Search

Background: In the last 15 years, the care provided for individuals born with differences of sex development (DSD) has evolved, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches. However, these developments have not convinced some stakeholders to embrace the current model of care. This care model has also paid insufficient attention to socio-cultural differences and global inequalities., Summary: This article is an opinion statement, resulting from in-depth discussions and reflection among clinicians, patients, and family support organizations based in the US and Europe, where we seek areas of common ground and try to identify opportunities to further develop resources. The product of these conversations is summarized in 10 panels. The corresponding sections provide additional discussion on some of the panel items., Key Messages: Participants identified areas of agreement and gained a deeper understanding of the reasons behind disagreements on certain matters and identified the necessary steps to foster future consensus. We offer preliminary recommendations for guiding clinical management and resource allocation. By promoting a broader consensus, we aim to enhance the quality of care and well-being for individuals of all ages who have a DSD., (The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

The Mirena intrauterine device (IUD) is a hormone-secreting contraceptive device. Pregnancy with the Mirena is rare and effects to the fetus are unknown. Here we present four females with genital virilization after pregnancy with persistent Mirena IUD. All patients had a 46, XX karyotype and normal hormone evaluation. All underwent exam under anesthesia, demonstrating posterior labial fusion and short urogenital sinus with normal bladder, urethra, vagina, and cervix. Three of four patients underwent flap vaginoplasty without complications and good cosmetic outcomes. This series suggests that persistent levonorgestrel-secreting IUD during pregnancy is associated with genital virilization in female fetuses., (Copyright © 2020 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Vaginal dilator therapy is used to increase vaginal length for vaginal agenesis, to increase vaginal width for vaginal narrowing, and to prevent or treat stenosis after vaginal surgery. Although it is an effective therapy, many reproductive health providers have had little training on how to guide patients through this therapy. The purpose of this review is to educate providers on how to assess patient readiness and how to support patients through the process of vaginal dilation., (Copyright © 2019 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Vulvar manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are variable in presentation and challenging to treat. We describe vulvar manifestations and treatment response in female adolescents with IBD., Cases: We identified 6 patients with vulvar manifestations of IBD and documented treatments using retrospective chart review. Vulvar symptoms occurred without gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in 1 patient. For the remaining 5 patients, 2 had GI symptoms before the onset of vulvar symptoms (mean time difference, 4.5 years); 3 patients had vulvar symptoms precede the onset of GI symptoms (mean time difference, 3.3 years). Vulvar IBD manifestations included pain, 100% (n = 6); enlargement, "fullness" or "edema" of the labia minora or majora, 66% (n = 4); ulcers, 50% (n = 3); and abscess, 50% (n = 3). Gynecologic procedures included biopsies, incision and drainages, and partial vulvectomies. All patients were treated with multiple systemic therapies. None of the patients responded to surgical or medical treatment alone; all had recalcitrant vulvar symptoms., Summary and Conclusion: Vulvar manifestations of IBD might precede GI symptoms in adolescents with IBD. Treatment is challenging and in this series, systemic therapies were the most successful in achieving symptomatic improvement., (Copyright © 2017 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: To examine providers' experiences with vaginal dilator training for patients with vaginal agenesis., Design and Setting: Anonymous electronic survey., Participants: Members of the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology., Interventions and Main Outcome Measures: How providers learn about vaginal dilator training, common techniques, and methods used for patient training, assessment of patient readiness, common patient complaints, issues leading to early discontinuation., Results: There were a total of 55 completed survey responses of which 31 respondents (56%) had been in practice for more than 10 years. Forty-nine were gynecologists (89%), 20 had completed a fellowship in pediatric and adolescent gynecology (36%), and 6 were reproductive endocrinologists (11%). Thirty-one respondents had first learned about vaginal dilator training through lectures (56%) whereas only 9 through mentorship and fellowship (16%). According to respondents, the most common issue leading to early discontinuation was lack of patient motivation and readiness (n = 42; 76%). The most common complication was pain or discomfort (n = 45; 82%). More than half of respondents determined dilator therapy was successful when patients reported comfortable sexual intercourse (n = 30; 55%) and 65% (n = 35) did not delineate any restrictions to initiation of sexual intercourse. Most respondents (87%) requested further vaginal dilator training at either a clinical meeting (n = 26; 47%) or with a training video (n = 22; 40%)., Conclusion: Our study in an experienced cohort of pediatric gynecology providers highlights the need for further research and training on vaginal dilation education., (Copyright © 2017 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose of Review: Indications for vaginoplasty include congenital conditions such as adrenal hyperplasia, cloacal malformations, and Müllerian agenesis, acquired conditions including stenosis from radiation or surgical resection for malignancy, and gender affirmation. All vaginoplasty techniques carry significant risk of both immediate and long-term complications., Recent Findings: The purpose of this study is to provide a review of the evaluation and management of the neovagina, addressing management of human papilloma virus infections and complications including stenosis, fistula, prolapse, and neovaginal colitis., Summary: Gynecologists who care for patients who have had a vaginoplasty need to understand the importance of long-term follow up and care, including evaluation and management of complications.

