Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology

Pediatric and adolescent gynecology is an emerging specialty, at the intersection of pediatrics, pediatric endocrinology, gynecology, pediatric surgery, dermatology, psychiatry, public health medicine and genetics. It thus addresses a wide spectrum of diseases from the newborn period to adolescence.

Progress in molecular biology and genetic research, as well as in imaging techniques, has greatly contributed to our understanding of the pathologies of gynecological development and, indeed, has helped to more clearly define the limits of physiological variation.

The gynecological problems encountered in children and adolescents are often both medically and psychologically complex and thus require a highly skilled and coherent approach. The adolescent, who is no longer a child but not quite an adult, poses a particular management problem to the traditional specialties.

In the field of adolescent gynecology more than anywhere else, the medical attitude is often striking by its extremes: from a seemingly indifferent 'wait-andsee' policy (true indifference or ignorance?) to an overzealous interventionism - and this at a developmental moment requiring great sensitivity and tact.

This volume does not exhaustively cover the entire field of pediatric and adolescent gynecology. Instead, its goal is to explore some of the most commonly encountered problems seen in clinical practice today. I am deeply grateful to the many experts who graciously agreed to contribute their insights and knowledge on different aspects of this broad field: together they represent a wealth of clinical experience firmly based on some of today's most exciting research. I have no doubt that their collective offering will enrich the work of practitioners the world over.

On a more personal note, let me conclude by expressing my great appreciation to Dr. Yvette Salomon-Bernard, one of the pioneers in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology; Prof. Raphael Rappaport, a longstanding leader in this field; Prof. Claude Migeon who first welcomed me to the Johns Hopkins University Hospital, and Prof. Roger Jean who was my mentor from the very beginning. All of them encouraged the young pediatric endocrinologist that I was (some years ago!) to broaden my clinical work to include pediatric and adolescent gynecology - and I thank them.

    Stress Urinary Incontinence

    Stress Urinary Incontinence

    The International Continence Society (ICS) defines SUI as the complaint of involuntary leakage on effort or exertion, or on coughing or sneezing ...

    Contraception for Adolescents

    Contraception for Adolescents

    Adolescents today represent a significant proportion of the world population ...

    Endometriosis

    Endometriosis

    Endometriosis is a disorder in which abnormal growths of tissue, histologically resembling the endometrium, are present in locations ...

    Delayed Puberty

    Delayed Puberty

    Developmental changes during puberty in girls occur...

    Urinary Incontinence

    Urinary Incontinence

    Millions of women experience involuntary loss of urine called urinary incontinence (UI). Some women may lose a few drops ...

    Medical conditions complicating pregnancy

    Complications of pregnancy are health problems ...

    Teenage Pregnancy

    U.S. pregnancy rate among girls between 15 and 19 ...

    Diabetes Mellitus & Pregnancy

    Diabetes Mellitus & Pregnancy

    Diabetes mellitus, a clinical syndrome characterized by ...