You’re a woman! Well, at least according to science. Your first period typically appears between the ages of 12 and 13 and marks the beginning of your reproductive years. Consider seeing your gynecologist if you are having trouble with your periods or are in need of contraceptives. It is an ideal time to develop healthy habits like eating well, exercising regularly, and seeing your doctor annually for preventive care. 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends girls have their first gynecology visit between the ages of 13 and 15 and yearly after that. Some parents may feel it’s best to schedule their child’s first gynecological appointment for after their period starts. However, if your period hasn’t begun by the age of 15, visiting with your doctor can help  rule out any hormone imbalances that may be causing a delay. 

It's totally normal to be nervous the first time you see a gynecologist. It should ease your mind that pelvic and breast exams are not typically indicated before 18 unless you and your provider find it necessary. And remember, your gynecologist is there to help you understand your changing body, talk to you about your periods, and answer questions about sex, birth control, and sexually transmitted infections. 

Your visit with your provider is confidential, if you would like your parent or guardian with you, let your doc know.

Menstruation

A menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of bleeding in one month to the first day of bleeding in the next month. The average menstrual cycle is about 28 days, but 21- to 45-day cycles are also normal. 

When you first start menstruating, your period can last anywhere between one and seven days and be very light or heavy. And for a few years, you may not ovulate regularly, which can cause you to have longer periods that don't always start when you expect them to. But as time passes, your cycles tend to regulate and last between two and seven days.

How to get familiar with what's typical for your period

• Track your periods to get a sense of patterns and ultimately understand what is normal for you. Many apps can help you do this, or you can go old-school and track your period on a calendar. Mark the first day your bleeding starts with an "X." Put an X on each of the following days that you have bleeding. Count the first "X" as day one. Keep counting the days until you have your next period; the result is the length of your menstrual cycle. 
• Also keep a record of your flow, or how heavy or light your bleeding is. Note any premenstrual symptoms you experience, including headaches, cramps, pain, and mood swings, so you can establish what is normal for your cycle. You can also share this info with your physician to review in case you need treatment for something. 

Sexual Health

Prepare yourself: Your gynecologist is going to ask if you are sexually active. You may not even know what “sexually active means,” so here’s the gist: Being sexually active doesn’t only refer to penis-in-vagina (PIV) sex; it also includes oral sex, anal sex, and masturbation, or self stimulation including with sex toys and interactions with same sex partners.. 

When you are sexually active, you are in contact with another person's bodily fluids, and that puts you at risk for both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Your physician will want to know about your sexual activity to understand your risk factors. Plus, they’ll counsel you on birth control options and how to protect yourself from STIs.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination

HPV infections are spread by skin-to-skin contact during sex and can cause genital warts and cervical cancer later in life. Preferably, you’ll want to get the HPV vaccine before becoming sexually active.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteens, ideally between the ages of 11 and 12, and is approved by the FDA for people ages 9 to 26. “We want to make sure women are properly immunized against HPV as soon as they are eligible,” says Dr. Beasley.

These are big years, there is so much growing, learning, and changing going on.  It's all very exciting but can be confusing too, so no matter the question, never be afraid to reach out and ask.