Young women have many changing health needs that require specialized care. At Riley at IU Health, our adolescent medicine doctors and pediatric-adolescent gynecologists have advanced training in caring for a wide range of health concerns that affect young women, from menstrual problems to eating disorders.
Many young women have questions about their changing bodies. They may want to know more about how to have a healthy body and body image, how to eat right and exercise or whether they have normal menstrual periods. Young women may be uncomfortable asking their primary care doctor or pediatrician about these issues but also not feel old enough to go to a gynecologist.
The Young Women’s Health Program at Riley at IU Health is designed to help fill this need for young women so they can receive high-quality, accessible healthcare. Doctors with the Young Women’s Health Program offer expert, confidential care to adolescent women ages 12 to 24. This program is unique in Indiana: It is the only program to offer care specifically designed for young women. Our physicians have years of experience and fellowship training in young women’s healthcare.
We offer a full range of services, including care for chronic conditions, contraceptive services, sexually transmitted infection testing, counseling and referral to other healthcare professionals with advanced training in eating disorders, mental health issues and nutrition. We also provide care for young women with health conditions such as congenital heart disease and cystic fibrosis or survivors of cancer whose reproductive health may have been affected by these conditions.
Patients in the Young Women’s Health Program see their adolescent medicine doctor or pediatric gynecologist once a year or more frequently depending on their health. During appointments, young women have the opportunity to ask any questions they have in a comfortable, safe environment. Patients can expect complete confidentiality from physicians. Patients may also have lab tests, a gynecological exam, a breast exam or imaging tests to diagnose or monitor conditions.
Though parents may be asked to leave the room during the appointment, our doctors strive to include parents whenever appropriate. Parents may speak to doctors about any worries, ask questions and learn more about how to build a strong relationship with their teenager.
Related Departments
Related Departments
The Young Women’s Health Program is composed of expert specialists in the following departments who are trained to care for adolescents.
Health Professionals
For Health Professionals
We receive referrals to the Young Women’s Health Program from across Indiana. We assist primary care physicians and specialists in managing and improving young women’s health.
Our expert doctors also research topics that impact young women’s health, such as reproductive health, prevention of sexually transmitted infections and vaccinations.
Refer A Patient
Riley at IU Health works with referring physicians in Indiana and beyond.
Refer A PatientResearch
Visit the Section of the Department of Pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine for more information about the latest research in the field of young women's health.
Education
We host a three-year fellowship program in adolescent medicine. During fellowship, physicians spend time with the Young Women’s Health Program to learn about adolescent women’s needs. Nurses, social workers, nutritionists and psychologists also learn in the program during a year-long adolescent medicine seminar funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau.
Pediatric and family medicine residents spend time in our department learning how to better care for young adults. Medical students may take an elective rotation during their fourth year of school.