19 - Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology

Abstract

Primary care providers frequently encounter children and adolescents with gynecologic concerns, such as prepubertal vulvovaginitis, vaginal discharge, and menstrual disorders, as well as other less common diagnoses. As primary care providers increase their understanding of pediatric and adolescent gynecology, the first gynecologic evaluation may not require a visit to a gynecologist. Accordingly, this chapter describes normal anatomy, techniques of examination, and the conditions most commonly encountered in primary care. Complementary information can be found in Chapter 6 (including detailed illustrations and definitions of genital anatomy and additional photos of normal and abnormal genital anatomy) and in Chapter 9 (illustrating Tanner staging and discussing normal, delayed, and precocious pubertal development).