Youth Gynecology

Youth gynecology is an area of medical practice that focuses on addressing the needs of adolescents. Young women and girls have specific women’s health needs and benefit from working with a practitioner like board-certified gynecologist Karine Hajyan, DO, FACOG, of Lamorinda Women’s Health in Lafayette, California. These visits can be booked online or over the phone during business hours.

Why is youth gynecology so important?

While uncommon, some female children develop problems with their external or internal reproductive organs, rashes, or other issues even before puberty. Treating these conditions involves working in partnership with parents or caregivers. 

More commonly, youth gynecology focuses on addressing the needs of teens as they transition into adulthood. It’s an opportunity for girls to learn more about how their bodies are changing and how to take control of their own health needs. 

Early visits give teens the chance to build a trusting relationship with their gynecologist before standard gynecological services, which can set a young person up for a lifetime of positive health interactions.  

What kinds of services are available through youth gynecology?

During the initial visits, many girls won’t need a pelvic exam, Pap smear, or other standard gynecologic services. These early visits are a time for girls to ask questions about their experience of puberty and to receive guidance on a wide range of topics. 

Some issues that girls can discuss with Dr. Hajyan include:

• What is and is not “normal” during periods
• Birth control
• Sexually transmitted disease prevention
• Issues of consent in sexual relationships
• Sexual health
• How to perform breast self-exams
• Overall health and wellness

Every young person has a different set of questions and needs, depending on where she is in her developmental journey. These early visits focus on meeting girls where they are and building trust. 

How can I prepare my daughter for her first visit to youth gynecology?

Unless a teen is experiencing gynecologic symptoms or is sexually active, a pelvic exam is not part of early visits. Teens should be reassured that these visits are comfortable, safe, and essential in becoming an adult. 

Parents can prepare their teens by discussing what happens during their own OBGYN visits. If there is no female parent available, it might be helpful to ask a trusted female friend or family member to broach the subject and answer any questions. 

Far from the approach taken in generations past, gynecology care is becoming more normalized. These visits are nothing to be embarrassed or shy about; they’re simply another part of taking care of one’s health. 

When the time comes to book youth gynecology visits, the administrative professionals at Lamorinda Women’s Health are available by phone. Visits can also be set up online at any time of day.