Paediatric & Adolescent Gynaecology

Why is Young Women’s Health Important?

Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology is a subspecialty of gynaecology that focuses on the unique healthcare needs of children and adolescents, including those related to their reproductive and sexual development.

It is important to address gynaecological concerns specific to paediatric and adolescent populations as they have unique physiological and psychological considerations compared to adults. The reproductive and sexual health of children and adolescents is critical to their overall well-being, and prompt diagnosis and treatment of gynaecological conditions can prevent long-term health problems.

Gynaecological Check-ups 

For paediatric and adolescent patients, the frequency of check-ups will depend on the individual's specific needs. For example, a sexually active adolescent will need more frequent check-ups than a child who has not yet reached puberty.

A gynaecological check may consist of 

• updating your medical history, 
• performing required tests, 
• following up with problems identified in previous check-ups, and 
• tips or guidance from Dr Crawford to improve your health further.

Common Conditions

There are several common conditions seen in paediatric and adolescent gynaecology. Some of the most prevalent include:

• Menstrual irregularities: Young women may experience irregular periods as their bodies adjust to the hormonal changes of puberty. This can include skipped periods, heavy bleeding, or irregular cycles.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This hormonal disorder can cause irregular periods, acne, and excessive hair growth. It is also associated with an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
• Ovarian cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries. Most ovarian cysts are benign and will resolve independently, but some may require surgery.
• Vaginal and Vulvar infections: include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and trichomoniasis.
• Puberty problems: Delayed puberty is defined as the absence of onset of secondary sexual characteristics beyond the age of 13 for girls and 14 for boys. Precocious puberty and when periods or other pubertal development starts at a relatively young age. 
• Vaginal bleeding: Vaginal bleeding outside the expected menstrual cycle and before puberty should be evaluated.

These are not all the conditions seen in paediatric and adolescent gynaecology, and Dr Crawford can help in the proper evaluation and management of many other cases.