Gynaecology problems in puberty

With the onset of puberty a range of problems may be encountered by the young girl. Some of these include a range of gynaecological issues relating to delayed onset of puberty, delayed menarche, atypical pubertal changes and the identification of anomalies of the genital tract. The distinction between physiological events and pathological problems is important to avoid unnecessary distress and anxiety. The onset of cyclic hormonal changes also provokes a number of "non-gynaecological" problems - where the link to cyclic hormonal events is often overlooked and an important opportunity to potentially intervene and assist is missed. From a global perspective there are a range of problems that are particularly encountered with the onset of puberty including the risks of sexual violence, which in the setting of having achieved the age of reproductive potential result in unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions and adolescent pregnancy all of which pose life threatening risks. Sex education in its broadest sense is important for all young people. Access to contraception for adolescents is vital, such that clinicians across all streams of health care who are involved in the care of young people should take the opportunity to educate and provide this care.