Visiting a gynecologist can make one feel anxious, especially if its for the first time. But it’s important. And an annual visit can help get basic checkups, a physical examination and discuss general medical history. Such a visit can help address important health issues, across age groups, like birth control, childbirth, menopause, cancer screening, common infections or urinary tract problems.

My daughter is 15, should I take her to a gynecologist? Is it the right age? – Mitalee, Pune

What’s the right age to visit a gynecologist?

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that girls have their first ob-gyn visit when they’re 13 to 15 years old or they become sexually active, whichever comes first.

But unless a woman has a specific problem or concern, she can visit the gynecologist at either age 18 or when she becomes sexually active, whichever comes first.