An illustrated guide to adolescent gynecology

The gynecologic examination should be considered an essential part of a complete physical examination in the adolescent girl. Many symptoms and signs which at first may seem to be unrelated to the reproductive tract are found to be due to gynecologic pathology after a careful gynecologic examination has been completed. Most of the diagnostic tests which are needed as part of the gynecologic examination can be easily performed in a pediatrician's office including wet preps, KOH preps, and Gram's stains of vaginal discharge. Other ancillary tests, including Pap smears and cultures for sexually transmitted diseases, can be obtained by the examining pediatrician and sent to local clinical laboratories. The pelvic ultrasound can be a helpful adjunct to the gynecologic examination when congenital anomalies, or adnexal masses, are suspected.