Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a complex and often debilitating condition that affects a significant portion of the female population. It is commonly defined as pain perceived to originate from the pelvic region that has been present for longer than six months. This differs from acute pelvic pain, which usually has a clearly identifiable cause…
An imperforate hymen is a vaginal abnormality that may be discovered at birth or later during puberty. It is the most common type of vaginal blockage that eventually requires a corrective surgical procedure, which is usually deferred until puberty. Newborn patients When an imperforate hymen is found in a neonate, it is important to assess…
When it’s time to start talking about sexual behaviors and birth control with adolescent and teenage patients, keep in mind the services available at Norton Children’s Gynecology, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. Providers at the practice see adolescents, teens and young adults up to age 21. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics,…
The transition from pediatric gynecology care to an adult OB/GYN provider comes with several considerations. “The best time for a patient to transition from pediatric to adult care can depend on their individual needs and circumstances,” said Rosemary C. Sousa, M.D., OB/GYN with Norton Women’s Care. What is the best age to transition from pediatric…
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise nationwide, with notable increases among younger patients. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 53% of reported cases of STIs in 2020 were among adolescents and young adults between ages 15 to 24. Among Norton Healthcare’s patient population, a 20% increase in STIs was…
Primary dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, is defined as occurring just before or during menstruation in the absence of other diseases. Usual onset of primary dysmenorrhea is most likely to present later in the menstrual years with the onset of ovulatory cycles. Individuals begin to experience crampy, lower abdominal pain each period. Cramping often starts one…
Yuan Yuan “Jackie” Gong, M.D., has joined Norton Children’s Gynecology, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, and is practicing on the Norton Brownsboro Hospital campus, in St. Matthews and at the Novak Center for Children’s Health in downtown Louisville. Dr. Gong completed her pediatric and adolescent gynecology fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine and…
One of the most common reasons adolescents have heavy menstrual bleeding is they’re having anovulatory periods — they aren’t releasing an egg monthly from an ovary, so when they do bleed it’s because the uterus lining has outgrown the blood supply. “This is the reason why you have cycles that are every 21 to 45…
As children assigned female at birth approach or start menstruating around age 12, parents often start asking their pediatricians about the first gynecology visit, Pap smear and why someone who is not sexually active needs to see a gynecologist. A teen’s first gynecological exam between the ages of 13 and 15 helps them understand that…
When a child needs to see a gynecologist for the first time, it can create some understandable anxiety. Caring pediatric and adolescent gynecology providers who understand the unique care needed by kids, teens and young women can make the process easier on the patient, parent and referring physician. With a team of six that includes…
Primary dysmenorrhea — menstrual pain without a pelvic pathology — is one of the most common gynecological complaints among adolescent patients. Primary dysmenorrhea typically does not occur until ovulatory cycles are established, which occurs months to several years after menarche. Endometriosis is a common cause of secondary dysmenorrhea — defined as resulting from pelvic pathology…
Young women should have their first pediatric gynecologic visit between the ages of 13 and 15, but some conditions may prompt the need for an earlier referral. A pediatric gynecology referral may be warranted for patients with symptoms such as unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge; painful or irregular periods; congenital anomalies or ovarian masses; or…