Gynecologic Care for Young Girls and Teenagers
Dr. Jane Broecker is a Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecologist
Dr. Broecker offers gynecologic care for young girls and teenagers and also provides general Ob/Gyn care to women of all ages.
Did You Know?
American College of Ob/Gyn recommends that girls have their first visit with a gynecologist between the ages of 13-15 evaluate and discuss issues surrounding menstruation and pubertal development. An internal exam is rarely part of this visit.
Reasons to see a Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecologist:
Young Girls (who have not had periods yet)
- Vaginal discharge
- Itching or burning
- Questions about puberty
Ages nine through 21
- Questions about periods
- Very heavy flow
- Periods over 7 days
- Irregular periods
- Severe cramping
- No periods by age 14
- Premenstrual Symptoms
- Vaginal discharge, itching
- Moderate to Severe Acne
- Breast lumps
- Concerns about sexuality
- Concerns about puberty
- To discuss the risks related to sexual activity
- Birth control, infection tests
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Pain
What to expect of a first visit with Dr. Broecker:
For girls who have not had their period yet:
The doctor will talk with both parent and girl together. She will ask about medical history and discuss the concerns of both the parent and the child. Then she will perform a basic physical exam and may do brief external genital exam. (an initial pelvic exam with a speculum is not usually necessary in this younger age group.) The doctor will then discuss her assessment and options for treatment at the end of the visit.
For older girls and teens: History
The doctor will talk with both parent and teen together, and will ask about he girl's medical and family history. She will then ask to speak with the girl's parent alone and will ask the parent if he or she has any special concerns. Finally, Dr. Broecker will request time to talk with the teenager alone. This “one on one” time allows for parents and teens to raise individual concerns. The doctor will ask about any history of physical or sexual abuse, eating disorders, drug and alcohol use, and depression. She will ask questions about sexuality to assess the patient's needs and to provide appropriate guidance.
For older girls and teens: Exam
The physical exam will be done with her female parent present if the patient desires. An internal pelvic exam will be performed only if needed.
Depending on the reason for visit, Dr. Broecker may order some laboratory tests, such as a urinalysis, a blood count, hormone levels and a pregnancy tests, among others. Pregnancy tests are often done even for girls who report that they have never had intercourse as a formality before starting hormones to regulate the menstrual cycle.
At the end of the visit, Dr. Broecker will discuss the issues raised by the history and physical exam and discuss management options with both the patient and her parents. Our goal is to provide care for teens which takes into account the concerns of both the teen and her parents.
There is always time for questions.
A Note about Confidentiality…
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that teenagers need time alone with their doctors to discuss private issues and concerns which they might be embarrassed to bring up with their parent present.
Dr. Broecker feels that time alone with both parents and then private time with teens can help raise important issues that may impact a girl's health. Dr. Broecker respects the privacy of her patients, and always encourages teens to talk with parents about sensitive issues, particularly as it relates to their health care.
A teen may come for her visit alone. Under current patient privacy laws, teens are entitles to confidential health care related to reproductive issues such as sexual activity, pregnancy, birth control, and sexually transmitted infections.
For many parents and teens, this is the first time the teen has seen a doctor “one on one” with time to discuss private or sensitive issues. Dr. Broecker explains to her parents that information discussed will be kept confidential, but that openness with parents is strongly encouraged.
About Privacy Laws…
All the doctors and staff at River Rose Ob/Gyn strive to provide the very best care for their patients under the age of 18, and feel that an open relationship with parents is an essential part of a girls' overall health care.
So what do privacy laws mean?
Will the doctor tell the parents what the teen told her privately?
Information told to the doctor in confidence will not be shared with parents if the teen requests confidentially. However, information never withheld from parents include those situations such as:
- Any life-threatening situation
- Physical or Sexual abuse
- Suicidal thoughts or plans
Who is given test results?
When sensitive tests results (such as sexually transmitted infection testing or pregnancy tests) come in to our office, we will notify the patient herself. It is her responsibility to inform you of her health related issues. If an adolescent gives us permission to report her test results to parents we can share that information with the parents. Routine tests results, such as a blood count or a strep throat culture, will always be released to parents.
