Adolescent Reproductive Health

At Seattle Children’s, you have a team behind you, from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up.

Research shows that a person’s physical, emotional and social development during adolescence can affect their overall health throughout their life. Our Adolescent Reproductive Health providers have specialized training in adolescent medicine, giving them a deeper understanding of the development that happens during adolescence and early adulthood. This helps us create a care plan that uniquely addresses your development now and in the future. 

Our team is involved in research that is transforming the diagnosis, treatment and care of reproductive and sexual health issues. We focus on promoting sexual health and reducing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections among adolescents and young adults.

Our research includes:

• Early sexual health education
  • Sexual and reproductive health training for pediatric residents
  • Access to sexual and reproductive health care for adolescents
  • Adolescent Use of long-acting reversible contraceptives such as the intrauterine device (IUD) and contraceptive implant
  • Medical education in reproductive justice
• Interactive computer-based interventions to promote health and reduce risky behaviors

An abnormal menstrual period (PDF) is when you have bleeding that falls outside the normal range for menstrual periods. This may mean that your bleeding is heavy, irregular or both. Heavy bleeding is called menorrhagia. Sometimes, abnormal menstrual periods can lead to you losing a lot of blood and may cause low levels of iron in your blood (iron-deficient anemia). Read more about breakthrough bleeding (light menstrual bleeding) (PDF) (Spanish).

Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common vaginal infections. It happens when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. Symptoms can include vaginal discharge with a fishy odor, vaginal irritation and general discomfort. 

We help find safe and effective methods for family planning, including the use of birth control (contraceptives). Birth control can also be used for other medical problems, such as heavy or irregular bleeding, cramps and hormone imbalance. Read more about continuous birth control pill use (PDF) (Spanish).

Endometriosis (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis) is when tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. The most common places where endometriosis happens are the ovaries; the fallopian tubes; the bowel; and the areas in front, back and to the sides of the uterus. Some people with endometriosis have few or no symptoms, while others have pain or difficulty getting pregnant. The best treatment depends on your individual situation.

Gynecomastia (guy-nuh-koh-MAS-tee-uh) is a common condition where breast tissue swells in people assigned male at birth. It can happen when 2 hormones (estrogen and testosterone) are out of balance. Young people with gynecomastia often feel embarrassed or self-conscious.

Some people experience painful cramping during their menstrual period. The medical term is dysmenorrhea (DIS-men-or-REE-a). Sometimes the pain and other symptoms cause people to miss school, work, sports or other important activities. Read more about pain with your menstrual period. (PDF) (Spanish)

Menstrual suppression is a way of using hormone medicines to make periods lighter or stop them completely. Learn more about menstrual suppression for adolescents. (PDF) (Spanish)

A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can grow anywhere in the body, including the ovaries. Cysts can happen to people of all ages. Some people have no symptoms, while others may experience discomfort or pain. Learn more about ovarian cysts. (PDF) (Spanish)

In PCOS, the ovaries may not have a typical balance of hormones (estrogen, progesterone and androgens). The ovaries may enlarge and may develop many small, fluid-filled sacs (cysts). People with PCOS may not have a period each month. They may have acne or grow more hair on their body than usual. In some cases, PCOS may be treated with medicines to balance hormones and control menstrual periods.

Many people who menstruate feel physical or mood changes days before their menstrual period starts. PMDD is when your premenstrual symptoms are severe and cause problems in school, work and personal relationships. People with PMDD may feel hopelessness, anxiety, extreme moodiness or anger.

STIs are infections that are passed between people during intimate or sexual contact. Different types of germs cause different infections. Some people have no symptoms at all. Others have symptoms like discharge, discomfort or pain. Without treatment, STIs can cause lasting damage to reproductive organs. Common STIs include chlamydia, genital herpes and gonorrhea.

We can help find safe and effective methods for family planning, including the use of birth control (contraceptives). Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) may also help treat certain gynecological conditions, including some problems with periods. We also offer long-term contraceptives that are reliable and safe in teens, such as IUDs and the contraceptive implant.

Medicines may help with many gynecological problems like vaginal infections or skin irritations. Hormones may improve some conditions, including PCOS. Seattle Children’s Reproductive and Sexual Health team provides a full range of medical treatments for reproductive health concerns.

We offer treatment for heavy or painful periods, seizures linked to periods, endometriosis and other conditions. We can also help if there are developmental or healthcare needs that make it hard to manage periods. Options include hormones taken by mouth (orally) or through a skin patch (transdermally), hormonal shots, IUDs (intrauterine devices) and other treatments.