Adolescent girl – the gordian knot

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to review the gynecological problems of the adolescent population attending the gynaecological outpatient department. Materials and Methods: The records of 75 adolescent girls in the age group 10-19 years attending the gynaecology outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital from July 2015 - December 2016 were analysed. Data regarding age at menarche, menstrual and marital history, history of gynaecological problems and other associated problems were also taken. General examination and clinical examination findings and lab reports such as hemogram, coagulogram, hormonal assay and pelvic ultrasound were analyzed from records. Results: Incidence of gynecological problem in our study was 6.25%. Different gynecological problems were menstrual disorders ( 60% ), leucorrhoea ( 10.66% ), infections ( 8% ), ovarian cyst ( 5.33%), sexual assault (2.66% ), teenage pregnancy (10.66% ) and infertility ( 2.66% ). Majority of girls with menstrual disorders suffered from puberty menorrhagia (55.55%). Abnormal uterine bleeding was diagnosed in 74.28% of girls suffering from puberty menorrhagia. Pelvic inflammatory disease was exclusively seen in married adolescent girls (8 %). Vaginal atresia and imperforate hymen were causes of primary amenorrhoea (4.44 %). PCOD was the commonest cause of secondary amenorrhoea amongst adolescents (17.77 %). Conclusion: Menstrual abnormalities are the most common problems of adolescent girls. Setting up adolescent clinics is desirable.

Keywords

• adolescent
• gynaecology
• complications