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People who care for reproductive health

Caring for your reproductive health is an important part of growing up. If you notice body changes that you are not sure are normal, ask one of your parents or a trusted adult to make an appointment for you with a doctor or nurse. You can see:

• Your pediatrician. A pediatrician is a doctor that cares for children and teens. Some pediatricians have special training in reproductive health, but not all. If you are having problems with your period (menstrual cycle), if you think you need to be tested for a sexually transmitted disease, or if you think you may be pregnant, ask your pediatrician. Your pediatrician can help you find someone who can take care of you if you need to see a specialist.
• A gynecologist. A gynecologist is a doctor who focuses on women's reproductive health. You may need to visit a gynecologist as you get older.
• An adolescent specialist. This type of doctor specializes in caring for teenagers.
• A nurse practitioner (NP). A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with special training. If your clinic or doctor's office has a NP, he or she can do many of the things a doctor can and will work with the doctor if you need special tests or medicines.
• A family practitioner or general practitioner. This is a doctor whose practice does not focus on a specific medical specialty, but instead covers varied medical problems in patients of all ages.

When you talk with a doctor or nurse about reproductive health issues, he or she may want to do a pelvic exam or a Pap test, particularly if you are sexually active or having physical problems. Keep in mind, it's normal to be nervous before your first pelvic exam. But don't let that stop you from making an appointment! A check-up is one important way to keep yourself healthy. Find out when you should see a doctor and what happens during a visit.

What questions will the doctor or nurse ask me?

When you talk to any doctor or nurse about your reproductive health, she or he will ask you questions about your general health and any problems you may be having. The questions may be about:

• allergies, medicines you are taking, and any concerns you have about your general health
• your period, such as how long it normally lasts, how old you were when you first got it and the first day of your last period
• when your breasts started to develop
• whether you have ever had sex
• if you’ve ever been forced to have sex
• your vagina, such as if you have had any unusual discharge (fluid), itching, or odor

It is important to be honest so that they have all the right information about your health and body. Ask about your doctor's confidentiality (privacy) policy before you begin.

Your doctor might not test you for STIs. If you are sexually active, ask to be tested for all STIs. Learn more about sex and STIs, as well as asking your doctor personal questions.

Content last updated June 18, 2008

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