Common Gynecologic Problems in Prepubertal Girls
June 2006
in “
Pediatrics in Review
”
TLDR Most genital symptoms in prepubertal girls are normal or nontraumatic, not signs of abuse.
The document discussed the challenges pediatricians faced in assessing gynecologic symptoms in prepubertal girls. It highlighted that while adult pelvic examinations were standard in medical education, pediatricians often lacked training in examining infants and prepubertal children. The emphasis on recognizing child sexual abuse increased anxiety among pediatricians during examinations, despite abuse rarely being diagnosed through physical complaints alone. The article aimed to improve pediatricians' comfort and competence in conducting these examinations.
