Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic

Our Gynecologist Dr Purnima Sweetman (FRCOG) who is trained in the UK and is a member of the British society of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology has clinics from Tuesday to Saturday, to offer consultation, diagnostic tests and treatment. She will be happy to do video consultation with parents for younger girls under 14 years and advice for face-to-face appointments as needed.

The common conditions which are treated in this clinic are as below

1.Labial Fusion: In the very younger age group of 1-5 years, the lips of labia can be stuck together due to lack of estrogen hormone.

2. Vulvovaginitis: Redness of the vulva due to various reasons.

3. Labial cysts: Simple benign fluid filled swellings, can be removed if growing larger and causing discomfort.

4. Vulval and Perineal Injuries: Accidental injuries from falls or cycling will be seen in ER at Hospital and followed up in clinic later.

5. Lichen Sclerosis: This condition presents with symptoms of vulval itching, perianal itching and the skin around these area’ changes color to whitish looking skin.

6.Imperforate Hymen: When the outlet of vagina has a thick membrane which prevents the outflow of menstrual blood. Girls usually have developed puberty and get cyclical lower tummy pains but no periods. This condition can be resolved by a small operation to release the blood to
prevent damage to the lining of the Uterus and Fallopian tubes.

7.Foriegn body: Sometimes younger children accidentally put small objects in the vagina during playing, causing vaginal discharge or discomfort.

8.Conditions related to menstrual cycles:
a) Periods started too early (Precocious Puberty) before age 8, needs urgent consultation
b) Hair growth in armpits and pubic area before age 8 (Premature Adrenarche)
c) Periods not started until age 15-16 years (Delayed Menarche) with development of breast and hair growth in Pubic area. Bring early if periods not started by age 14-15 and no growth of breast or hair in pubic area.
d) Periods stopped for 3-6 months after menarche (Secondary Amenorrhea)

Different causes can be checked – PCOS, Prolactinoma (swelling on the Pituitary gland) eating disorders, autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndromes.

e) Heavy menstrual cycles (Menorrhagia) Periods lasting for 7 days, coming too soon (twice a month or before 21 days (about 3 weeks), passing blood clots, flooding, feeling faint and tired, causing Anemia, needs treatment.
f) Painful periods (Dysmenorrhea) Could be primary or secondary, affecting day to day quality of life, education, social life.

Different treatments with non-hormonal and hormonal methods are available.

9.Lower abdominal pains: Not related to periods. Different causes can be checked, for example Ovarian cysts, endometriosis, urinary tract infections, pelvic infections.