Providing care for adolescents presents unique challenges to the OB/GYN practitioner. Although adolescence is typically a time of optimal health, questions about routine care and specific concerns may arise — often relating to puberty and sexual health. Learn more about what this age group's advanced gynecology challenges are and how you can support your adolescent patients.
- How can OB/GYNs coordinate adolescent patient care with pediatricians? Providing quality OB/GYN care to adolescents includes coordinating with their primary care physician, usually a pediatrician. Adolescents carry unique risk factors; for instance, they have a higher likelihood of risky behaviors that may jeopardize their future well-being, including their reproductive health. Doctors can help by using health information technology to share information — and ensuring that each patient has a primary care provider in the first place.
- How can gynecologists improve patient comfort during an adolescent's first visit? The first appointment with a gynecologist is a milestone, but it can also be a source of anxiety. Maximizing patient comfort during this initial visit can make all the difference.
- How do hormones change during periods? Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can result from changes in hormones during periods. During adolescence, young people may experience more intense PMS symptoms. Help your patients learn the difference between normal PMS symptoms and more severe symptoms that may require treatment.
- Can ultrasound help diagnose idiopathic central precocious puberty? Ideopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) is usually diagnosed in children who present with menarche or breast tissue before a certain age. Ultrasound has emerged as an alternative method to help diagnose ICPP, which is otherwise diagnosed via GnRH stimulation test.
- How can gynecologists talk to young patients about STIs that may cause infertility? Some patients may be unaware that STIs can have a lifelong impact on their health. In fact, many cases of tubal factor infertility are caused by pelvic inflammatory disease stemming from untreated STIs such as chlamydia, a common health concern among young adults.
- Should sex education for teens include fertility education? Sex education typically focuses on contraception, not conception. However, a new movement aims to bring information about fertility to the curriculum. At a time when the average age of first-time parents is increasing worldwide, advocates call for discussing the potential impact of lifestyle choices on fertility.
- How can gynecologists provide trauma-informed care to young patients? It's important to build healthy relationships with adolescent patients who have experienced sexual trauma. But what are the principles of trauma-informed care, and how can gynecologists account for a patient's history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? Learn more about how to work with patients who have experienced trauma.
Caring for adolescent patients takes continual learning. Refreshing your skills is an investment in your ability to provide them with the tailored, comfortable and respectful care they deserve.
