Adolescent Gynecological Problems in a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Aim: To study the magnitude of different gynecological problems of adolescents attending the Outpatient and Inpatient Departments of Government Medical College, Kozhikode, the various causative factors and the treatment modalities. Materials and methods: This was a prospective study where a total of 400 girls in the age-group of 13–18 years attending the Outpatient and Inpatient Departments of Government Medical College, Kozhikode, between January 2019 and June 2020 satisfying the inclusion criteria were followed up to find out the type of gynecological problems and the treatment required. Data were collected by using pro forma after obtaining patients consent. Patients were followed up to study the type of gynecological problems and the treatment required. Data were entered in MS Excel spreadsheet and analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Results: Out of 400 adolescents, menstrual disorders were seen in 68.8% and ovarian tumors in 20.8% of girls. Around 6.0% had leukorrhea. Among 275 cases with menstrual problems, almost 81.8% of the cases were abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Around 12.0% of dysmenorrhea cases, 1.5% of primary amenorrhea cases, and 4.7% of secondary amenorrhea cases were also noted. Among 160 AUB cases, almost 15.0% of the cases were treated with blood transfusion or hematinic or hormones, and 85.0% of the cases were managed with hormones and hematinic. Conclusion: Heavy menstrual bleeding was the most common menstrual disorder in our study accounting for about 54.7% cases of which 12.2% girls required blood transfusion in view of severe anemia. Ovarian tumors were the second most common problem in our study (17.3%). Clinical significance: For early detection of adolescent problems and effective management of adolescent health, an adolescent clinic is the appropriate solution. They help improve their quality of life and help their transition into adulthood.