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 gynecologists and nurse practitioners, Norton Children’s Gynecology, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, is able to provide same-day care for urgent conditions. Our providers work with primary care providers and others as a team to ensure comprehensive care.

Whether it’s for a routine, first-time visit, or for evaluation of a potentially serious condition, our experienced pediatric providers are prepared with age-appropriate exams, equipment and treatment.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a preventive gynecologic health visit between ages 13 and 15. The visit typically does not entail a pelvic exam, unless there are strong reasons to indicate one is necessary.

The goal of the visit is for health promotion, education and screening. It is an opportunity for teens to establish a relationship with a gynecologist, evaluate their current health (patterns and regularity of periods, cramping, etc.), and receive information and resources for staying healthy and developing healthy habits.

Depending on the patient and the level of care by other providers, the initial visit may cover an age-appropriate discussion of reproductive health, including pubertal development; menstruation; sexually transmitted infections; sexual orientation and gender identity; and acquaintance rape prevention.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Norton Children’s has established measures across its facilities to make visits safer, and Norton Telehealth allows remote visits when appropriate.