Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology Sheffield
Specialist gynaecological care for girls and young women in a sensitive, age-appropriate setting. Whether your daughter is experiencing painful or irregular periods, delayed puberty, or an unexplained gynaecological concern, I provide expert assessment and clear guidance — privately in Sheffield.
I am Yorkshire’s only private consultant offering a dedicated paediatric and adolescent gynaecology service. I am RCOG subspecialty trained and lead the NHS Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology service at Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. I offer private consultations at Spire Claremont Hospital and Circle Thornbury Hospital in Sheffield for girls from birth through to 18 years. I assess and treat period problems, pelvic pain, puberty concerns, PCOS, ovarian cysts, vulval conditions, and congenital gynaecological abnormalities. You do not need a GP referral for a private consultation.
Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology Sheffield —
Specialist Care from Infancy to 18 years age
I am Professor Swati Jha, an RCOG subspecialty-trained consultant and Yorkshire’s only private specialist offering a dedicated paediatric and adolescent gynaecology service. In my NHS role, I lead the Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology service at Royal Hallamshire Hospital — the tertiary referral centre for South Yorkshire and the surrounding region. I bring that same specialist expertise to my private practice, where I see girls and young women from infancy through to age 18 at Spire Claremont Hospital and Circle Thornbury Hospital in Sheffield.
I focus on diagnosing and managing period problems, puberty concerns, pelvic pain and hormonal conditions in girls and teenagers. A specialist consultation provides clear answers, reassurance, and a tailored treatment plan. Most appointments are non-invasive and focus on understanding symptoms rather than performing examinations.
Early assessment helps identify conditions such as dysmenorrhoea, heavy menstrual bleeding, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian cysts and vulvovaginitis, allowing simple and effective treatment.
👉 If you are worried about your child’s symptoms or unsure what is normal, a specialist assessment can provide clear answers and a practical plan.
Who I See — Girls from Infancy to 18
- Children (under 12) — vulvovaginitis, lichen sclerosus, prepubertal discharge, urinary symptoms with gynaecological cause
- Adolescents (12–18) — the full range: periods, puberty, PCOS, pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, endometriosis
Most consultations at all ages are non-invasive. I always discuss whether examination is needed and why, and I explain everything to both the child and the family in age-appropriate terms.
Conditions I Treat
I manage variety of medical conditons. Few of them are –
Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods)
Severe period pain is not something girls should simply tolerate. I assess whether pain is primary dysmenorrhoea or related to underlying pathology such as endometriosis, and I provide effective treatment rather than just analgesia. Early assessment and management can significantly reduce the impact on school attendance and quality of life.
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Bleeding that soaks through clothing, causes anaemia, or disrupts school attendance needs proper assessment, not reassurance that it will settle. I investigate underlying causes — including bleeding disorders, hormonal imbalance, and structural abnormalities — and offer medical and, where appropriate, surgical management tailored to age.
Irregular or absent periods (oligomenorrhoea and primary amenorrhoea)
Irregular cycles in the first one to two years after periods start are usually normal. Beyond that, or where periods have not started by age 15, further assessment is warranted. I evaluate whether this reflects normal variation, hormonal imbalance, PCOS, thyroid disorder, or an underlying structural abnormality.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is one of the most common hormonal conditions in adolescent girls and is frequently missed or dismissed in this age group. I diagnose and manage PCOS including its metabolic and hormonal consequences, and I provide long-term management plans that are appropriate for the teenager's age and stage — not simply an adult protocol applied downwards.
Ovarian cysts
Most ovarian cysts in young girls are benign functional cysts that resolve without intervention, but some require monitoring or surgery. I provide evidence-based reassurance where appropriate and manage complex or persistent cysts — including dermoid cysts and endometriomas — with minimally invasive surgery when needed, always with ovarian conservation as the priority.
