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Anatomic Causes for Delayed Puberty

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Female Puberty

Abstract

Background: Anatomic abnormalities resulting in absent menses and delayed puberty occur with an incidence of 23.7 %. An understanding of the embryology, diagnosis, and treatment is critical in order to offer appropriate treatment. In many cases, menses can be restored, however, some anatomic abnormalities will not allow for menstrual restoration; therefore, careful counseling about the condition, future expectations, and options for fertility is important. Purpose: To systematically review the anatomic causes for delayed puberty in females. Conclusion: There are many anatomic causes which can explain delayed puberty. Some of these anatomic causes may be addressed with surgery. For those anatomic causes which cannot restore menses or the connections of the outflow tract due to congenital absence of the uterine or vaginal structures, there are medical and surgical options available to minimize pain, reduce the risk of endometriosis, and to create a functional vaginal space for intercourse.

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Correspondence to Jennifer E. Dietrich M.D., M.Sc. .

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Dietrich, J.E. (2014). Anatomic Causes for Delayed Puberty. In: Dietrich, J. (eds) Female Puberty. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0912-4_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0912-4_11

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

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  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-0912-4

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