Why do you need a pediatric gynecologist?
Pediatric gynecology is a specialty that originated at the intersection of gynecology and pediatrics. The main task of pediatric gynecologists is to preserve the reproductive function so that the girl can become pregnant in the future, carry and give birth to a healthy child. According to statistical reports, chronic gynecological diseases are detected in every tenth girl who starts school. By the age of 17, every third girl suffers from a pathology of the reproductive system.
The very first scheduled gynecological examination is carried out immediately after the birth of the baby when identifying the sex of the child.
The 2nd stage takes place at the age of 3 (before entering kindergarten), when the doctor evaluates the structure of the external genitals, mammary glands, and hygienic care skills. Synechiae of the labia minora, inflammatory diseases of the external genitals are most often detected.
The 3rd examination is carried out at 6-7 years of age (before school): the condition of the mucous membranes of the external genitals, the size of the mammary glands, physical development, and hygiene skills are evaluated. During this period, early signs of sexual development disorders are detected: premature enlargement of the mammary glands, changes in the external external genitalia. Further, at 11-12 years (with the beginning of menstruation), the sequence of the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics is evaluated. From the age of 14, a girl should visit a gynecologist every year. During the examination, the menstrual function is analyzed: the duration of menstruation, the cycle, the severity of pain, the condition of the mammary glands, the nature of discharge from the genital tract.
Currently, there is a tendency to start sexual activity early. Consultation with a doctor about the beginning of sexual activity is mandatory to avoid unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. If there are complaints, the girl should be shown to the gynecologist outside of the schedule. Gynecological examination of girls under 15 years of age is carried out only in the presence of the mother or other legal representative of the child.
The main task of the mother (the legal representative of the child) is not to be nervous during the examination and to prepare the girl for the procedure. In any case, the pediatric gynecologist will make an external examination to determine whether the mammary glands and external genitalia are developing correctly. Visits to this doctor are also necessary for preventive purposes: they will help to avoid additional spending of money and time in the future, to detect diseases at an early stage, and not in a neglected form, and to give birth to healthy children in the future.
In addition, the mother (or the legal representative of the child) must teach the girl to observe hygiene (wash every day, change clothes), protect herself from injuries, do not sit on cold and wet benches, on stones, etc.
And most importantly-the girl should know that you can trust your mother and tell her about the most intimate problem.
Paediatric gynaecologist
Lipetsk City Children's Polyclinic No. 1,
Vavulinskaya E. V.