Endometriosis in adolescents
Endometriosis is consistently underdiagnosed in teenagers because the pain is normalised as "bad periods." I have a low threshold for investigation in adolescents with significant dysmenorrhoea or pelvic pain, and I do not delay laparoscopy where the clinical picture warrants it. Early diagnosis and treatment reduces long-term reproductive consequences.
Early and delayed puberty
Concerns about pubertal timing — whether breast development is starting too early or periods have not arrived by the expected age — can cause significant anxiety for both the child and the family. I assess these in the context of overall growth, hormone levels, and family history, and refer for paediatric endocrinology input when indicated.
Vulvovaginitis
Vaginal discharge, itching, redness, and irritation in prepubertal girls are common presentations and usually benign, but they require accurate diagnosis to exclude infection, skin conditions, and foreign bodies. I take a careful history and examine where appropriate to give a clear explanation and targeted treatment rather than repeated courses of empirical medication.
Lichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic vulval skin condition that can affect girls of any age, including young children. It is often misdiagnosed as thrush or poor hygiene. Early diagnosis and treatment with the correct topical steroid prevents progressive scarring and the long-term complications associated with untreated disease.
Labial adhesions
Labial adhesions — the partial or complete fusion of the labia minora — are common in infants and young girls due to low oestrogen levels. The majority resolve spontaneously as oestrogen rises at puberty and can be managed conservatively. Where treatment is required, I use the least invasive approach appropriate.
Congenital gynaecological anomalies
I assess and manage structural abnormalities including imperforate hymen, vaginal septae, and Müllerian anomalies. Many of these are detected incidentally or at puberty when menstruation fails to establish normally. I coordinate with paediatric surgery, radiology, and clinical genetics where a multidisciplinary approach is needed.
Differences of sex development (DSD)
I provide careful, sensitive assessment of concerns about genital appearance or development, including differences of sex development. These cases are managed within a multidisciplinary framework involving paediatric endocrinology, clinical genetics, and psychology. I ensure the family receives honest, compassionate information and ongoing support throughout the diagnostic process.
Common reasons for consultation
It includes:
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)
- Heavy periods affecting school or daily life
- Irregular or absent periods
- Early or delayed puberty
- Vaginal discharge, itching or irritation
- Pelvic pain
- Ovarian cysts
- Suspected PCOS
- Concerns about genital development or appearance
👉 Many girls and teenagers experience gynaecological symptoms, but knowing what is normal and when to worry is often unclear.
Is this normal for my age?
Is it normal for periods to be irregular?
Yes, especially in the first few years. But long gaps, very heavy bleeding or prolonged periods need assessment.
Are painful periods normal?
Mild discomfort is common. Severe pain that affects school or sleep is not normal and should be assessed.
What about vaginal discharge?
Some discharge is normal. Itching, smell or irritation usually needs treatment.
When should you seek help?
- Periods not started by age 15
- Very heavy or prolonged periods
- Severe period pain
- Pelvic pain between periods
- Concerns about puberty timing
- Persistent vaginal symptoms
👉 If symptoms are affecting daily life, it is worth getting a specialist opinion early.
What to Expect — How I Approach Paediatric Gynaecology
I involve children and young people in decisions about their care and encourage appropriate support from parents or carers, while respecting the young person’s wishes and confidentiality.
- Examinations are performed only when clinically necessary, with explanation and valid consent.
- Young people can ask to speak privately. Confidentiality and its limits are explained, including when information may need to be shared for safeguarding or legal reasons.
- Investigations (ultrasound, blood tests, swabs) are requested only when they will change management.
- I avoid medicalising normal variation — a significant part of my role is providing reassurance and clear explanation.
For younger children, consultations are usually family-centred. The child is involved as much as possible, and their comfort, views and best interests guide care.
Paediatric Gynaecology for Families Across South Yorkshire and Beyond
I see patients from across Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster, Chesterfield and the wider Yorkshire and Humber region. Many families come to me having waited months on NHS lists or having been told their child does not yet meet the threshold for referral. A private consultation provides rapid access, a clear diagnosis, and a management plan — often with a single appointment.
