Pediatric and adolescent gynecology

Most people associate us gynecologists with adult women who visit us for a Pap test, pregnancy exams, or childbirth. However, our patients can also be teenagers, children, or even infants, as gynecology aims to care for the health of women of all ages.

Pediatric and adolescent gynecology, specifically, deals with the treatment of conditions that affect children and adolescents. These conditions may be hereditary, present from birth, or develop later and be related to puberty.

What are the reasons for visiting a gynecologist before adulthood?

The reasons we recommend you visit us are many. More often, they are related to educating and advising adolescents, as well as familiarizing them with us to build a trusting relationship. Less frequently, there may be a problem, injury, or infection, or there may be some hereditary gynecological condition that requires preventive examinations.

More specifically, the reasons for adolescent visits to a gynecologist before adulthood are related to 5 key issues:

The menstrual cycle

To know if their period is normal
To learn ways to relieve menstrual pain
To investigate if there are menstrual disorders
To learn ways to cope with premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Sexuality and relationships

To learn how to have healthy relationships
To understand how their reproductive system works
To be informed about safe sex practices
To understand the concept of consent
To be informed about gender identity

Pregnancy

To know about contraception options
To learn what can happen if they become pregnant
To discuss the appropriate way and time to start a family

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

To get vaccinated against HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
To get tested for STDs if they are sexually active
To be informed about ways to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV (AIDS)

Their overall health

To receive advice on healthier habits and how to feel good about themselves
To be informed about ways to keep their bones healthy
To learn to recognize urinary tract infections (UTIs) and their treatment methods

Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology: Diagnosis and Treatment of Conditions

Conditions that may arise in childhood or adolescence are usually pre-existing from birth or related to the period. Specifically, we can diagnose and propose treatment for children or adolescents facing:

Early or delayed onset of puberty
Gynecological conditions such as polycystic ovaries and endometriosis
Breast development issues
HPV or other infections
Genital injuries
Genetic abnormalities in the development of reproductive organs
Emotional and psychological repercussions
Acne and excessive hair growth
Nutritional disorders

When to Schedule the First Gynecologist Appointment for Your Child?

If your child is not facing any condition or period-related issue, we recommend scheduling the first gynecologist appointment between the ages of 13 and 15, regardless of whether they have started menstruating or are sexually active. If this has not happened before the onset of the period, then schedule an appointment as soon as it starts.

How We Will Help You and Your Child?

The first gynecologist appointment can naturally cause anxiety, especially in children or adolescents. If you visit us with your daughter, this first appointment will have a purely advisory and informative character, aiming at our acquaintance, familiarizing the child with the clinic's environment, and building a relationship of trust and communication.

Depending on the reason for the visit, the child's or adolescent's age, and their personal preference, you can either stay in the clinic or wait in the waiting area. If the appointment is not for diagnosing a condition, of course, no gynecological examination is performed. We will certainly take her history, along with her family history, inform her about the possibilities and normal functions of her body, and answer all her questions and concerns. If a problem needs to be investigated, we will start with simpler and non-invasive examinations such as the gynecological examination and ultrasound.

Sources:
https://www.advancedgynecology.com/2022/the-importance-of-pediatric-teen-gynecology/

https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/should-my-teen-see-an-ob-gyn-heres-what-i-tell-parents

https://www.acog.org/womens-health/infographics/21-reasons-to-see-a-gynecologist-before-you-turn-21