He is about to turn 13 and something has changed. After a few weeks with a strange sensation, with discomfort in the stomach, sensitivity in the chest and a slight headache, . A circumstance that produces changes in the body due to increased blood pressure, such as the development of breasts or the increase in pubic hair, and also emotional and social changes. Adolescence, which lasts between 10 or 11 years old until 17 or 18, “is characterized by being a period of transformations that may require a series of care and attention in order to guarantee a satisfactory transition to adult life. And where the family environment is essential,” says Carmen Guillén, gynecologist at the 12 de Octubre University Hospital, in Madrid.
On this path to adulthood, parents sometimes do not know how to accompany this change and whether it is advisable to incorporate into the pediatrician’s consultation, generally established up to the age of 14, the advice of a gynecologist who assesses the adolescent’s physical condition and It can also resolve doubts of both the parents and the young woman. Especially when, according to the , the beginning of sexual relations is around 16.3 years for women and men. And also now that the number of cases of people aged 15 to 29 diagnosed with new sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea, syphilis and/or chlamydia, have increased, according to the study carried out by Hospital de Basurto (Bilbao) and published last March.
There is no fixed age from which it is advisable to have a first gynecological consultation. “The moment must be individualized based on the needs of the adolescent, her expectations and her symptoms. Sometimes, you may present symptoms that must be studied and evaluated… And in others, your consultation will be marked by contraceptive or sexual needs,” explains Abel Renuncio Roba, spokesperson for the Spanish Society of Contraception (SEC). If it is necessary to resort to the opinion of a specialist, “comprehensive care must be provided that covers all the issues and is individualized based on their symptoms or the expectations and needs of the young woman,” adds Renuncio. In this way, the background and problems it may present will be known, as well as what represents a problem or need for it.
Given the absence of a health protocol that includes attendance at the consultation of this type of specialist during adolescence, the action of parents is important. “The adoption by the family of healthy lifestyle habits will improve hormonal balance and reduce the risk of later presenting gynecological disorders such as, for example, polycystic ovary syndrome,” maintains Dr. Guillén. In addition, promoting a healthy diet and physical exercise at these ages makes it easier throughout the years. Another aspect in which the family must be involved is in supporting vaccination against COVID-19 for both their daughters and sons. “There is sufficient scientific evidence to guarantee the safety of the vaccine and to affirm that it prevents the appearance of cervical cancer in women and other tumors related to HPV in both sexes,” maintains the gynecologist.
Likewise, parents must become a safe place for young girls, providing them with an environment of empathy that encourages dialogue. “At this age, young women should have enough confidence to convey their concerns of all kinds to their parents, including those of a sexual nature,” says Dr. Guillén. This will make it easier to discuss topics of great importance such as the prevention of unwanted pregnancy and . “It is necessary that she be able to share her doubts with her parents and that they support her and accompany her to a health center to consult the most appropriate contraceptive methods, it being very important that special emphasis be placed on the use of condoms, even if she uses another method.” added.” The objective, according to Guillén, is also protection against STDs at a time in life when these diseases are very prevalent and could leave consequences on the reproductive health of young women.
Therefore, adults must be informed about the symptoms or signs that may suggest that the adolescent has a gynecological health problem that should be consulted with a specialist, to detect clinical data that suggest the presence of a pathology as early as possible. “It is advisable for the young woman to discuss them in her family environment. And, if he doesn’t, it is the parents who can ask him about it,” says Dr. Guillén. In the opinion of this expert, the most relevant symptoms that may suggest a pathology are:
- which require changing hygienic devices very frequently and are sometimes associated with anemia.
- Very irregular menstruations, since at the beginning it is normal not to be regular.
- Menstrual pain that does not subside easily with a commonly used analgesic and that conditions the adolescent’s life.
- Absence of secondary sexual characteristics having already developed a year earlier [cambio en la forma pélvica, redistribución de la grasa corporal, crecimiento de vello púbico y axilar o acné].
- Absence of menstruation in young people who previously had normal menstruations.
- Presence of abnormal vaginal secretions in relation to sexual activity, especially if a condom has not been used.
- than what is considered normal by women and in locations that are not typically feminine.
- Appearance of nodules in the breasts or appearance of discharge from the nipples.
- Appearance of lesions on the vulva (cysts, ulcers, etc.).
Given any of the above signs, it is advisable to make a first visit to the gynecologist. “A comprehensive health assessment of the patient will be carried out where not only the gynecological area will be assessed, but also the nutritional status, the adolescent’s habits (toxin consumption), the school situation and the mental and psychological state,” details the Dr. Julia Fernández-Ruano, gynecologist at the La Paz University Hospital, in Madrid. This interview must be carried out in an environment of trust with your companion and alone. “Depending on whether the young woman is or not, a complete gynecological examination will be performed or only an abdominal ultrasound,” he adds.
Prior to the consultation, parents should inform the adolescent of what the visit to the gynecologist will consist of, to help dismantle false myths and erroneous information that they may pick up through social networks or their circle of friends. For all this, Dr. Guillén asserts, “it is so relevant for the adolescent’s health.”
