Adolescent Gynecology Specialist

What is adolescent gynecology?

Adolescent gynecology refers to the specialty area of gynecology that treats teen and preteen girls. Seeing a gynecologist while your child is young and before she becomes sexually active is one of the best ways to ensure she understands the risks associated with sexual activity and enjoys optimal health and wellness.

What happens during the exam?

First, you and your child will provide a medical history and your child's height and weight will be measured and recorded. Her blood pressure will be taken and she may be asked to provide a urine sample for evaluation. You may be asked to leave the room for a short period of time so your daughter has a chance to speak privately about any concerns she may have. If an exam is performed, it will focus primarily on the abdomen and exterior genital area, and you may be in the room if your daughter chooses. Once the exam is complete, any treatment recommendations will be made and you'll have a chance to discuss any questions or concerns you or your child may have.

What is the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine protects against the certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), including strains that cause cancer and genital warts. HPV is a large family of viruses – more than 100 in all. Most sexually active people contract the virus at some point in their lives, and in most cases, it is cleared by the body's immune system. But sometimes, the virus isn't cleared, but remains in the body where it can cause warts or increase your risk for cervical cancer as well as cancer or the vagina, vulva, penis and anus. Being vaccinated early is an important part of avoiding these risks.