Quick answer
What gynaecological problems are most common in adolescence?
Menstrual disorders are by far the most common — painful periods, irregular cycles and heavy bleeding. Abnormal vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, absent periods and sexually transmitted infections make up most of the rest. Period pain severe enough to keep a girl off school is not normal and should be assessed rather than endured.
Girls encounter a fairly predictable set of gynaecological problems as they move from childhood into adolescence. Most are common, most are manageable, and almost all of them are easier to deal with when they are raised early rather than endured quietly.
1. Menstrual disorders
The most common category by a distance.
Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea). Cramping severe enough to interfere with school and daily life. Studies put the prevalence among adolescent girls somewhere between fifty and eighty per cent, which tells you how normal it is to have — and how abnormal it is that so many girls are told to simply cope.
Irregular cycles. Common in the early years, but sometimes pointing to a hormonal cause such as polycystic ovary syndrome.
Heavy bleeding (menorrhagia). Can lead to anaemia and needs proper assessment rather than management with iron tablets alone.
2. Vaginal discharge
Abnormal discharge often indicates an infection such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush. It causes discomfort and a good deal of embarrassment, and it is straightforward to treat once someone looks at it.
3. Pelvic pain
Frequently reported, and may relate to menstrual disorders, urinary tract infection or a condition such as endometriosis. Persistent pelvic pain in a teenager deserves investigation, not reassurance alone.
4. Absent periods (amenorrhoea)
Periods that have not started, or have stopped. Causes include stress, heavy exercise, low body weight and underlying medical conditions. Worth assessing rather than waiting out.
5. Sexually transmitted infections
Risk rises as some adolescents become sexually active, and many are not well informed about safe sex. Testing is confidential.
6. The psychological side
Menstruation and gynaecological problems can bring real anxiety, made worse by the stigma still attached to discussing them. Supportive, non-judgemental counselling is part of the treatment, not an optional extra.
7. Not knowing
Many girls simply have not been given good information about their own bodies, which breeds misunderstanding and a reluctance to ask for help. Comprehensive, factual education is the single most useful intervention on this list.
When to bring your daughter in
If periods are keeping her off school, if bleeding is heavy enough to worry you, if there is pain between periods, or if she has questions she would rather ask someone who is not a parent.
Arrange an appointment. Adolescent consultations can be done with or without a parent in the room, whichever she prefers.
