New: Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic

The Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center has recently launched this new service specifically for girls and adolescents. The clinic provides care for patients with conditions affecting the reproductive system, pubertal development, and the menstrual cycle. It also serves patients who require specially tailored care, including girls and adolescents with physical, developmental, or cognitive special needs, as well as girls and adolescents who have experienced sexual assault and need a safe and supportive environment.

When Should You Visit the Clinic?

You are welcome to visit the clinic for consultation or guidance regarding any gynecologic question or concern. During infancy and early childhood, an evaluation is recommended for labial adhesions, itching, burning, redness, pain, or vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding in a girl who has not yet begun menstruating, suspected congenital abnormalities of the reproductive tract, signs of early puberty, or any change in the genital area that causes concern for the child or her parents.

During later childhood and adolescence, an evaluation is recommended for severe menstrual pain, especially if it results in missed school or interferes with daily activities, heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding requiring very frequent changes of pads or tampons, passage of large blood clots, weakness or suspected anemia, irregular menstrual cycles, whether infrequent or unusually frequent, absence of menstruation for a prolonged period, concerns about delayed development, significant acne, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), or suspected polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pelvic pain, vaginal pain, or pain associated with the onset of sexual activity, unusual vaginal discharge, itching, burning, or recurrent infections, as well as for consultation and guidance before becoming sexually active or when choosing an appropriate method of contraception.

Dr. Hila Weinberger at the new Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center

A Sensitive, Nonjudgmental Environment

"Girls and adolescents are not simply 'small women.' Gynecologic conditions at these ages often differ from those seen in adult women, and the clinical encounter and examination must be tailored to the patient's age, stage of development, and level of maturity," says Dr. Hila Weinberger, Senior Gynecologist and Director of the Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center.

"A first visit to a gynecologist can be intimidating and embarrassing. This clinic is especially for them, providing a sensitive and nonjudgmental environment where every step of the visit is explained in advance, unnecessary examinations are avoided, and the patient is actively involved in decisions about her body. In addition, the clinic offers a broad range of services in one location. When needed, patients receive multidisciplinary care from a team of specialists representing multiple disciplines."

The clinic is open on Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Patients should bring a referral authorization (Form 17) from their health fund for a gynecologic consultation. Every patient is welcome to attend with a companion, particularly girls under the age of 18. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Appointment Scheduling Center at *6742.