Paediatric Adolescent Gynaecology

It is a specialist area of medicine focused on diagnosing and managing gynaecological issues in children and teenagers, from birth to early adulthood. This includes concerns about periods, vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, and other developmental or hormonal issues.

We care for children and teenagers from age 13 to 18yrs and also through to adulthood.

 Common problem we can help with are:

• Irregular, Heavy and/or painful periods
• Irregular periods - frequent, delayed or missed periods 
• Delayed or early puberty
• Vaginal discharge or irritation
• Genital skin problems: vulval itching, irritation or soreness
• Labial adhesions
• Facial and/or body acne
• Hair loss or excessive facial/body hair
• Ovarian cysts
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Concerns about anatomy or development
• Recurrent UTIs or vulvovaginitis
• Contraception

Yes. For all patients under 16, a parent or guardian must attend. For older teenagers, a parent or guardian needs to accompany the patient to the hospital. But they may not be present during the consultation depending on the young person’s preferences and if the doctor considers this appropriate.

Not always. Many issues can be discussed and diagnosed without a physical examination. If an examination is needed, it will be explained fully beforehand, and a chaperone will always be present. If not sexually active, an internal/vaginal assessment is not performed other than for swab tests, but this too is carried out with permission

The consultant will take a detailed medical history and discuss the concern in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner. If necessary, they may examine the child in presence of a chaperone and/or a parent or guardian . Investigations such as blood tests and/or ultrasound, will be arranged, if needed. All treatment options will be fully explained.

If an ultrasound scan is needed, we usually refer patients to The Gynaecology Ultrasound Centre on Harley Street. These scans are not performed on the day of the first appointment. Scans are usually performed externally on the lower tummy area and are not intended to cause pain or discomfort. Internal (transvaginal) scans may be performed in older sexually active teenagers. Further imaging such as an MRI may be required in some cases and this arranged at a later convenient date.

Your child will be seen by Mrs Pradnya Pisal, a senior consultant gynaecologist with specialist expertise in paediatric and adolescent gynaecology. She is experienced in providing sensitive and age-appropriate care for children and teenagers who are at or over age 13yrs.

Appointments take place in The  London Gynaecology Clinic at The Portland Hospital Site, 212 Great Portland Street W1W 5QN.  The Portland Hospital is a Specialist private hospital facility for women and children located in Central London and offers safe, child-friendly facilities.

When procedures are needed, they are planned and performed in The main 205-209 Great Portland Street, W1W 5AH.