The Adolescent Sexual Health Visit

Addressing sexual health, screening, and counseling to prevent sequelae of risky sexual behavior are essential components of the adolescent visit to the gynecologist. Discussing sexuality and taking a sexual history may cause feelings of discomfort for the provider and adolescent patient alike. Taking the time to build rapport and trust and the guarantee of confidentiality are key to engaging adolescent patients to discuss their personal health concerns with their provider. This article offers recommendations to facilitate dialog with the adolescent patient, addresses special considerations for the adolescent examination, discusses the use of some of the newly available tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and suggests the recommended approach to management of STIs in adolescents.