At NewYork-Presbyterian, we understand that gynecological care for women in all phases of life requires particular sensitivity and expertise. This is especially true when treating children and adolescents.
The gynecological issues children and teens experience can be physically and emotionally complex. However, your child’s first visit to the gynecologist can be a positive and informative experience. Our team provides compassionate pediatric and adolescent gynecology services that ensure our young patients are comfortable and empowered to ask questions throughout the experience.
Expert Care for Children & Teens
Expert Care for Children & TeensThe gynecology team at NewYork-Presbyterian is comprised of expert physicians with specialized training in pediatric and adolescent gynecology. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that adolescents visit a gynecologist for an initial visit between the ages of 13 and 15. Children can see a pediatric gynecologist as young as 11 if they have concerns about puberty, painful menstruation, sexual health, or contraception needs.
Conditions We Treat
Conditions We TreatDuring a child or teen’s gynecology appointment, their doctor can discuss any questions or concerns they may have regarding their reproductive health.
Children can experience dysfunction affecting their sexual maturity. Parents may be concerned about their thyroid or hormones. The gynecology services offered, and clinical conditions that may be addressed, include:
- Irregular menstrual bleeding
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Early or late puberty
- Anatomic abnormalities
- Breast concerns
- Ovarian cysts
- Genital rashes, itching, and vaginal discharge (vaginitis)
- Contraception and family planning
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Transgender care
Treatments We Offer
Treatments We OfferMedical treatment
Gynecologic problems in children and adolescents can be hormonal, structural, or functional. When appropriate, we utilize a range of medical (nonsurgical) therapies that effectively treat many gynecologic disorders.
Surgical treatment
Some conditions – such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and congenital disabilities of the reproductive tract – may require surgery. We use minimally invasive surgical approaches whenever possible, resulting in smaller incisions, less discomfort after surgery, and a quicker return to school, sports, and other normal activities.
Confidentiality in Adolescent Gynecology
ConfidentialityFor many patients, confidentiality is an important part of gynecological care. Under most circumstances, unless the safety of a patient is at risk, communication between a teen and their physician is confidential. This is vital to ensuring a trusting patient-physician relationship.
Children and teens may have secrets or concerns they will only disclose to a trusted physician. Confidentiality in adolescent healthcare is best balanced with an open line of communication between teens and their parents regarding health decisions and concerns. Learning about your child’s interests and thoughts is a positive way to expand your communication. This can create a feeling of trust.
Our Approach to Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology
Our Approach to CareHolistic and comprehensive care
We take a holistic approach to care that considers the entire patient – including physical, emotional, and social factors. We strive to partner with patients and families in shared decision-making, empowering them with knowledge, support, and the most effective treatment options to achieve the best possible outcome for every child.
A multidisciplinary team approach
Collaboration with other pediatric experts is vital when caring for young patients, from children to teenagers. When necessary, we consult with pediatric specialists including in surgery, urology, genetics, endocrinology, hematology/oncology, gastroenterology, dermatology, rheumatology, psychiatry, general pediatrics, and adolescent medicine.
In addition, your child’s or teen’s healthcare team has access to all the other pediatric subspecialists who practice at NewYork-Presbyterian.
Empowering you with information, support, and guidance
We work to ensure that you and your child always feel supported and empowered with the most current information on all treatment options, both surgical and nonsurgical. We’re here to provide guidance and support that will enable you to make the best decisions for your child’s health and well-being.
A focus on fertility
We understand how important fertility is for many patients. We maintain a special commitment to considering fertility preservation in children and young adults whose treatment may impact their fertility.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose UsNationally ranked children's hospitals
Both NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children's Hospital are leading centers for the diagnosis and treatment of childhood diseases. They are both major referral centers for complex and rare disorders in infants, children, and adolescents.
Advanced gynecologic surgery care
NewYork-Presbyterian is home to an expert team of gynecologic surgeons. We are skilled in performing minimally invasive procedures that provide the best surgical outcome and the quickest recovery times.
Access to world-class pediatric specialists
NewYork-Presbyterian has some of the nation's leading pediatric specialists. Your child's healthcare team has access to all pediatric medical and surgical subspecialists who practice at NewYork-Presbyterian, ensuring that all of your child's medical needs can be addressed.
This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.
Gynecological Care for Children & Teens at NewYork-Presbyterian
The multidisciplinary gynecology team at NewYork-Presbyterian is trained to offer children and adolescent patients a broad range of services. Younger children sometimes have complex medical conditions related to their sexual development or growth problems that require the expertise of pediatric and adolescent gynecologists. Whether you’re looking for the perfect place for a first gynecology appointment, or hoping to address a specific gynecologic concern, NewYork-Presbyterian’s ob-gyn specialists can help.