Primary and GYN Care for Teens

Gentle, respectful gynecology care for teens and their families.

well body uterus gynecology

A teens' first experience with gynecology care matters.

A teen’s first experiences with gynecology care set the tone for how they’ll feel about their body and their health for years. We keep it simple, calm, and kind. No shaming. No scare tactics. No rushing.

A young person’s transition from pediatrician to adult practitioner for primary care can be a little stressful for anyone, and even more so for one who is exploring their gender identity or sexual orientation. A midwife who is ready to listen and provide trauma-informed LGBTQ+-friendly care can make that transition a smooth and gentle one.

Whether your teen needs birth control advice, period management, or just needs their lacrosse physical form filled out, we will make it a comfortable and fun visit. Many of the teens we see were born with our midwives years ago. Caring for them now feels like a full-circle moment, and we take that trust seriously (but with a healthy dose of humor!).

  • Our midwives approach gynecology with a mix of clinical skill and common sense. We look at your hormones, your cycles, your stress level, and your daily routines. We ask about your joy, your energy, and what you want to feel better about.
  • Most well-body gynecology visits last 60 to 90 minutes. There’s room to talk without feeling like you’re on a timer.
  • Our gynecology care is inclusive of women, nonbinary people, queer families, and anyone who needs GYN support in a space that feels safe and judgment-free.

We see people across Maryland and DC, including Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Rockville, Hyattsville, College Park, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Washington DC, and the metro area region. We speak English and Spanish. All identities and all bodies welcome.

Or reach out with questions.

What teen primary/GYN care includes

  • Screening and treatment for common ailments and health concerns
  • Annual physicals (including health forms for sports and camp)
  • First GYN visits
  • Menstrual cycle support including period pain assessment and/or Irregular cycles
  • Contraception including methods counseling, prescriptions, IUDs and LARCs
  • Conversations about consent, safety, and healthy relationships
  • Body literacy and cycle education
  • Support for gender-diverse and questioning teens
  • Screening for ADHD, depression & anxiety
  • Referrals when something needs a specialist’s eye

Most visits focus on talking, not exams. Pelvic exams are rarely needed for teens, and we only do them when clearly appropriate and with full consent.

If the teen wants a parent or caregiver in the room, great. If they want a few minutes alone, that’s fine too. Maryland and DC laws recognize teens as emancipated minors when it comes to reproductive care, so it is up to them.

Why teens feel comfortable with midwives

Midwives are used to talking about sensitive topics without making things weird. We explain things clearly, skip the medical jargon, and respect each teen’s comfort level. We don’t talk down to them. We don’t make assumptions. And we always ask for consent before anything happens.

Parents like it because we keep them in the loop (as much as the teen allows), while still giving teens room to build independence and confidence.

We welcome all teens, including:

  • Teens with anxiety about medical visits
  • Teens with primary care complaints (sore throat, cough, etc)
  • Teens who need health forms filled out
  • Neurodivergent teens
  • LGBTQ+ teens
  • Teens new to periods
  • Teens with painful or heavy cycles
  • Teens who want birth control
  • Teens who need a safe adult to ask real questions

Your teen’s identities and experiences matter, and we honor them.

Or reach out with questions.

Why choose midwives for teen GYN care:

Midwives bring a steady, grounded energy that helps teens relax. We’re trained in communication, consent, and trauma-informed care. We focus on whole-person health, not just symptoms. Teens get the space to ask real questions without feeling embarrassed.

You get a provider who takes your child seriously, respects your family, and never forgets that this is a big developmental moment.

The first visit usually looks like this:

  • We explain what a GYN visit even is.
  • We talk about health history, periods, any symptoms, and any concerns.
  • We check in about comfort, boundaries, and what the teen wants from the appointment.
  • We make a plan together for symptoms, cycle tracking, birth control options, or whatever they came in for.

Support for parents

Raising teens can feel like herding cats while managing a circus. We’re here to help without judgment. If your teen was born with our practice, you already know our style. You can trust that we’ll keep the same warmth, clarity, and respect.

You don’t have to know everything. That’s why we’re here.

We help parents:

  • Understand what’s normal
  • Navigate period changes
  • Support teens with mood shifts
  • Talk through decisions about birth control
  • Have the tough conversations
  • Figure out when to watch and wait and when to get help

Frequently Asked Questions

What age should a teen start seeing a GYN provider?

There’s no strict age. We care for people from the first period, and ever after. Many teens start with us when they have questions they don’t want to discuss with their pediatric provider, or when they just need a form filled out so they can join a sports team at school or camp.

Will my teen need a pelvic exam?
Can parents stay in the room?
What topics can my teen talk about with you?
Do you offer birth control for teens?
What if my teen is nervous?
My teen was born with your practice years ago. Can they come back now

Ready to schedule?

If your teen is ready for their first primary care or GYN visit, or something has come up and they need support, we’re here.
Book a visit.
Ask your questions.
We’re here for your teen, and we’re here for you.