Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology
Definition
Pediatric & adolescent gynecology is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of gynecological issues in children and adolescents. This includes addressing concerns related to menstruation, reproductive health, congenital anomalies, and other gynecological conditions that may arise during this stage of life.
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Gynecologic Specialties
Providing patient-centered, compassionate gynecologic care is our priority. Our diverse team of gynecologists offers consultative and treatment services for a comprehensive range of gynecologic conditions. Our clinical expertise in prevention, screening, and diagnosis of gynecologic cancers, prevention and treatment of gynecologic infections, fibroid management, management of endometriosis and pelvic pain, contraceptive services, and gynecologic care for patients with HIV are just a few examples of areas in which we are proud to be making a difference in our community. We offer state-of-the-art approaches to individualize the care of women with complex gynecologic conditions, including those that are precancerous, require minimally invasive surgery, or other advanced medical or surgical treatments. We care for patients of all ages across the entire community, including those who are underserved. We offer expertise in treating a variety of conditions including: Abnormal pap smears Abnormal uterine bleeding Chronic pelvic pain Complex surgical histories Endometriosis Fibroids Menopausal symptoms Ovarian cysts Pelvic infections Precancerous changes in the vulva, vagina, cervix (dysplasia), or uterus (hyperplasia) Sexual dysfunction Additionally, we provide the following specialty services: Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS) . We offer an array of advanced laparoscopic, robotic, vaginal, and hysteroscopic surgical techniques to manage benign and precancerous gynecologic conditions. Office-based procedures. We offer several in-office procedures including colposcopy and LEEP, contraceptive implant and IUD insertion and removal, diagnostic hysteroscopy, endometrial and vulval biopsies, and trigger point injections in a safe, comfortable, and convenient setting. Transgender care. We offer surgical consultation for women transitioning to men. Pre-invasive gynecology care. We provide multidisciplinary evaluation and management of abnormal pap tests and precancerous conditions of the uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva using the most up-to-date practice guidelines, in collaboration with gynecologic pathologists. Chronic Pelvic Pain. We provide a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to pelvic pain. We work with a multidisciplinary team (colorectal, urology, interventional radiology, social work, physical therapy, and vascular surgery) to address pelvic pain, which often has multiple causes. We are committed to working closely with local practices, community-based health centers, and colleagues in other medical specialties to ensure coordination of timely and appropriate gynecologic care for our patients. Our multidisciplinary approach includes partnership with primary care, other surgical specialties, pathology, radiology, social work and care coordination. We are committed to serving the community and providing access to care. Our collaborative care model includes working with the Connecticut Veterans Administration Health Care System, CornEndometriosis Program
Endometriosis, a common gynecological disease, affects one in 10 women in the U.S., and is diagnosed in up to half of women who experience infertility . Due to its nonspecific symptoms, endometriosis often goes undetected for years. Many individuals attribute their chronic pelvic pain to menstrual cramps rather than recognizing it as a symptom of endometriosis. Additionally, some may remain unaware of their condition due to silent symptoms. It can take up to a decade for some patients to receive a proper diagnosis. Normally, the uterine lining (endometrium) grows along the interior walls of the uterus, providing a cushioned and receptive environment for embryo implantation during pregnancy. However, in endometriosis, the endometrium grows outside the uterus, commonly on the exterior of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, intestines, or other pelvic structures. This displacement frequently leads to chronic pelvic pain and may cause secondary symptoms, such as irritability, difficulty sleeping , anxiety , depression , or low self-esteem. Over time, endometriosis induces inflammation, bleeding, and scar tissue formation within the pelvic cavity, regardless of whether the patient experiences pelvic pain. The presence of scar tissue can hinder fertility. Early diagnosis of endometriosis, before the formation of scar tissue, can help preserve fertility. A delayed diagnosis may pose challenges for conception, even with assisted reproductive procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF) . To confirm endometriosis, clinicians biopsy a small sample of uterine tissue and examine it under a microscope for signs of the condition. For patients diagnosed with endometriosis, the news may bring emotional relief after years of pelvic pain without a clear cause. Our providers offer treatments to alleviate chronic pain and related physical and emotional symptoms, and assess whether endometriosis has contributed to infertility. Treatment options for endometriosis include medications and/or surgical procedures, such as excision surgery, to relieve pain, remove scar tissue, and improve organ function. These treatments may also prevent a recurrence. In cases of endometriosis-related infertility, clinicians may recommend IVF or other assisted reproductive therapies to enhance pregnancy chances. Many patients with endometriosis benefit from therapy alongside medical treatments. Additionally, we conduct various research projects, offering patients access to medication and testing at no cost. Throughout the infertility journey, our counselors support patients with endometriosis, explaining different assisted reproductive technologies and helping patients understand their options fully.Pediatric Gender Program
When a young person has questions or concerns related to gender, the entire family is affected. We are a safe, supportive resource and interdisciplinary program for children, adolescents, and young adults who are exploring their gender identity, as well as for their families. We provide comprehensive care for young people who are questioning their assigned gender and/or are seeking consultation and care. Our team includes pediatric-trained endocrinologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, as well as a medical ethicist, a chaplain, and a lawyer. We work closely together as a team and also consult with a wide array of other specialists. Together, we are committed to providing care in compassionate and respectful ways. Our clinicians follow current medical protocols, and the care offered by our program is supported by professional guidelines endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Psychological Association. When it comes to gender identity and related concerns, our first step is to listen. Some youth are exploring their identity. Others know that how they feel inside does not match up with the gender they were assigned at birth. We help sort through these questions. After an initial consultation, we offer a thorough biopsychosocial readiness assessment, which includes obtaining information from patients and their families. This comprehensive assessment takes six to eight hours to complete and can be done in one day or divided over several sessions. If we determine that any mental health or other support is needed, we can connect patients with resources at Yale or in the community. After the evaluation and when all parties agree that it is safe, healthy, and appropriate, we offer a variety of care options related to gender affirmation. At the first visit to our program, gender affirmation visit, patients and their families will meet with both one of our a pediatric endocrinologists and a mental health provider experienced in caring for dealing with patients who report gender variance. First and foremost, we make sure we understand our patients’ needs and desires. We will discuss the risks and side effects of any proposed care options, work together to learn what support systems are already in place, and determine what additional treatments and resources our patients may need. If you are in crisis, call the confidential toll-free National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If texting is easier, you can also text the National Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.