Adolescent Gynecology

At Weill Cornell Medicine, we believe that children and adolescents deserve expert gynecologic care delivered with sensitivity, compassion and respect. Our goal is to create a comfortable, positive experience while supporting each patient’s health, confidence and understanding of their body.

During every visit, we provide clear information about overall health, specific conditions and available treatment options. We welcome questions and work closely with patients, parents and caregivers to provide thoughtful guidance and help families make informed decisions about their health care.

What You Can Expect at the Visit

Sensitive, Confidential Care

Our physicians encourage open communication between patients and their parents or caregivers while also respecting each patient’s right to confidential care.

A typical visit begins with a conversation involving the physician, the patient, and the patient’s parent or caregiver. The patient is then given the opportunity to speak privately with the physician. These confidential conversations provide a safe space to ask questions and discuss sensitive concerns, while also helping young people develop the confidence and skills to understand their health, participate in medical decisions and advocate for themselves in future healthcare settings.

Confidential information is shared only when necessary to protect the patient’s safety or as otherwise required by law. Whenever possible, we also support patients in communicating openly with their families about important health decisions.

Your Comfort Comes First.

Most visits do not require a pelvic examination. A pelvic exam may be recommended when a patient has a concern involving the vulva or vagina, or when it is medically necessary to better understand a symptom and guide their care.

Before any examination, the physician will explain why it may be helpful, what each step will involve and what the patient can expect. The exam will proceed only after the patient and physician have discussed it and the patient feels comfortable agreeing to it. Patients are encouraged to ask questions, express concerns and request that the examination pause or stop at any time.

Our goal is to ensure that every patient feels informed, respected and in control of their care.

Adolescent Gynecology Conditions We Care For

Our team helps children and teens achieve the best possible health. Our specialized doctors care for all pediatric and adolescent gynecology conditions, including those that are physically and emotionally complex.

During your appointment, you and your doctor will discuss your overall health, reproductive issues and any questions that you may have. The appointment may include discussions about or care for:

• Heavy, Irregular or Absent Periods
  • Periods that are unusually heavy, prolonged, infrequent, irregular or have not started as expected - these changes may be related to hormonal conditions, bleeding disorders, medications or differences in reproductive anatomy.
• Painful Periods and Pelvic Pain
  • Severe menstrual cramps or acute or ongoing pelvic pain that interferes with school, activities or daily life - possible causes include endometriosis, ovarian cysts, anatomic conditions and other gynecologic or non-gynecologic concerns.
• Early or Delayed Puberty
  • Puberty that begins earlier or later than expected, or does not progress typically - our specialists provide age-appropriate evaluation and individualized care while supporting each patient’s physical and emotional well-being.
• Differences in Reproductive Anatomy
  • Congenital or acquired differences involving the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus or reproductive tract - these may include hymenal differences, vaginal septa, an absent or underdeveloped vagina or uterus or other Müllerian anomalies.
• Vulvar and Vaginal Concerns
  • Itching, irritation, pain, rashes, sores or changes in vaginal discharge - these symptoms may be related to infection, inflammation, skin conditions or other causes and are evaluated with sensitivity and respect.
• Ovarian Cysts and Masses
  • Fluid-filled or solid growths that develop on or near an ovary - many are benign and resolve on their own, while others require monitoring or treatment. When surgery is needed, we prioritize preserving healthy ovarian tissue whenever possible.
• Contraception and Menstrual Management
  • Confidential counseling about birth control and medications that can make periods lighter, less painful or less frequent - recommendations are tailored to each patient’s health needs, goals and preferences.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
  • Confidential testing, diagnosis, treatment and prevention counseling for sexually transmitted infections in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment
• Menstrual Care for Patients With Complex Medical Needs
  • Individualized options for patients whose periods are difficult to manage because of developmental disabilities, mobility limitations, chronic illness, cancer treatment, medications or other medical concerns
• Reproductive Health Counseling
  • Counseling for children, adolescents and young adults whose medical condition or treatment may affect future fertility or pubertal development, including patients preparing for or undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or certain surgeries
• Hormonal Conditions
  • Our specialists assist with the management of a variety of abnormalities of the reproductive system, including Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) and Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), as well as other hormonal conditions.
• Fertility Preservation
  • Our specialists are part of multidisciplinary teams to assist with the management of patients undergoing treatment that may impact their future fertility.

Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine?

Our fellowship-trained pediatric and adolescent gynecology providers have specialized expertise in caring for children, teens and young adults across a wide range of needs - from routine gynecologic concerns to complex or uncommon conditions. This additional training allows us to provide age-appropriate, thoughtful care for concerns that may be less familiar to general gynecologists, while helping patients and families feel confident that they are receiving care tailored to their unique stage of development.

When you see a Weill Cornell Medicine physician, you can be assured that we will deliver the highest standards of care with compassion.

Meet Our Physicians

The physicians at the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology offer patients the highest level of safety and care. As a top-ranked academic medical center, you have access to our extensive network of specialists who provide comprehensive care throughout your treatment — to promote long-term physical and mental health.