How to Choose the Right Pediatric Gynecologist for Kid

No one wants to mess with their child’s health. When you need to see a gynaecologist (for fussing vulval irritation, late periods or painful periods at your daughter’s first menstrual cycle) you want to know that you’re dealing with someone who REALLY knows how to deal with children. Someone qualified, someone who can explain things in the right way and most importantly, someone with a child-friendly atmosphere.

We’ll show you what you need to look out for, what questions you should be asking and when to seek help.

What Is Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology?

Paediatric and adolescent gynaecology, also known as PAG, is a sub-specialty of medicine dealing with gynaecological disorders from birth until early adulthood. The British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology (BritSPAG) defines paediatric and adolescent gynaecology as encompassing everything from vulval skin disorders/labial adhesions in infancy through to menstrual problems, ovarian cysts and hormonal issues during the teenage years.

You should know that paediatric gynaecology isn't an adult gynaecologist just done on a small person. The anatomy and physiology is different as is the psychosocial context. Girls' bodies react differently to infection, hormonal changes and examination pre-puberty than women's bodies do.

The most common reasons children are referred to a paediatric gynaecologist include:

• Vulvovaginitis: inflammation of the vulva and vagina, which is the most frequent gynaecological complaint in prepubertal girls, particularly common between ages 2 and 7

• Labial adhesions: where the inner labia fuse together, most common between 3 months and 3 years of age

• Heavy, irregular, or painful periods in adolescents

• Lichen sclerosus: a chronic skin condition causing itching and soreness around the vulva

• Delayed or early puberty

• Ovarian cysts in post-pubertal patients

• Primary amenorrhoea: when menstruation has not started by age 16

Most of these conditions are manageable in a specialist outpatient setting. Only a small proportion require surgery.

When Should You See a Paediatric Gynaecologist?

Timing can be tricky. Honestly. Your GP will most likely be your best first port of call and they will be able to refer you through the NHS system in the majority of cases. Ages seen at paediatric and adolescent gynaecology services in the UK range from age 2 through to around age 20. NHS Trust dependent. 

Here are the signs that warrant a prompt referral to a specialist rather than a wait-and-see approach:

• Persistent vaginal discharge or vulval soreness that does not resolve with hygiene measures

• Visible skin changes around the vulva, including pallor, erosions, or marked redness

• Vaginal bleeding in a pre-menarchal child (before periods have started)

• Periods that are so painful or heavy that they interfere with school and daily activities

• No start to menstruation by age 16 (if puberty has otherwise progressed normally)

• Menstruation that has stopped for six or more consecutive months

• Signs of early or delayed puberty

If your child shows any of these, request a GP referral or seek a best private gynaecologist appointment without delay. Waiting lists for NHS paediatric gynaecology services can be lengthy. UCLH currently notes waiting times of over six months for non-urgent cases, so acting early gives you more options.

Key Qualities to Look for in the Right Paediatric Gynecologist for Your Child

Choosing well matters. The wrong environment or approach can leave a young patient anxious and reluctant to engage with medical care for years afterwards. Here is what to prioritise.

1. Specialist Training in Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology

Not every gynaecologist has experience working with children. You want someone whose practice includes PAG as a defined area of work, not just an occasional referral. In the UK, BritSPAG maintains a network of professionals working in this area across NHS and private settings. Look for a consultant who references PAG work explicitly in their profile.

2. A Child-Friendly Clinic Environment

Physical examination can be anxiety-provoking for children, even when carried out gently and respectfully. A good specialist will always explain what they are doing, proceed only with full consent, and offer a chaperone. The clinic environment itself matters too. A paediatric wing or age-appropriate outpatient setting feels very different to a standard adult gynaecology clinic, and that difference matters for younger patients.

3. Clear Communication at Every Age

A six-year-old and a sixteen-year-old need completely different communication styles. The right paediatric gynaecologist adjusts their language accordingly, speaks directly to the child or teenager rather than just to the parent, and takes time to answer questions clearly. If a clinic's first call with you feels rushed or dismissive, that is information worth taking seriously.

4. A Multidisciplinary Approach Where Needed

Some conditions, such as differences of sexual development, Turner syndrome, or the gynaecological effects of childhood cancer treatment, require input from several specialties at once. Endocrinologists, psychologists, urologists, and geneticists may all be part of a coordinated care team. When looking at a right paediatric gynecologist for your child, ask whether they work within a multidisciplinary team or have clear referral pathways to one.

5. Rapid Diagnostics and Clear Next Steps

You should not leave an appointment without a clear understanding of what was found, what it means, and what happens next. Same-day or next-day results for swabs and blood tests are available at some private clinics, which can cut the anxiety of waiting considerably.

6. A Respectful Approach to Consent and Privacy

For teenagers especially, the question of what parents are told and what stays between the patient and doctor is genuinely important. A good specialist will discuss this openly. For all patients under 16, a parent or guardian must attend, but the teenager's own concerns and preferences should still be heard and respected within that setting.

