Pediatric Gynecology

The uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes are part of the internal female reproductive system. The fallopian tubes receive an ovum after ovulation and help move it and/or a fertilized embryo toward the uterus via ciliated cells lining the tubes and peristaltic movements of its smooth muscle. The uterus has a thick wall made of smooth muscle (the myometrium) and an inner mucosal layer (the endometrium). The most inferior portion of the uterus is the cervix, which connects the uterine cavity to the vagina. Externally, the cervix is lined by stratified squamous cells; however, the cervical canal is lined by columnar epithelium. The transition point is known as the squamocolumnar junction, which is the site of most cervical cancers. These organs are supplied by the uterine and ovarian arteries and innervated by the autonomic nervous system.

Ovaries are the paired gonads of the female reproductive system that contain haploid gametes known as oocytes. The ovaries are located intraperitoneally in the pelvis, just posterior to the broad ligament, and are connected to the pelvic sidewall laterally by the suspensory ligament of the ovary and to the uterus medially by the utero-ovarian ligament. These organs function to secrete hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and to produce the female germ cells (oocytes), which are expelled and then “captured” by the uterine tubes. The primary blood supply to the ovary is provided by the ovarian artery, a direct branch of the abdominal aorta; the ovarian artery anastomoses with the ascending branch of the uterine artery, providing excellent collateral blood flow.

Precocious puberty (PP) is the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics due to elevated sex hormones before the age of 6–8 in girls and 9 in boys. Excess hormone secretion may occur only at the level of the sex hormone or may involve the whole hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Measurement of sex hormone levels, as well as X-rays to evaluate skeletal maturity, are used to diagnose and characterize PP. Correcting the hormonal excess at its root cause can appropriately delay the onset of puberty. A primary goal of treatment is the preservation of normal height potential.

The menstrual cycle is the cyclic pattern of hormonal and tissular activity that prepares a suitable uterine environment for the fertilization and implantation of an ovum. The menstrual cycle involves both an endometrial and ovarian cycle that are dependent on one another for proper functioning. There are 2 phases of the ovarian cycle (follicular and luteal) and 3 phases of the endometrial cycle (desquamation or menses, proliferative, and secretory). The menstrual cycle is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis via follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). A woman’s 1st menstrual cycle is referred to as menarche, and cycles continue until menopause.

Puberty is a complex series of physical, psychosocial, and cognitive transitions usually experienced by adolescents (11–19 years of age). Puberty is marked by a growth in stature and the development of secondary sexual characteristics, achievement of fertility, and changes in most body systems. Being familiar with normal puberty is important to be able to recognize and manage abnormalities such as precocious puberty or delayed puberty.

The vulva is the external genitalia of the female and includes the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule, vestibular bulb, and greater vestibular glands. The vagina is the female genital canal, extending from the vulva externally to the cervix uteri internally. The structures have sexual, reproductive, and urinary functions and a rich blood supply, mainly arising from the internal iliac artery.

The term vulvovaginitis is used to describe an acute inflammation of the vulva and vagina. Vulvovaginitis can be caused by several infectious and non-infectious etiologies, and results from disruption of the normal vaginal environment. Common signs and symptoms include pain, pruritis, erythema, and edema of the affected region, as well as vaginal discharge and dyspareunia. The diagnosis is based on the clinical presentation, physical examination findings, and inspection of vaginal secretions. Management depends on the etiology, including antimicrobials for infectious causes.