The first of women's life periods is the period called 'Adolescence Period', covering the ages of 13-18. It starts with the age of 13, which is considered the upper limit of 'puberty', when the body changes into an adult form. Puberty, which occurs as a result of some organs responding to the hormones secreted from the brain by growing and changing, begins between the ages of 8 and 13. During puberty, height begins to grow, weight increases, hips widen, breast growth occurs, hair growth begins, acne occurs frequently, and menstruation begins.
When should the first examination occur? ? It is recommended that young girls between the ages of 13-15 be seen by a gynecologist. Just speaking and informing would be enough. If the bladder is full, the ovaries and uterus can be evaluated with at least a transabdominal ultrasound.
What issues are covered in the examination? Nutrition, physical activity, sexuality, Heart disease risk, social relationships, mental health and other topics (self-care, accident prevention, safe driving, exposure to UV rays, substance abuse, tattoos and 'piercing') are discussed.
The most important aspects of the body in human life. Nutrition and physical activity during puberty and adolescence, the last period of rapid growth and development, are the most important factors that determine body health in the rest of life. Age-related bone loss, which begins at the age of 20, will only be reduced to a lesser extent in later ages if the bone mass quality is at its highest at the beginning of this period. Nutritional habits determine the basis of chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol.
This age period is the period when the person meets sexuality. In order for the adolescent to perceive and understand the physical changes in his body in a healthy way, he must have knowledge about them. Otherwise, even the first menstrual period can frighten the adolescent. On the other hand, explaining that menstruation may be irregular in the first years prevents unnecessary anxiety. Sexual education is indispensable in terms of protection from sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy. It is not possible for someone who does not know their reproductive organs and is not properly informed about sexuality to be a healthy individual. this turn The adolescent, who is estranged from his parents, sees his friends as the closest thing to him. Wrong circle of friends can also have very bad consequences. Therefore, parents should not hesitate to seek professional help for their children. The safety of the internet and communication tools should not be ignored when talking about sexuality.
Heart disease risk should be a part of every examination, starting from adolescence. Family history of heart disease and personal risks (blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, diabetes) should be questioned and investigated when necessary.
For the adolescent, the social environment becomes more important than the family environment. Problems in social relationships also affect mental health. Family and friend relationships; school experience; behavioral and learning disorders; personal goals; sexual orientation and identity; emotional, physical, sexual abuse and depression are questioned and expert support is obtained when necessary.
What does the examination and screening include?
Chlamydia, Gonorrhea: If the adolescent has a sexually active life, he should be screened for these two infectious agents once a year. Examination is performed on a swab or urine sample taken from the vagina, mouth, pharynx, rectum or cervix.
HIV screening: This virus, which is the causative agent of AIDS, should be screened in sexually active people or those who have had sexual activity before.
>Which vaccines should be reviewed?
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (Tdap) or Tetanus-Diphtheria booster (Td): If the Tdap vaccine has not been vaccinated before, a single dose should be vaccinated between the ages of 11-18 and then Td every 10 years. It should be repeated (booster).
Hepatitis B vaccine: If the patient has not been vaccinated against the Hepatitis B virus, which is the causative agent of type B jaundice, then a 3-dose vaccination protocol should be applied.
Influenza (Flu): Immune system. In weak people (such as type 1 diabetes, asthma, steroid users), the flu vaccine is administered as a single dose once a year.
Red-Measles-Mumps (MMR): If not vaccinated before, it is administered as a single dose.
Meningococcus: If not vaccinated, a single dose is administered. If the person received his first vaccination between the ages of 13 and 15, he should be vaccinated again at the age of 16 and 18. The application is in a single dose.
Chickenpox: If the patient has not been vaccinated or has not had chickenpox, it is administered in 2 doses.
HPV vaccination. Heat: HPV (Genital Wart) virus is responsible for cervical cancer other than genital warts. The vaccine is administered in 3 doses between the ages of 9 and 26. It protects against some types of HPV. There are only concerns about the vaccine. This issue will be handled separately.
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