Klinefelter Syndrome

Some boys are slower to develop than their peers, and many boys are quiet and shy. There’s a normal range when it comes to physical and social development. But sometimes these qualities show up alongside learning problems or trouble paying attention in school. When this happens, it could be an …

Menstrual Problems

The teen years can be difficult — for both teens and parents. Physical changes during puberty can make adolescents feel awkward and unsure of themselves. This is especially true for girls when it comes to menstruation. For a girl, getting her first period is a physical milestone and a sign …

Miscarriages

Understanding Miscarriage Losing a pregnancy can be heartbreaking. And unfortunately, miscarriages are fairly common. On average, about 1 in 5 pregnancies will end in a miscarriage — usually in the first trimester. In most cases, a miscarriage cannot be prevented because it is the result of a chromosomal abnormality or …

Precocious Puberty

Puberty is when kids develop physically and emotionally into young men and women. Usually, this starts to happen in adolescence — no earlier than about 7 to 8 years of age in girls (the average age is about 10) and 9 years of age for boys (the average age is about …

Testicular Torsion

For most boys, talking seriously about their private parts can be a little embarrassing. And for teen boys, the topic is strictly off-limits — especially in front of their moms. But if you have a son, it’s important that he knows to tell you or a health care provider if …

Turner Syndrome

Turner syndrome, a medical disorder that affects about 1 in every 2,500 girls, is a genetic condition in which a female does not have the usual pair of two X chromosomes. Girls who have this condition usually are shorter than average and infertile due to early loss of ovarian function. …

Vaginal Yeast Infections

Yeast infections (also known as candidiasis) are common infections caused by candida albicans, a type of fungus. Yeast infections usually happen in warm, moist parts of the body, such as the mouth, and moist areas of skin. When an infection is in the vagina, it is known as vulvovaginal candidiasis. …

Your Daughter’s First Gynecology Visit

As girls grow into teens, it’s important that they receive appropriate medical care. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends that young women have their first visit with an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) between the ages of 13 and 15. For most teens, the first visit will include an external …