Dear Parent:

The Gunn Towbin Center wants to join you in starting your daughter on the path to good reproductive health. It is recommended that girls should have their first visit with a gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 15 years for health promotion and screening. Most adolescents do not require a pelvic examination at this time. Common problems that may need to be addressed include physical issues (menstrual cramps or menstrual irregularity) and behavior issues (eating disorders, tobacco use, alcohol use, motor vehicle accidents or early sexual activity).

Adolescent girls are confronted with numerous challenges and the decisions they make can have consequences for their health and well-being. The following three suggestions will help guide your daughter to a lifetime of good health:

• Talk with your daughter – Many important health topics warrant open discussion.
• Ask about our handouts that deal with teen issues – We have materials on topics such as normal menstruation, promoting abstinence, contraception, tobacco use prevention, and healthy eating habits that you can use in talks with your daughter.
• Be sure your daughter is seeing a health care practitioner who will discuss preventive health care issues with her. If she currently does not have such a physician, we would be happy to provide care for her.

Ask us if you have any questions about adolescent health. Together, we can work to keep your daughter healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

Gunn Towbin Center Clinicians