Disorders (differences) of sexual development encompass a variety of conditions with atypical development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomic sex. Three of the most common differences of sex development conditions include congenital adrenal hyperplasia, complete androgen insensitivity, and Turner syndrome. Obstetrician-gynecologists who care for affected individuals in their practice must be familiar with the genetic, endocrine, and anatomic considerations of the most common conditions to provide optimal care. As women with these conditions transition to adult care, the gynecologist needs to assess the patient's understanding and educate her regarding her diagnosis and ongoing medical care. All of these conditions may affect self-perception, mental health, fertility, sexual function, and bone and cardiovascular health. Women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia need lifelong endocrine management and require genetic counseling before pregnancy. Women with androgen insensitivity syndrome require counseling regarding gonadectomy and hormone replacement therapy and may require vaginal elongation for intercourse. Most women with Turner syndrome experience premature ovarian insufficiency and require long-term estrogen replacement. Women with Turner syndrome often have congenital anomalies and autoimmune disorders, which require regular monitoring and care during adulthood. The purpose of this review is to provide the obstetrician-gynecologist who cares for adult women with the most common disorders (differences) of sexual development conditions an outline of the current recommendations for screening and ongoing health care with particular emphasis on the underlying genetics, management of subfertility, infertility and sexual concerns, approach to hypogonadism, and understanding of associated comorbidities.

Background: We aimed to develop and implement a laparoscopic skills curriculum in an Ethiopian surgical residency program. We hypothesized that residents would improve with practice., Methods: We developed a laparoscopic curriculum by adapting existing training models. Six courses were conducted during 2012 and 2013 in a teaching hospital in Ethiopia. Eighty-eight surgical residents participated. Main outcome measures were laboratory task completion times and student survey responses., Results: Students showed improvement in time needed to complete skills tasks with practice. Mean times improved for all 5 tasks (P ≤ .01). Students uniformly reported that the course was valuable. The curriculum is now taught and sustained by local faculty., Conclusions: The development and implementation of a collaborative and sustainable laparoscopic curriculum is possible in a low-resource environment. Such a curriculum can result in improved laparoscopic expertise, surgical trainee satisfaction, and may increase utilization of laparoscopy., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: A key strategy to reduce unintended adolescent pregnancies is to expand access to long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods, including intrauterine devices and subdermal contraceptive implants. LARC services can be provided to adolescents in school-based health and other primary care settings, yet limited knowledge and negative attitudes about LARC methods may influence adolescents' utilization of these methods. This study aimed to evaluate correlates of knowledge and acceptability of LARC methods among adolescent women at a school-based health center (SBHC)., Methods: In this cross-sectional study, female patients receiving care at 2 SBHCs in Seattle, Washington completed an electronic survey about sexual and reproductive health. Primary outcomes were (1) LARC knowledge as measured by percentage correct of 10 true-false questions and (2) LARC acceptability as measured by participants reporting either liking the idea of having an intrauterine device (IUD)/subdermal implant or currently using one., Results: A total of 102 students diverse in race/ethnicity and socioeconomic backgrounds completed the survey (mean age 16.2 years, range 14.4-19.1 years). Approximately half reported a lifetime history of vaginal sex. Greater LARC knowledge was associated with white race (regression coefficient [coef] = 26.8; 95% CI 13.3-40.4; P < .001), history of vaginal intercourse (coef = 29.9; 95% CI 17.1-42.7; P < .001), and current/prior LARC use (coef = 22.8; 95% CI 6.5-40.0; P = .007). Older age was associated with lower IUD acceptability (odds ratio = 0.53, 95% CI 0.30-0.94; P = .029) while history of intercourse was associated with greater implant acceptability (odds ratio 5.66, 95% CI 1.46-22.0; P = .012)., Discussion: Adolescent women in this SBHC setting had variable knowledge and acceptability of LARC. A history of vaginal intercourse was the strongest predictor of LARC acceptability. Our findings suggest a need for LARC counseling and education strategies, particularly for young women from diverse cultural backgrounds and those with less sexual experience., (© The Author(s) 2016.)

