Dr. Wu begins the exam with some basic check up stuff. She asks about my periods, sexual activity and birth control. Then I have a chance to ask her about stuff that's on my mind: I tell her about my period cramps (are they normal?), birth control concerns (should I stay on the patch?), and about my new boyfriend (where can he get free STD tests?).

Some people only feel comfortable with a female doctor, and others don't mind a guy. You have the right to choose what kind of gynecologist you feel OK with, and you also have the right to have a nurse in the room with you during your exam if it makes you feel better. If a nurse doesn't stay, don't be embarrassed to ask for one.

Q: Can my mom come into the exam with me?

A: Sure! I usually like to talk to teenagers alone at some point so they can feel free to be frank with me, but oftentimes they will want their mother with them for the exam part to have a hand holder. But my nurse can do that too, she's a good hand holder!