Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
Atrium Health Levine Children’s Adolescent Gynecology provides specialized care for children with even the rarest gynecologic conditions. We see kids of all ages – from newborns to young adults – and understand the unique physical, mental and developmental needs of each age group.
In addition to being the area’s sole pediatric gynecology program, our team is led by the only fellowship-trained pediatric and adolescent gynecologist in the greater Charlotte region. With our years of training and experience in this highly specialized field, you can have peace of mind knowing your child is getting the best care possible.
Appointments by referral only.
Ask your child’s pediatrician if pediatric gynecology is right for them.
Call 704-667-0115 to speak to a member of our team and learn more.
What to expect at appointments
It’s common for your child (and you!) to feel a little nervous before their first gynecology appointment. The good news is most of our patients find the visits to be much easier and more comfortable than they expected.
First, your child’s pediatric gynecologist will spend time getting to know them and their medical history in a private exam room. We’ll go over your questions and concerns, including the reason for the visit.
Parents are always welcome at appointments, but as your child becomes a preteen, you may be asked to wait outside the exam room for a portion of the visit. This gives your child a chance to have a one-on-one conversation with their provider and helps them feel empowered in their health. It also provides a relaxed space for them to ask questions they might be too embarrassed to ask in front of their parents.
Although pelvic exams are rarely performed during pediatric gynecology visits, we might perform a physical exam. This can include a brief examination of the child’s abdomen, chest, pelvis and the outer area of their genitals. We’ll carefully explain what we’re doing throughout the examination and ensure your child feels safe and comfortable.
We’ll also perform routine, age-appropriate tests and screenings. Some bloodwork can be taken during the visit at our on-site laboratory, or we can seamlessly refer you to our clinical partners if more specialized tests are needed.
Gynecologic conditions we treat
Your child’s pediatrician can address many general gynecologic concerns. But a pediatric gynecologist is specially trained to treat rare and unique conditions, like:
- Adnexal masses (tumors)
- Breast problems (non-surgical)
- Congenital reproductive tract disorders
- Disorders of sexual development (DSD), including Turner syndrome and androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS)
- Endometriosis
- HPV-related diseases
- Hymen abnormalities
- Labial adhesions
- Labial hypertrophy
- Lichen sclerosus
- Menstrual problems including amenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding and dysmenorrhea
- Pelvic and vulvar pain
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
- Prepubertal vaginal bleeding
- Puberty concerns
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Trauma or injury to the genitalia
- Vulvar dermatologic concerns
- Vulvovaginitis
Pediatric and adolescent gynecology services
Your child’s care depends on their age, condition and personal needs. Our services can include:
- Evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic conditions
- On-site lab services for bloodwork and other specimens
- Screenings, including for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy
- Intrauterine device (IUD) and contraceptive implantation placement and removal
- Puberty-blocking implant insertion and removal
- Menstrual suppression for patients with certain disabilities
- Simple hymenectomies and vaginoscopies that can be performed in-office
- Gynecologic care for children with cancer or blood disorders
Frequently asked questions
Pediatric and adolescent gynecology treats children with conditions affecting the reproductive tract (vulva, vagina, uterus and ovaries). They also help identify and treat problems associated with puberty development and menstruation and can provide contraception tailored to the specific health needs of each patient.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the standard recommended age for the first reproductive health visit is between 13 and 15 years old. Many pediatricians provide this care routinely during well-child visits.
However, if your child has a rare or unique gynecologic concern, they might need to see a pediatric gynecologist sooner. Pediatric gynecologists treat children as young as newborns all the way to young adults.
Although your child’s pediatrician can address many general gynecologic concerns, a pediatric gynecologist is best to treat rare or unique conditions.
Pediatric and adolescent gynecology is similar to adult gynecology, but pediatric gynecologists specialize in care for infants, adolescents and teens. In addition to caring for their physical condition, we understand the unique mental, emotional and developmental needs of children at every age.
Pelvic exams are rarely performed during pediatric gynecology visits. If we think a pelvic exam is necessary due to your child’s condition, we will discuss it together to ensure you both are comfortable.
Absolutely! Especially around age 11, we ask parents to wait outside the exam room for a portion of the visit. This empowers our patients to better understand their health and advocate for themselves.
Although we encourage our patients to discuss health issues with their parents, speaking with their doctor one-on-one helps them open up about any questions they might be too embarrassed to ask in front of their parents.
Building trust with our patients is important, and confidentiality will be kept between the patient and doctor. However, confidentiality might be broken if there is a concern for the patient’s safety.
For referring providers
We’d love to partner with you to care for your patients. All patients will need a referral stating the reason for referral, accompanied by any relevant office visits, labs and radiology reports.
For referrals from outside Atrium Health, providers may fax referrals to 704-381-0281.
For internal referrals from within Atrium Health, an ambulatory gynecology referral can be placed in EPIC to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Adolescent Gynecology, or an E-consult may be placed (for participating specialties).
We’re happy to answer questions ahead of time to make sure visits are scheduled appropriately. Urgent referrals will be prioritized.
Your pediatric gynecology care team
Erin Cook, MD, is the only fellowship-trained pediatric and adolescent gynecologist in the greater Charlotte region and has years of training and experience in managing the unique gynecologic needs of children and adolescents.
In addition to the care within our office, Dr. Cook works closely with specialists in bleeding disorders, gender health care, weight management and more across Atrium Health Levine Children’s.
Atrium Health Levine Children's Adolescent Gynecology
1001 Blythe Blvd., 4100B
Charlotte, NC 28203
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