The overwhelming majority of ovarian cysts in pediatric and adolescent girls are physiologic; however, large simple and complex ovarian lesions often require surgical intervention due to the increased risk of neoplasia. In this review article, we discuss the preoperative evaluation and intraoperative management of large ovarian neoplasms. We review the current literature regarding long term ovarian function and fertility, rates of recurrence and residual disease, and novel surgical approaches. Managing large ovarian neoplasms in the pediatric and adolescent population requires careful preoperative and intraoperative care to optimally resect neoplasia while maximizing fertility and minimizing pain., (Copyright © 2016 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: With advances in genitourinary reconstructive surgery, women with exstrophy-epispadias complex (EEC) have improved health and quality of life, and may reach reproductive age and consider pregnancy. Despite literature suggesting impaired fertility and higher risk with pregnancy, childbirth is possible. Medical comorbidities, including müllerian anomalies, contribute to increased risk of obstetric and urologic complications during pregnancy., Objectives: We reviewed our experience with EEC patients who achieved pregnancy to investigate (1) urological characteristics of women who achieved pregnancy; (2) pregnancy management, complications, and delivery; and (3) neonatal outcomes. We developed recommendations for managing pregnancy in women with EEC., Study Design/results: This was a retrospective chart review of 36 female patients with EEC seen at our institution between 1996 and 2013. Female patients less than 18 years, and patients who did not have documented pregnancy were excluded. This resulted in a total of 12 patients with 22 pregnancies. All women with successful pregnancy had bladder exstrophy. The majority had undergone prior bladder augmentation (75%) and were on self-catheterization programs (92%). Thirty-six percent had symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs) during pregnancy. Five women had more than one pregnancy. There were four terminations of pregnancy. Of 18 desired pregnancies, there were four spontaneous abortions (SABs) (22%) and 16 live births (78%). The cesarean delivery (CD) rate was 100% (14/14), of which the majority were vertical (classical) uterine incisions with a paramedian skin incision. With the exception of one patient, there were no CD surgical complications. The mean gestational age at delivery was 36 weeks (Range 25 4/7 to 39 4/7 weeks) among eight pregnancies with known gestational age. There were no stillbirths, one neonatal death and no birth defects., Discussion: Women with EEC can have successful pregnancies, though at increased risk for preterm delivery and SABs. In our cohort, the rate of SAB is similar to that described in prior studies. Symptomatic UTIs likely due to self-catheterization were common. Cesarean delivery using a paramedian skin incision and classical uterine incision were not associated with major complications in this cohort. Limitations include reliance on retrospective data and small sample size. The strength of this study is the longitudinal detailed management of pregnancies in EEC women by a single team over time. A multidisciplinary approach to providing a continuum of care from pediatrics through adolescence to adulthood optimizes successful transitions, reproductive health, and successful pregnancies. Based on our experience, an algorithm providing guidance for pregnancy management was developed., (Copyright © 2015 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the implementation of a program that provides long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) services within school-based health centers (SBHCs) and to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation as reported by SBHC clinicians and administrators, public health officials, and community partners., Methods: We conducted 14 semistructured interviews with key informants involved in the implementation of LARC services. Key informants included SBHC clinicians and administrators, public health officials, and community partners. We used a content analysis approach to analyze interview transcripts for themes. We explored barriers to and facilitators of LARC service delivery across and within key informant groups., Results: The most cited barriers across key informant groups were as follows: perceived lack of provider procedural skills and bias and negative attitudes about LARC methods. The most common facilitators identified across groups were as follows: clear communication strategies, contraceptive counseling practice changes, provider trainings, and stakeholder engagement. Two additional barriers emerged in specific key informant groups. Technical and logistical barriers to LARC service delivery were cited heavily by SBHC administrative staff, community partners, and public health officials. Expense and billing was a major barrier to SBHC administrative staff., Conclusions: LARC counseling and procedural services can be implemented in an SBHC setting to promote access to effective contraceptive options for adolescent women., (Copyright © 2015 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: The purpose of this case series was to evaluate the efficacy and complication rate with use of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods in adolescents with cardiovascular conditions., Design and Participants: We performed a retrospective chart review of adolescents age 22 or younger with congenital cardiac anomalies or major cardiovascular conditions who had a LARC device placed at Seattle Children's Hospital or University of Washington Medical Center between January 1, 2007 and March 1, 2012., Main Outcome Measures: Patient characteristics, medical conditions, indications, and complications including perforation, pregnancy, expulsion, and pelvic infection were collected and analyzed., Results: Thirty adolescents with congenital cardiac anomalies or other cardiovascular conditions had a LARC device inserted during the study period. Mean age at placement was 17.7 years (range 12-22). Twelve patients (40%) had reported a previous pregnancy and 12 (40%) had never been sexually active at time of placement. Common primary and secondary indications were desired contraception (22 patients, 73%), desired menstrual suppression (15 subjects, 50%) and treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (8 subjects, 27%). Twenty-nine patients had a structural cardiac anomaly. There were 27 levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices (IUD), 1 copper IUD, and 3 etonogestrel implants placed. There were 2 confirmed IUD expulsions and 1 removal due to persistent irregular bleeding and cramping. There were no cases of pelvic inflammatory disease or pregnancies with LARC methods in place. Twenty-seven (90%) patients were continuing LARC at last follow-up., Conclusions: In this small case series of adolescents with cardiovascular conditions, LARC devices were effective at pregnancy prevention without serious complications., (Copyright © 2014 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The degree of exposure to Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (PAG) varies across academic programs in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Adolescent Medicine. Nevertheless, these programs are responsible to train residents and provide opportunities within their training programs to fulfill PAG learning objectives. To that end, North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology has taken a leadership role in PAG resident education by disseminating the Short Curriculum with specific learning objectives and list of essential resources where key concepts in PAG can be covered., (Copyright © 2014 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Ovarian pathology in children is common and the pathology can be quite diverse. The most common benign ovarian tumor in childhood is a teratoma. In this article, we discuss the origin of these germ cell tumors followed by a complete discussion of ovarian pathology., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)