Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
We offer developmentally appropriate gynecologic care for the unique needs of young patients.
Why Choose UCLA Health for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Care
The gynecologic needs and concerns of children - from infancy through young adulthood - differ from those of adults. At the UCLA Health Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Program, we offer developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive care in a safe environment. We provide young patients with the medical care and knowledge they need to confidently manage their reproductive health into adulthood.
Our program offers:
Child and teen specialists
Our board-certified OB/GYNs have additional expertise in pediatric and adolescent gynecology, including advanced fellowship training. We tailor services to meet the unique needs of girls during each stage of development.
Confidentiality
Our care team provides a welcoming, nonjudgmental space for young patients to express their needs and concerns. To build trust and promote honest communication, we offer all patients the chance to speak to us privately. We do the same for parents and guardians. We always adhere to state and federal confidentiality laws pertaining to minors.
Patient-focused communication
Our team uses easy-to-understand terms when talking to young patients. We may also use pictures and models of the reproductive system to explain a condition, test or procedure.
Team of pediatric experts
We work closely with pediatricians and primary care providers. When needed, we partner with specialists across the system to manage a condition. For instance, some patients may also see a pediatric endocrinologist or pediatric urologist.
Care across the lifespan
Our pediatric and adolescent OB/GYNs also see adult patients. A patient may choose to continue their adult care with these doctors.
Virtual visits
We know that children and teens don’t want to miss school or social activities, and that parents need to limit time off from work. When appropriate, we offer virtual visits to make it easier for young patients to get the care they need.
Find Your Care
We offer compassionate pediatric and adolescent gynecology services for children of all ages.
Call Us
Connect with us to learn more or request an appointment.
Our Areas of Care
Our pediatric and adolescent gynecology care team manages common and complex conditions that affect children of all ages.
Hormonal disorders
Hormonal problems can affect a child’s well-being and future fertility. We help children and teens who experience:
- Delayed menarche (menstruation that starts after age 16)
- Early (precocious) puberty before age 8
- Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)
Sexual and reproductive health concerns
We offer comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including education to help young patients understand their changing bodies.
Our services include:
- Confidential testing and treatments for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Consultations for pregnancy and STI prevention
- Consultations for puberty and sexual function concerns
- Fertility preservation services for children receiving cancer treatments (oncofertility)
- Pregnancy tests and counseling
- Prenatal care, including labor and delivery
- Pregnancy termination by medications or surgery
Other conditions
Other pediatric and adolescent gynecologic conditions we treat include:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Chronic vulvovaginitis and discharge
- Foreign object in the vagina
- Labial adhesions
- Noncancerous tumors that affect the reproductive organs or genitalia
- Ovarian cyst or twisted ovary (ovarian torsion)
- Vaginal injury (straddle injury)
- Vulvovaginal skin conditions and vulvodynia
Menstrual disorders
Menstrual problems can greatly disrupt a teen’s life. We expertly manage a range of issues, including:
- Absent menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
- Endometriosis
- Heavy menstrual periods (menorrhagia)
- Missed or irregular periods
- Painful cramps during menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Congenital conditions
Some babies are born with conditions that affect the female reproductive tract. Depending on the condition, these children may need immediate care, long-term care or both. These conditions include:
- Ambiguous genitalia (not clearly female or male)
- Atypically shaped or extra uterus and cervix
- Blocked, missing or underdeveloped vaginal opening
- Blocked, underdeveloped or absent uterus
- Underdeveloped or absent ovary
- Questions regarding labial size
Specialized Care in Multidisciplinary Programs
Tests & Procedures We Offer
We know it can be distressing for a young patient to get a gynecologic exam or procedure. We take extra time at these appointments, speaking to patients at their level and ensuring they feel safe at all times. We perform age-appropriate exams only when necessary and always with consent from you and your child. Your child’s comfort is our top priority.
Depending on your child’s preference, you may stay in the room with them or wait outside. A nurse or medical assistant is always with your child and their doctor during any exam or procedure.
Gynecologic visits and exams
We provide gynecologic care for medical concerns starting as early as infancy. Our doctors use smaller devices when examining and treating young patients. When necessary, we use anesthesia to keep a child comfortable and still, which prevents harm should a child move during an exam or treatment.
Teens without gynecologic issues should see an OB/GYN for the first time when they’re between 13 and 15 years old, based on recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. These gynecologic visits allow teens to learn about their changing bodies and safely ask questions. A pelvic exam may not take place unless there’s a specific medical concern.
We tailor each visit to address a patient’s specific needs and concerns. We may discuss:
Body changes and what to expect during development
Body image concerns
Healthy lifestyle behaviors
Menstrual cycles and hygiene
Mental health concerns
Pregnancy and STI prevention
Sexual health
Contraceptives
We provide educational counseling to help young patients understand their contraceptive options. We offer all types of long-acting reversible contraceptives, including implants and injections. We also offer emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.
In addition to preventing pregnancy, contraceptives are an effective way to stop, decrease or regulate periods. Menstrual suppression can be helpful for young patients who have:
Chronic medical conditions, such as sickle cell disease or autoimmune disease
Deep interest in sports, dance and other strenuous physical activities
Heavy periods, cramping or other menstrual disorders
Medications
Depending on a patient’s diagnosis, we may provide:
Hormone therapy for hormone disorders
HPV vaccine
Medications to treat bacterial, fungal or viral infections
Minimally invasive procedures
In rare instances, a child may need a procedure to treat a condition, such as an ovarian cyst or endometriosis. We specialize in minimally invasive gynecology surgery, which takes place through the vagina or very small abdominal incisions. We make sure young patients and their families understand what to expect before, during and after the procedure.
Meet Our Team
The Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Program at UCLA Health offers compassionate gynecologic care for children from infancy to young adulthood and beyond. Patients receive care from board-certified OB/GYNs with expertise in pediatric and adolescent gynecology. We offer a comfortable setting for young patients to learn more about their changing bodies, discuss reproductive and sexual health concerns, and receive medical care for gynecologic conditions.
We also work closely with pediatricians and primary care providers. We partner with specialists across the health system to manage a condition.
For patients with complex anatomy requiring surgery, we draw expertise from our partners in MIGS, Urogynecology, Pediatric Urology, and Pediatric Surgery. For patients with medically complex conditions, we partner with Adolescent Medicine and our pediatric subspecialties.
Pediatric and Adolescent Care
Adolescent Care
Contact Us
Call 310-794-7274 to request an appointment with a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist at UCLA Health.