A knowledgeable approach to sensitive subjects

At the Children’s Minnesota gynecology program, home of the only two pediatric and adolescent gynecologists in Minnesota, we treat babies, and adolescents every day who have minor, moderate or severe gynecological issues. We offer the latest treatments and technologies available in the United States to resolve symptoms while maintaining a child’s reproductive health.

Our strategy supports kids and their families through an array of gynecological conditions, including, but not limited to:

  • Abnormal development of the reproductive system (congenital anomalies of the uterus or vagina)
  • Contraception, including pills, patches, rings, injections, implants, IUDs
  • Delayed puberty or periods
  • Endometriosis, tissue that grows outside of the uterus
  • Fertility preservation
  • Labial adhesions
  • Lichen sclerosus
  • Medical uses of hormonal contraceptives (acne, menstrual migraine, catamenial seizures)
  • Menstrual problems, including painful periods, heavy periods, frequent or irregular periods
  • Menstrual suppression
  • Ovarian cysts, fluid-filled sacs in or on the ovaries
  • Pelvic pain
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal syndrome affecting females
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Torsion (or twisting) of the ovary
  • Vaginal stenosis
  • Vulvovaginitis
  • Vulvar trauma
  • Vulvar abscesses or ulcers

Teaming up for better care

When it comes to our patients, we take an innovative, team approach to healing. For certain conditions, we call in backup from other departments.

Developing a healthy, regular menstrual period is part of growing up for tween and teen females. So when a teen has menstrual problems, including painful, heavy, frequent or irregular periods, we call in all the experts. Discover how our hematologists and gynecologists work together to solve teen menstrual problems. Learn about our Adolescent and Young Adult hematology and gynecology program.

The right solution

We first try conservative approaches when treating gynecological conditions in children or adolescents. But when advanced care is required, Children’s Minnesota also offers leading-edge surgical services designed to make a maximum impact with minimal intervention.

Gynecologic conditions affecting children and adolescents that may require surgery include:

  • Cervical abnormalities
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Congenital abnormalities of the hymen
  • Endometriosis
  • Exam under anesthesia and vaginoscopy
  • Labial hypertrophy or enlargement
  • Ovarian masses and cysts
  • Revision of female circumcision/cutting
  • Surgical repair of traumatic injuries
  • Vaginal anomalies
  • Vulvar lesions, masses, abscesses or moles
  • Uterine anomalies

We know that even a “minor” gynecological surgery make most parents anxious. So we keep families in the loop throughout a child’s surgery with updates and plenty of hand-holding. Families can stay with the patient before and after surgery to assure that you are there to support them. And we’ll do the same for you.

As an organization dedicated to family-centered care, we offer many child and family services and resources, such as interpretive services.

Fertility and preservation options

Even if having your own children is not on your mind now, it might be in the future. At Children’s Minnesota, we place special emphasis on informing you about options for preserving fertility. Since some medical treatments can often affect your fertility, concerns about family planning and fertility should be discussed early on.

Some conditions and/or options that are associated with ovarian insufficiency or removal of the ovary(s), some examples are:

  • Cancer
  • Galactosemia
  • Turner Syndrome
  • Differences in sex development
  • Gender-affirming care
  • Bone marrow transplant
  • Side-effects of medications used to treat conditions like Lupus

We provide information about possible treatment effects on fertility, guide you through decisions about preserving fertility and make referrals to fertility specialists before treatment begins when possible. See our fertility preservation options below:

Female fertility preservation options

Female fertility preservation options:

Ovarian transposition

  • Ovaries are surgically moved away from the radiation site(s) and then later re-positioned.

Ovarian tissue freezing

  • Physicians remove an ovary or ovarian tissue. It is then frozen for and is re-implanted at a later date when pregnancy is desired.

Ovarian suppression

  • This method involves the use of hormone medication like gonadotropin-releasing agonists to suppress ovarian function and protect eggs from the toxic effects of chemotherapy. This is still considered experimental but large studies are in progress. Reduced menstrual bleeding is an added benefit of this treatment option.

GET EDUCATED

At Children’s Minnesota, we know how important reliable information about conditions and illnesses is.