Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology

[[author photo]]Approximately one in eight young girls will present with gynecologic problems prior to the age of 18. Pediatric and adolescent gynecology is an emerging specialty, yet only a few centers specialize in the care of the younger female. Pediatricians, obstetrician-gynecologists, family practitioners, and nurses need simplified approaches to the recognition and treatment of gynecologic disorders in these specific age groups.

This issue of Seminars in Reproductive Medicine features contributions from a distinguished panel of contributors in the field of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology.

Dr. Wilson and Jane Kass-Wolff, R.N., M.S., review basic issues of hormonal and physiologic changes of young girls. Techniques for the successful examination of the pediatric patient are discussed. Common gynecologic issues including recognition and treatment of labial adhesions, vulvovaginal complaints, human papilloma virus, and trauma to the genital tract are detailed.

Two articles are devoted to pubertal problems. Drs. Kakarla and Bradshaw's article updates clinicians on the normal physiology of puberty and the diagnosis and treatment of precocious puberty. Delayed puberty and amenorrhea are the topics in the article by Drs. Hoffman and Bradshaw.

Bleeding abnormalities and menstrual cycle disturbances are common in the adolescent and the diagnosis and treatment of these problems are covered in the article by Dr. Minjarez. Congenital genital tract anomalies are difficult to diagnose and the surgical correction must be done with the utmost of surgical expertise. Dr. Gell's article outlines tools to correctly diagnose and to plan the successful surgical correction of these anomalies.

The reproductive tract of the adolescent girl is particularly susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases and their sequel. Dr. Sulak discusses these issues and techniques of dealing with the emerging sexuality of this age group. New management choices and strategies are discussed. Special contraceptive needs of the medically ill, sexually active adolescent are addressed in the article by Dr. Heroux.

It is my hope that clinicians reading this volume will appreciate the wealth of clinical expertise that is included in this seminar. Our goal is to stimulate readers to develop a working knowledge of the gynecologic care of the child and adolescent.