Questions to Ask Before Booking an Appointment

Before committing to a specialist, it is reasonable to make a quick enquiry call or check the clinic's website for answers to these:

1. Does the specialist have experience in paediatric and adolescent gynaecology specifically?

2. Are consultations held in a child-appropriate environment?

3. Is a chaperone always available during examinations?

4. What diagnostics (ultrasound, blood tests, swabs) are available on-site?

5. What is the typical waiting time for an appointment and for results?

6. Is the specialist BUPA-recognised or covered by other private health insurance?

   
   

NHS vs Private: Understanding Your Options in the UK

Of course on the NHS your referral will come from your GP. However, a negative is that paediatric gynaecology clinic wait times are long at most NHS Trusts. If your daughter’s symptoms are bothering her now (whether that be painful periods causing absence from school, constant vulval discomfort or extreme anxiety around a gynaecological issue) then waiting 6 months+ is not always feasible.

With private care you have quicker access to appointments, flexibility when it comes to timing and often a more relaxed clinical atmosphere. If finances are your worry, firstly check to see if your family are covered by private health insurance through work. Many private health plans cover paediatric gynaecology appointments. Clinics who are BUPA recognised for example, deal directly with the patient to sort out the administration if you are insured.

Clinics with expertise in both gynaecology and women’s health issues provide added benefit for your teenager. If they require a pelvic ultrasound scan along with a consultation, being able to access both services on the day means they don’t have to return separately which can reduce anxiety around attending clinical environments.

How to Prepare Your Child for the Appointment

This is something many parents do not think about in advance, and it is worth a few minutes of preparation.

For younger children, keep the explanation simple and truthful. "The doctor is going to look at your tummy and ask some questions. They won't do anything without telling you first." For older children and teenagers, let them know they can tell the doctor anything without being judged, and that they can ask for a break or stop the examination at any time.

Bring a list of symptoms written down, including when they started, how often they occur, and anything that makes them better or worse. For menstrual concerns, a period tracking app or diary is enormously helpful. Even a few months of data gives the specialist a much clearer picture than memory alone.

Finding a Specialist Through myGynaePlus

If you live near West London you might want to consider visiting myGynaePlus. It's an independent women's health clinic specialising in gynaecology services in London, obstetrics and ultrasound led by consultant gynaecologists with experience in both the NHS and private sectors. The clinic is recognised by BUPA and has access to on-site diagnostics (pelvic ultrasound, blood tests, hormones) with results available the same day or next day for most tests.

Although myGynaePlus only treats adults, the doctors there will be able to advise on where to get referred if needed as appropriate (they have seen lots of teenagers) and the team includes doctors with experience in the hormonal problems and problems with periods that many teenagers start to experience from a young age.

Book your Appointments now. 

A Note on Red Flags to Avoid

Not every clinic advertising gynaecology services has relevant expertise for children and teenagers. Be cautious if:

• The clinic has no mention of child or adolescent patients in its communications

• There is no option for a chaperone during examination

• You cannot speak to anyone by phone before booking

• The clinic cannot tell you clearly what diagnostics are available on the day

• Consultations feel heavily rushed and there is no written summary or plan provided afterwards

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: At what age should a child first see a paediatric gynaecologist?

There is no fixed age for a first appointment. Children can be referred from as young as 2 for concerns such as labial adhesions or vulvovaginitis. Teenagers are commonly seen for menstrual problems, ovarian cysts, or concerns about puberty. The trigger is always symptoms, not age alone.

Q: What happens during a paediatric gynaecology appointment?

The specialist will take a detailed history of your child's symptoms, lifestyle, and medical background. A physical examination is only carried out if it is clinically necessary and always with consent. A chaperone is standard practice. Investigations such as a pelvic ultrasound or blood tests may be arranged the same day or shortly afterwards.

Q: Do I need a GP referral to see a paediatric gynaecologist privately?

No. Private clinics accept self-referrals directly. You can contact the clinic, explain your concern, and book an appointment without needing your GP's involvement first. That said, informing your GP is good practice so your child's medical record stays up to date.

Q: Can a paediatric gynaecologist assess heavy or painful periods in teenagers?

Yes, and this is actually one of the most common reasons adolescents are seen in paediatric and adolescent gynaecology clinics. If periods are consistently interfering with school, sleep, or daily life, that warrants assessment. Conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, and bleeding disorders can all present this way.

Q: My daughter is 15 and refuses to see a gynaecologist. What should I do?

This is more common than you might think. Start by having an honest conversation about what the appointment actually involves. Many teenagers picture internal examinations as routine, when in fact the approach for younger patients is far less invasive. Ask her what would make her more comfortable: a female doctor, a parent present or absent, or reading about the clinic beforehand. Many specialists at clinics like myGynaePlus are experienced in putting anxious young patients at ease.