When a child walks into their first pediatric gynecology appointment at Arkansas Children’s, their care is centered around making them feel safe and healthy. Whether it’s a nurse telling a child a story during an exam or talking with a teen on their level, parents can expect personalized care specific to each age group, from newborn to 21.
Girls between 13 and 15 should have at least one appointment with a gynecologist or an in-depth talk about puberty and periods with their pediatrician.
Arkansas Children’s has the only two fellowship-trained pediatric and adolescent gynecologists in the state, including Kathryn C. Stambough, M.D., medical director for the Arkansas Children’s Hospital pediatric and adolescent gynecology clinic in Little Rock. She is also an assistant professor in the division of pediatric and adolescent gynecology in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
The clinics treat newborns with structural, skin or developmental problems in their genitals. They also see patients experiencing early or late puberty, pelvic pain, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, polycystic ovary syndrome, fertility concerns, contraceptive management and sexually transmitted infections. Gynecologic issues related to medical disorders or treatments, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, diabetes and hematologic disorders, are also treated.
What to Expect:
For children, most appointments are like pediatrician appointments, where they discuss the problem and create a care plan. For older patients, a doctor will talk about sexual health, abuse and bullying and social aspects of care, like if they smoke or vape, to help the patient make healthy and safe choices.
Most pediatric gynecology appointments do not involve a pelvic exam (where a doctor looks at the genital area on the outside or inside) or require getting undressed. If an exam is needed, a speculum, the medical tool inserted during an adult exam, is rarely used for young patients. Pelvic exams are often confused with pap smears, which are cervical cancer screens not recommended before 21 years old.
The doctor will explain to the child what to expect and what to say if they are uncomfortable. Nurses skilled in child life needs are ready to distract a child with bubbles, toys, singing, story time or even iPads.
A parent or caregiver can be at the appointment. Doctors will talk privately with a child if needed and bring the parent or caregiver back for a joint conversation.
In-person appointments are available at ACH gynecology clinic in Little Rock, Arkansas Children’s Northwest in Springdale or by a telehealth appointment.
Learn more about the pediatric gynecology program at Arkansas Children’s.