Pediatric gynecology
Pediatric and adolescent gynecology is a subspecialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology that studies and is responsible for the gynecological health of girls - from birth to the age of 18. It covers all stages of a child's development: newborn period, prepubertal (childhood) phase, and puberty. Each of these stages has its own physiological characteristics and may be accompanied by certain specific pathological conditions and disorders.
Newborn Period
The newborn period begins at birth and continues until the 28th day afterward.
It is characterized by certain specific features resulting from the drop in maternal sex hormones in the girl's bloodstream.
The external genitalia are usually swollen and well-supplied with blood, and the vaginal pH is acidic.
In some newborns, swelling of the mammary glands may also be observed.
By the end of this period, the described changes disappear, and the vaginal pH gradually becomes neutral.
The most common gynecological disorders encountered in the neonatal period, addressed by the pediatric and adolescent gynecology, include: the occurrence of hormonal crises, labial synechiae (adhesions of labia minoria), diaper rash, and others.
Prepubertal (Childhood) Period
The prepubertal period in girls begins about three weeks after delivery and ends up with the onset of puberty when the development of the secondary sexual characteristics begins.
During this period, the mucous membranes of the external genitalia become thinner, the labia majora flatten, and the uterus and ovaries remain very small in size.
The vaginal pH ranges from alkaline to neutral.
The most common gynecological conditions during the prepubertal period include inflammation of the vulva and vagina (vulvovaginitis), labial synechiae (adhesions of labia minoria), the presence of foreign bodies in the vagina, and others.
Puberty
The pubertal period begins with the development of secondary sexual characteristics. During this time, there is a gradual enlargement of the mammary glands, and hair growth appears in the armpits, pubic area, and on the labia majora. The most common gynecological conditions during puberty include menstrual disorders (irregular, heavy, frequent, or painful periods), the appearance of ovarian cystic formations, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and others.
What Happens During a Pediatric Gynecological Examination?
It is recommended that the child be prepared in advance before visiting a pediatric gynecologist. The parent should explain the need for the examination and inform the girl that the doctor will examine her breasts and genital area. An abdominal ultrasound of the pelvic organs may also be required. For this purpose, the child's bladder should be full, which requires drinking a significant amount of water about one hour before the examination.
IMPORTANT: According to the legislation of the Republic of Bulgaria, any pediatric gynecological examination of a girl under the age of 18 must be conducted only and exclusively in the presence of one of the parents, verified with an identity document.
For more information about the options for an examination with a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist, you can contact your doctor or call MC MARKOVS.