No GP referral required. I accept self-referrals from families.
My Expertise in Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology
- RCOG subspecialty trained in Urogynaecology — one of a small number of UK consultants with formal subspecialty recognition
- NHS lead for Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology at Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals
- Honorary Professor, [University of Sheffield]
- Published author on paediatric and adolescent gynaecology — including a featured article in The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist (2024) (Read here)
- Member of BritSPAG (British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology)
- 4.98/5 Doctify rating from 191 verified patient reviews
COMMON QUESTIONS FOR FAMILIES ACROSS YORKSHIRE
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral to see a private paediatric gynaecologist?
No. You can book directly without a referral letter. I will explain what information may be shared with your GP for ongoing care, taking account of the young person’s wishes, capacity and confidentiality.
What age do you see?
I see girls from birth through to 18 years. I do not have a lower age limit, unlike many private services which restrict paediatric gynaecology to adolescents aged 12 and above. Younger children and infants are seen for conditions such as labial adhesions, vulvovaginitis, and congenital concerns.
Will my daughter need an internal examination?
An internal examination is usually not needed. If an examination is clinically necessary, I explain why and seek valid consent. Young people aged 16 or 17 are presumed able to consent; those under 16 may consent if they have sufficient maturity and understanding. If a child cannot consent, I normally seek consent from someone with parental responsibility, involving the child as much as possible.
Is painful periods normal at 13?
Some discomfort in the first few years of periods is common, but severe pain that prevents your daughter from attending school, sleeping, or carrying out normal activities is not something to dismiss or wait out. It warrants a proper specialist assessment to identify or exclude dysmenorrhoea, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or early endometriosis — all of which are treatable.
How long will we wait for an appointment?
Private consultations are typically available within one to two weeks. Contact the clinic directly for current availability at Spire Claremont Hospital or Circle Thornbury Hospital, Sheffield.
Can my daughter be seen without me in the room?
Yes. Young people can ask to speak privately. I encourage support from parents or carers where appropriate, while respecting the young person’s wishes and confidentiality. Information is not automatically shared with parents. It may need to be shared to protect someone from serious harm, when required by law, or in a child’s best interests if they cannot decide about disclosure. I explain any necessary sharing where it is safe to do so.
Does my daughter need to be having periods to be seen?
No. I see girls who have not yet started their periods, including those with concerns about delayed puberty, early puberty, or development. Assessment before menstruation begins is entirely appropriate and sometimes important for identifying underlying conditions early.
Who offers private paediatric and adolescent gynaecology in Yorkshire?
I am Professor Swati Jha, Yorkshire’s only private consultant offering a dedicated paediatric and adolescent gynaecology service, with consultations at Spire Claremont Hospital and Circle Thornbury Hospital in Sheffield. In addition to my private practice, I lead the NHS Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology service at Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals — the tertiary referral centre for South Yorkshire. I hold RCOG subspecialty training and have published on paediatric and adolescent gynaecology in peer-reviewed journals.
What is the difference between a paediatric gynaecologist and a general gynaecologist?
A paediatric and adolescent gynaecologist specialises in the gynaecological health of children and teenagers. This age group has distinct anatomy, physiology, hormonal profiles, and psychological needs that differ substantially from adults. Not all gynaecologists have training or regular experience with this patient group. My NHS role means I manage paediatric gynaecology cases every week — this is not an occasional addition to a general gynaecology practice.
Can you treat endometriosis in a teenager?
Yes. Endometriosis is frequently underdiagnosed in teenagers because the pain is normalised or attributed to "difficult periods." I have a low threshold for taking adolescent pelvic pain seriously and investigating appropriately. Where the clinical picture is consistent with endometriosis, I do not wait for symptoms to become severe before acting. Laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment is available where indicated.
Book your Child's Assessment in Sheffield
Whether you need reassurance, conservative treatment, or surgery — start with a specialist assessment.
No GP referral required. Appointments available on Tuesday and Friday.