Gynecologist near Katy, TX, explains the importance of gynecology care for young women

Learning to take care of oneself is an important lesson for women to learn and proper care begins at a young age. Even if your daughter, niece, granddaughter, or loved one has been maintaining well visits with a pediatrician or family doctor for many years, gynecology care is also important. In fact, the American College of Gynecology now recommends that young ladies schedule their first gynecology appointment between the as young as age 13.

While this may sound young, especially for teenage girls who are not sexually active, the first gynecology appointments do not require an internal exam before the age of 16. The first appointments are used as a tool to answer questions about your teen’s changing body and to build trust between the gynecologist and the young woman. This early appointments will shape the way the teen views gynecology care and healthy habits for years to come.

To prepare your teen for her first appointment, it is best to be open and honest. It’s also important that parents or guardians leave the room for her appointment. Often young ladies are more comfortable being honest about their questions, concerns, or sexual activity with the physician if she has some privacy.

If your teen is not sexually active, the first appointment will likely only include a conversation and a general exam where the gynecologist listens to the heart and lungs, checks for lumps, and may perform a breast exam. If your teen does need an internal exam, you may need to prepare her for the appointment a little bit differently. Often teens have misconceptions about gynecology exams based on rumors or mistruths from their friends.

You can calm these fears by explaining that there is nothing of which she should be embarrassed and that the exam should not be painful. It may not be a fun exam, but it should be quick and shouldn’t hurt. You should also explain that these appointments are necessary for young women, and women of all ages, in order to ensure that her reproductive health remains strong.

If you’re searching for a gynecologist for yourself, or a young loved one that you can trust and depend on, call Dr. Taryll Jenkins of Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine today. For many years, Dr. Jenkins has provided Katy women of all ages and stages of life with quality gynecology and reproductive care.

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Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine
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We offer general care, gynecology, and obstetrics services that span all stages of a woman's life. Dr. Taryll L. Jenkins, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his Doctorate of Medicine from Meharry Medical College School of Medicine, TN. He completed his residency training at the University of Texas and Hermann Hospital, TX and is Board-certified from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with years of research experience.

Having graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Chemistry in 2011, Dr. Stephanie Roy received her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2015 from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Today, she is a leading Board-certified physician who works hard to provide you and your family with high-quality services. In addition to spending time at the practice, Dr. Roy possesses extensive volunteer experience in the community. She was also a tutor at the Medical Careers Diversity Program in 2012 and, since then, has spent her free time volunteering for the St. Vincent’s Clinic.

Dr. Tiffany Ikwuagwu is passionate about caring for the diverse communities in Katy, TX. Having completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston, her medical degree at the Baylor College of Medicine, and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the McGovern Medical School, she worked as principal investigator on a research project with Dr. Nana Ankumah at UT Houston. A member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Ikwuagwu has served in several leadership roles and has made many contributions to the community.

Yara Ramirez, MD, earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and her doctorate in medicine from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she also completed her residency. She won the Resident Teaching Award from UTMB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for two consecutive years.
Dr. Ramirez has researched extensively on many obstetrics-related topics. She has been a Junior Fellow Representative for the UTMB Residency Program and a Medical Student Education Committee Member at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has volunteered for various local and foreign community programs. Her fluency in Spanish and French is an asset to her organization.

Nadia Alexander is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center. With seven years of experience in women’s health and a focus on obstetrics and ambulatory gynecology (vaginitis, UTI, and vaginal bleeding), she provides quality, compassionate care to patients in various stages of reproductive life. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is the lead contact for our Telehealth service.