Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
Pediatric and adolescent gynecology focuses on care of the female reproductive system. Our team includes pediatricians who specialize in adolescent gynecology and OB/GYNs with a focus on pediatric and adolescent gynecology and surgery. Together, we provide your child with comprehensive care at every stage. Our experts are specially trained to care for young patients. We speak to children and teens with empathy at their level to ensure they receive comprehensive care. This means we take extra time with your child during gynecological exams.
We usually see patients for the first time at ages 13 to 15, but may see younger patients for injuries, infection and other health concerns. We care for female patients up to age 21 at Monroe Carell before transferring their care to the Vanderbilt Center for Women's Health.
Conditions We Treat
We treat all gynecological conditions, including:
- Delayed pubertal development
- Early pubertal development
- Hymenal abnormalities
- Labial adhesions
Meet Your Care Team
Debra K. Braun-CourvilleMD
- Acne, Adolescent Medicine, Adolescent Primary Care, Adolescent and Young Adult Health, Contraception, Eating Disorders, Menstrual Disorders
Celeste O. HemingwayMD, MHPE
- Adolescent and Young Adult Health, General Obstetrics, Gynecologic Surgery, Gynecology, Menstrual Disorders, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
Tara A. NielsenDO, MPH
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, General Gynecology, General Obstetrics, Gynecology, Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Mary E. RomanoMD, MPH
- Adolescent Medicine, Adolescent Primary Care, Adolescent and Young Adult Health, Contraception, Eating Disorders, Menstrual Disorders
Why Choose Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology at Vanderbilt
- Experienced care
Your care team features board-certified gynecologic surgeons. The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology recognizes us as a Focused Practice in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. This means you will receive the highest quality gynecology care along with primary care services in the same clinic.
- Recognized care
We are designated as a Clinic of Excellence by the Foundation for Women & Girls with Blood Disorders.
- Guidance toward adult care
We strive to create positive early experiences with gynecologic care for young patients. Going to the gynecologist for your annual exam doesn't have to feel scary. We help move patients toward greater independence as they transition to adulthood, helping them to accept more responsibility for their ongoing health needs, including making decisions about contraception.
- Contraception counseling
The American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) as the most effective method for adolescent and young adults. These methods may include hormone-releasing contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs), which are available to our patients in the office setting. We can begin many contraceptive options the same day as your appointment. We counsel patients and their families on birth control methods to help them decide what best meeds their needs.
Tests, Treatments and Services
We offer a full range of tests, treatments and services, including:
- Evaluation for menstrual disorders - irregular periods, heavy periods, dysmenorrhea or cramping with periods, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Counseling for menstrual suppression in girls with developmental delay or intellectual disabilities.
- Contraception options for the medically complex patient, such as girls with developmental delay or cognitive impairment with young women's health needs
- Pregnancy options counseling
- Annual exams
- Gynecological surgery consultation and follow-up
- Imaging scans
- Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
- Pregnancy testing
- Routine lab work