�ve been putting off that appointment, pick up the phone and call. It won�t be so bad, and the actual exam is over in minutes!
Don�t know what to expect? For a detailed look at what actually happens during a visit, read our story, "Responsible Sex = A Date with the Doc.�
�Lauren Elkinson, 18
