If young women and teens feel pressured to follow certain trends or use certain products when it comes to genital hygiene and pubic hair removal, they should know there are some risks associated with these practices, according to Kimberly S. Huhmann, M.D., pediatric and adolescent gynecologist with Norton Children’s Gynecology, affiliated with the UofL School of…
A menstrual period without ovulation — a common occurrence in adolescents — can be quite heavy as they are bleeding solely because the uterus lining has outgrown the blood supply. “This is the reason why you have cycles that are every 21 to 45 days, and they might be a little bit heavier and might…
Hygiene for girls can be a thorny topic for parents. Teaching preteens about good hygiene isn’t easy, but it’s important. Poor hygiene can change the natural balance of the vagina and lead to conditions such as vaginitis or vulvovaginitis. What should kids do to make sure they’re maintaining good care of their vaginal health? Bathroom…
Tessa Nielsen, 21, was in so much pain from her menstrual periods and cramps, she couldn’t do much at all. “I would lie in bed, curled up in ball with a heating pad,” she said. For months, her menstrual periods and cramps caused a stabbing pain she describes as being like a knife twisting around….
As a medical student, Kimberly S. Huhmann, M.D., was interested in both pediatrics and obstetrics/gynecology. It was during her residency that Dr. Huhmann started considering combining her interests as a pediatric and adolescent gynecology specialist. “It’s the perfect meld of patient care that’s both surgical and procedural, and has continuity,” Dr. Huhmann said. “I love…
Girls in the U.S. get their first period (menstruation) around age 12. As a parent, you may wonder: When should my daughter see a gynecologist for the first time? At what age should a girl have a Pap smear? My daughter isn’t menstruating or sexually active … why should she see a gynecologist? Here is…
Acne. Hair growth. Irregular periods. Weight gain. Sounds like the usual issues teen girls deal with during puberty. Maybe — but not always. These also can be symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. When acne, hair growth on the face and body, and weight gain are excessive, this common hormonal disorder could be to blame….
Mothers who experience heavy periods may expect that their daughters will have the same fate. If you’ve had heavy periods and consider it as just “something to deal with,” it may not be the same for your child. Menstruation varies from person to person. What’s considered normal, and what’s considered excessive blood loss for a…
Growing up in today’s world presents different challenges than even a couple of decades ago. However, some things don’t change: It is important for parents and guardians to start conversations about puberty and sexual health early. Discussions should be relaxed and informal; any awkwardness will subside if you are confident and straightforward, and if you…
If you have tweens or teens, you’ve no doubt noticed things have changed since you were that age. Maybe you talked about puberty and sex with your parents, or maybe they left it to a pamphlet or health class, or didn’t discuss it at all. Today, what’s recommended is more open communication between parents and…
Menstrual cramps, also called period cramps, often are considered just an annoying, painful part of the menstrual period to be endured. However, period cramps can vary widely in frequency and severity. It can be tough for parents to know what’s normal, but pediatric gynecologists can help. Here’s what’s normal and what’s not –– and when…
Your teen’s doctor just suggested the birth control pill. Before you mutter, “I don’t think so,” hold on a minute. There might be a good reason — a medical reason — that has nothing to do with pregnancy prevention. Prescribing birth control doesn’t mean your teen will start having sex. Teen girls often go on…