UK HealthCast: Adolescent women's health

UK HealthCast is a podcast series featuring interviews with UK HealthCare experts on a variety of health-related topics.

On this edition of UK HealthCast, Gloria Maldonado, a certified physician assistant who specializes in adolescent women’s health, discusses HPV vaccines, menstrual health and the role of open communication in shaping positive health outcomes.

Read below for a summary of Maldonado’s conversation.

HPV vaccines are crucial in cancer prevention  

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause significant health challenges, including cervical cancer, throat cancer and genital warts. 

Typically administered between the ages of 9 and 14, the HPV vaccine works best before any exposure to the virus, making adolescence a critical time for vaccination. Despite its proven effectiveness, some misconceptions persist. One common myth is that receiving the HPV vaccine might lead to increased sexual activity among adolescents. However, studies have consistently shown this is untrue. The vaccine is purely a preventive measure.

“The vaccine is a way of preventing our bodies from developing a true infection from that HPV, and then preventing us from having this risk of cancers and changes to the cells,” Maldonado said. “And it is a very effective vaccine. So, we find that around 90% of cervical cancers can be prevented with the HPV vaccine, which is huge. And we see similar rates with other types of cancers as well.”

Side effects of the HPV vaccine are minimal and typically include mild soreness at the injection site, with occasional reports of headaches or fatigue lasting no more than 24 hours. For parents and guardians, ensuring adolescents receive this vaccine is one of the most impactful ways to safeguard their long-term health.

Promoting healthy menstrual hygiene  

Menstrual health is another cornerstone of adolescent well-being, yet it remains a topic that many find difficult to discuss. Maldonado stresses the importance of normalizing conversations about menstruation.  

“Periods are one of my favorite things to talk about, which is ironic because it's a conversation that tends to make people feel uncomfortable,” Maldonado said. “And I think it's important to acknowledge that. But it is also very important that we do continue to have these conversations and really normalize women's experiences because the reality is almost everyone who has a cervix and uterus is going to menstruate at some point.”

Open dialogue should begin early, preparing girls for the changes they will experience and equipping them with knowledge about menstrual hygiene products. The options available today — ranging from tampons and pads to menstrual cups and period underwear — allow for personalized choices based on comfort and accessibility.  

Tracking menstrual cycles is another essential practice. Adolescents often have busy schedules, which can make periods feel unpredictable. Regular tracking helps girls anticipate their cycles and identify any irregularities. 

Parents should also be alert to signs that warrant medical attention, such as unusually heavy bleeding, large clots or sudden disruptions in previously regular periods.

Helping kids own their health care  

Adolescence is an ideal time for young women to begin taking an active role in managing their health. Parents can help nurture independence by encouraging their children to communicate openly with health care providers during appointments. 

Early and age-appropriate discussions about health topics not only reduce discomfort but also build a foundation of trust. Providing accurate information is key, and parents can enhance their knowledge through reliable resources, including books, podcasts, and trusted medical websites.  

“I think starting the conversation early helps just so much,” Maldonado said. “And of course, the conversation will change as they get older as they can understand concepts better and they have more changes in their bodies. There will be more to discuss. But the younger they are when we start these conversations and the more we have them, the less uncomfortable it will make our daughters, but also make us feel just because we're kind of used to it.”

For additional resources or to schedule an appointment with our adolescent medicine team, visit ukhealthcare.uky.edu/kentucky-childrens-hospital/services/adolescent-medicine.