Adolescent Gynecology

What is adolescent gynecology?

Adolescent gynecology aims to meet the needs of developing patients. The Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology specialists can make sure that your child’s female reproductive system, whether they are a pre-teen, teen, or a young woman, stays as healthy as possible.

They treat a wide range of adolescent gynecological problems, including:

• Delayed or early puberty
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Periods that are infrequent, absent, or heavy
• Painful periods

You can also talk to your provider if your child has breast abnormalities, pelvic pain, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

When should I schedule an adolescent gynecology appointment for my child?

Meeting with a gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 15 gives your child a chance to ask questions, become familiar with their provider, and make them more comfortable taking charge of their female healthcare in the future. This also safeguards them against misinformation, embarrassment, or anxiety.

Pediatricians are an important part of your child’s medical support system, but it’s wise to see an adolescent gynecologist for:

• Birth control counseling
• Vaccinations, such as for human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Congenital malformations of the genitals
• Foreign objects trapped in the vagina

If your child has medical conditions impacting their reproductive system, your physician can make management as stress-free as possible.

What can my child and I expect from an adolescent gynecology appointment?

If there are no immediate concerns, their first appointment focuses on education. Your provider discusses expectations for puberty and menstrual cycles and offers age-appropriate hygiene and sex counseling.

They can also explain why breast self-examinations are vital and how to conduct them, starting at age 20.

In other cases, you might be visiting Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology to seek help for an underlying issue. Depending on the severity of your child’s symptoms, your provider may:

• Order additional testing like an ultrasound
• Prescribe medications or hormonal therapy
• Perform procedures to investigate the problem

If you’ve been worried about potential problems, the skilled providers at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology want to put their years of experience at your disposal to get the answers you need.

How can I prepare my child for a better adolescent gynecology experience?

Knowing what to anticipate is helpful. You can discuss visual and physical examinations, including pelvic exams, and emphasize that these are normal and not scary.

If your child menstruates, try to schedule the appointment during the middle of their cycle. Encourage them to think of questions they would like answered and offer privacy.

To set your child up for optimal health for years to come, schedule an adolescent gynecology appointment by calling the nearest office or booking online today.