Adolescent And Teenage Care Specialist

When does a girl become fertile?

Once her periods start a girl can become pregnant, and as menstruation can begin in girls as young as eleven or twelve years old, it’s vital that they understand the facts about sexual relationships and pregnancy. The process of going through puberty is an unsettling and often confusing time full of change for an adolescent girl. It’s helpful to have both caring parents and expert medical support throughout the teen years, and a specialist service such as The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group provides support to parents and girls who need advice and ongoing health care.

How do I know if my periods are normal?

When a girl starts menstruating, the cycle of bleeding generally settles into a monthly pattern. Some girls find they barely notice their periods apart from the bleeding, while others suffer from cramps, bloating, headaches, and skin problems. It’s worth getting checked out if your period has any unpleasant aspects, as there could well be a solution that can make this time of the month more comfortable for you.

You should seek medical advice if:

• You have severe pain or discomfort during your period
• Your cycle doesn’t settle into a regular pattern
• You experience bleeding or spotting between periods
• You bleed more heavily or for longer than normal
• You’re struggling with mood swings associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• You skip a period or think you might be pregnant
• You get a fever and feel ill while using tampons
  

When do girls need to start thinking about birth control?

Contraception is important from the moment a girl starts having sex. The pill is the most well-known method of birth control, but there are various other types of contraception that may be more appropriate. It’s important for girls to understand that while hormonal birth control, like the pill, prevents unwanted pregnancy, only barrier methods, such as condoms, can prevent sexually transmitted diseases. A teen girl can talk with her provider to determine what type of birth control is right for her.

The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group employs caring professionals with expertise in guiding young women through their gynecologic care during the tricky teenage years. With their help, you can take the worry out of sexual health and reproduction, so call one of the offices or book an appointment online.