Identification and management of adolescent gynecologic emergencies in the emergency department

In the emergency department, gynecologic complaints are common presentations for adolescent girls, who may present with abdominal pain, pelvic pain, vaginal discharge, and vaginal bleeding. The differential diagnosis for these presentations is broad, and further complicated by psychosocial factors, confidentiality concerns, and the need to recognize abuse and sexual assault. This issue provides recommendations for the evaluation and management of obstetric and gynecologic emergencies including infectious, anatomic, and endocrine etiologies. Offering adolescents evidence-based guidance and treatment for sexually transmitted infection and avoiding unwanted pregnancy can help to mitigate the high-risk behavior that can affect their wellness and future fertility.