Specialists in the University of Iowa Women's Health Center provide care to young girls and teenagers in the new Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Ginny Ryan. MD, director of the Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic, talks about the clinic:
What is the age range you are targeting for the Adolescent Gynecology Clinic?
We welcome any girl or young woman from the age, really from birth to the age of 22, which is the definition of adolescence? through the age of 22. But we do recognize that we'll most likely have preteens and teenagers coming to the clinic.
What is focus of the clinic?
Our focus is to provide comprehensive and sensitive care for this entire age group. We understand that it's an important time to provide good care for these young women and girls. We want to provide that care with dedicated women providers in a setting dedicated to that age group without adult women in the same setting. We want to provide appropriate-level reading materials.
What topics might a teen discuss with a staff person in the clinic?
We anticipate a whole wide range of issues and topics, including normal adolescent wellness visit-type questions, including questions on:
- HPV vaccine
- Issues of normal menstruation
- Sexuality
- Pregnancy prevention
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Contraception
- Menstrual abnormalities and pain
- Abnormal bleeding
- Surgical issues of ovarian cysts
- Congenital abnormalities of the uterus and the vagina
- Bleeding before puberty
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
What cases would you assist with through UI Children's Hospital?
We hope to be part of a diverse team that can help with pediatric urology and pediatric surgery, as well as pediatric endocrinology. We would see issues such precocious puberty or endocrinologic problems that have caused problems with the reproductive tract that require some surgical intervention. I think we'd take advantage of the counseling service and psychological services to deal with some of these reproductive abnormalities that can really have an impact on a young woman's state of mind.
Why is an adolescent-specific gynecology clinic important to young girls and women?
I think it's a very important and sensitive time for young women to be introduced to gynecologic care and it's important that it's a comfortable and positive experience for them. It can really set the stage for whether they'll be seeking care and how frequently in the future. And it's very important for the nursing staff to understand when and if a young girl needs a pelvic exam, that it can be a traumatic experience. Things like this are what make this a unique clinic.
What are the clinic hours and where will it be located?
Right now our hours are 1 to 5 p.m. on every other Tuesday. We're located in the Women's Health Center in Pomerantz Family Pavilion, Level 3.
If someone would like to schedule an appointment, what number should they call?
The scheduling number if 319-356-1767 and patients can call without a referral. We accept referrals from within and outside of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
|
