Pediatric, Adolescent & Young Adult Care Services

WashU Ob/Gyn > Patient Information > Pediatric, Adolescent & Young Adult Gynecology > Care Services

We work in close coordination with referring physicians and other pediatric specialty groups at St. Louis Children’s Hospital to not only provide optimal care, but also improve patient and family experience.

Expert evaluations and treatment for children and adolescents

We provide young patients a full spectrum of clinical and support services in a comprehensive program for evaluation, specialized treatment and follow-up care.

• Menstrual periods that are heavy, frequent/infrequent, painful or irregular
• Signs of early or delayed sexual maturation
• Breast abnormalities, asymmetry or pain
• Chronic genital rashes or itching
• Vaginal discharge, drainage or odor
• Concerns regarding genital appearance or development
• Abdominal pain
• Ovarian cysts or pelvic masses
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• Hyperinsulinemia
• Hirsutism
• Pelvic pain and endometriosis
• Birth defects involving the reproductive organs
• Abnormal pap smears
• Sexually transmitted infections

Specialized procedures for complex gynecologic issues

Our physicians use special instruments and equipment for examining young children and teens in a reassuring and non-threatening environment, with no discomfort to the patient. We also have special equipment that allows comfortable examination for patients with physical disabilities.

Additional specialized procedures we offer include:

• Consultations and possible reconstructive surgery for congenital changes including absence of the uterus or vagina (MRKH) and differences of sexual development (DSD), as well as traumatic injuries involving reproductive organs
• Laparoscopy for evaluation of abdominal masses and pelvic pain & endometriosis
• Laser surgery and vaginoscopy for removal of foreign objects and assessment of bleeding and injuries
• Colposcopy for evaluation of abnormal bleeding and abnormal pap smears for young patients

Counseling & additional services

Adolescents in particular can benefit from pediatric gynecology’s wellness and prevention programs. We cover topics that are especially important to teens:

• Counseling on abstinence, contraception and pregnancy prevention
• Sexual health counseling and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention
• Menstrual management & suppression for patients with developmental/physical difficulties
• Fertility risk counseling and preservation for children and adolescents with malignancy or undergoing bone marrow transplant: before, during and after treatment
• Gynecologic late effects of chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant