Women's Medical Group of Irvine
٭
Comprehensive
Women's Healthcare
Adolescent Medicine Program
A young woman's life experiences between the ages of thirteen and twenty-one are a veritable whirlwind of excitement, tears, discovery, and overwhelming change. These years are critical to the creation of a mature, successful woman filled with confidence and a healthy self-awareness; a woman capable of making intelligent, thoughtful life decisions. It is one of the major focuses of the staff of Women's Medical Group of Irvine to facilitate the entrance of young women into the world of female healthcare in a sensitive, caring, and thorough manner. All women must be initiated into the world of gynecology, and it has been shown that sooner is definitely better than later.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology now recommends that ALL female teens begin gynecologic care between the ages of thirteen and fifteen. This does not mean that all girls need a pap and pelvic exam at those ages, though some actually do require it. Rather, it is intended to introduce these young women to the world of female health issues as well as health issues in general, so as to foster an interest in healthy living and to answer the innumerable questions which girls this age wish to ask. In spite of the inclusion of Health in school curriculums, we are continually amazed by the insatiable desire teens have for information on female anatomy, sexuality, skin issues, nutrition, and general health topics of all sorts.
At the initial gynecology visit we rarely do a pelvic exam (unless there is a medical necessity) as most girls really need to first get acquainted with their new gynecologist and learn to feel comfortable in this setting. We take the opportunity to do a general physical exam and then discuss all of the health issues which are of concern to the young patient. Sexual issues and anatomy, nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress reduction, and general health are reviewed.
Parents are welcome at the introductory portion of the visit, but are then asked to leave. Since every girl’s medical privacy is required by California law beginning at age twelve, we must conduct this second part of the exam in private and are not permitted to discuss anything found or discussed unless permission is granted by the girl. We hope that concerned parents understand and accept this situation. We believe this fosters openness and honesty between the young patient and her doctor or nurse practitioner and is vital to providing critical medical services in those instances when parents and their children are in conflict. Please rest assured that we always encourage, and even urge, our young patients to discuss everything concerning their lives with their parents.
The new vaccine, Gardasil, which was introduced to reduce the occurrence of cervical cancer, genital warts, and infection by the Human Papilloma Virus, is best given prior to the onset of sexual activity and appears to work best when given at a young age. It is recommended that girls receive this vaccination in the early teen years. All young women, especially those heading off to college, should be up-to-date on the necessary vaccines, including Meningitis. At WMGI we stress the importance of vaccines and can provide them for our patients.
The years when our daughters often need healthcare the most are often the years when their health receives the least attention. Among teen women, sexually transmitted diseases are on the upswing, unplanned pregnancy remains a significant problem, eating disorders are rampant, addictive behaviors involving alcohol and smoking develop, and emotional and relationship problems abound. It is our responsibility to address these types of issues before destructive and harmful behavior patterns develop.
Although the first visit in our Adolescent Medicine Program is with a gynecologist, the practice works as a team, and, if indicated, the young patient is seen by one of our other team members to deal with the appropriate medical issue. Problems can require the additional expertise of our psychologist, endocrinologist, skin care team, addiction specialist, or internist. At WMGI, the whole person is treated thoroughly and with sensitivity. We encourage all parents to schedule an appointment for their teen daughter with Dr. Felice Gersh or with Nurse Practitioner Vicki Greenberg and set their precious child on the path to continued health and well-being.