Adolescence is a period of rapid physical, emotional and cognitive growth which may create health concerns that require care. To remain healthy and happy during this timeframe, adolescents require information, comprehensive sexuality education that is age appropriate, opportunities for skill development as well as access to healthcare.
Adolescent specialists from our network include pediatricians and family medicine physicians with extra training in caring for preteens, teens, and young adults.
For Adolescent Care in Noida, opt for Niraamaya Clinic.
Gynecological Issues
Gynecological problems in adolescents are all too often. Gynecologists are trained to evaluate and treat such issues, while also helping adolescents lead a healthy lifestyle with proper eating, exercise and hygiene habits as well as recommended birth control options to avoid unplanned pregnancies or STISs.
Menstrual complaints, particularly heavy bleeding during puberty, are one of the primary reasons to visit a gynecologist. This usually stems from hormonal shifts in the uterus that should cease by the end of puberty; in rare instances however it could indicate an underlying bleeding disorder like von Willebrand disease, platelet function defects or deficiencies and immune thrombocytopenic purpura which need medical intervention.
Girls should discuss their menstrual cycle and sexual history with their gynecologist. This should include discussing effective methods to manage periods and reduce associated pain. Teens can use this opportunity to talk about their sexual life and safety when engaging in sexual relations; discussing this subject can increase feelings of self-worth, reduce depression and promote a positive body image.
Girls should know that as part of a women’s wellness checkup they can obtain a pap smear and pelvic exam, as well as inspect their breasts regularly for symmetry issues, skin changes or any puffering or dimpling that might exist.
Sexual Issues
Adolescents face the threat of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancies and other sexually related health concerns. Research indicates that providing services specifically designed to meet adolescent health needs increases use, reduces barriers to care and enhances outcomes of care for sexual health issues in adolescents.
Improving access to health services designed specifically for adolescents may require novel solutions. School-based STI clinics that integrate referral programs for community providers have been found to increase condom availability and sexual health visits while simultaneously decreasing unintended pregnancies among adolescent girls.
Many teens who exhibit problematic sexual behavior also face additional mental health challenges and risks. For instance, those with intellectual disabilities or developmental disorders such as autism or Asperger’s Syndrome may struggle to understand normative sexual feelings and respond appropriately; additionally they may struggle with setting boundaries and understanding potential harm of their actions; this could cause them to engage in potentially risky or illegal sexual behaviors.
Improving adolescents’ maturity and autonomy is integral to healthy sexual development; however, few studies have compared adolescent perceptions of themselves with their experiences communicating with medical providers about sexual behavior. A small percentage of teens seeking treatment for sexual problems report that medical provider questions regarding their sex life were intrusive or inappropriate; additionally these teens may hold incorrect beliefs regarding their behaviors that lead them down harmful or illegal paths resulting in harmful conduct involving harmful practices that violate laws or incestuous relations.
Mental Health Issues
One in five adolescents suffer from mental illness and many don’t seek treatment, including suicide being the fourth leading cause of teen deaths2. Many risk-taking behaviors which negatively impact physical and psychological well-being such as substance abuse or sexual risk taking begin during adolescence.
Anxiety disorders are one of the most prevalent mental health concerns among adolescents, characterized by episodes of excessive and uncontrollable worry or fear. Anxiety disorders frequently co-occur with depressive disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; they pose an increased risk for suicide as well as hinder school attendance and academic performance.
Depression is the second-most prevalent psychiatric disorder. It is defined by periods of low mood lasting two weeks or more that lead to decreased interest in nearly all activities and withdrawal from loved ones, social isolation and difficulty at work or school. Rarely, depression may combine with manic episodes to significantly increase suicidal ideation risk.
Although family physicians may lack a complete grasp on the needs and characteristics of adolescents, during routine preventive visits they should inquire into their emotions and mental health status, including screening them for suicidal thoughts and becoming familiar with risk factors for suicide such as declining grades and attendance issues at school, family dysfunctions or poor relationships among family members, issues pertaining to sexuality/gender identity problems or substance use or attempts at suicide attempts.
Adolescent Medicine
Adolescence is an incredible time of physical, emotional and cognitive development; however, its rapid changes may pose health threats. Adolescents require healthcare that is safe, empowering and sensitive to their unique needs; comprehensive sexuality education tailored specifically for them at an age-appropriate level; and an environment which makes seeking medical advice comfortable and convenient. Unusual menstrual bleeding could be indicative of von Willebrand disease or platelet function defects or deficiencies such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Working together, gynecologists, primary care physicians, and hematologists can treat these conditions to enhance quality of life for adolescents.
Dr Bhumika established Niraamaya Clinic to offer her patients direct care that other hospitals lack. Her team offers state-of-the-art gynecological treatments and diagnostic services.
