19 - Pelvic Examination in the Adolescent

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of pelvic examinations in adolescents. Visiting a physician for a pelvic examination is a difficult experience for an adolescent. It represents an acknowledgment to self and to others that the adolescent is sexually active. The pelvic examination of an adolescent is not unlike pelvic examinations of all women. The attitude of the young woman toward the examination and past history of comfort about body parts are the complicating issues that the examiner must confront. The comfort level of young female adolescents is greater when they discuss their sexual concerns with other women. A major issue that would confront the examiner is the level of sexual activity of the adolescent. The examiner's ability to give the teenager permission to discuss sexual issues is an important first step for adolescents in acceptance of their own sexuality. The role of the physician is to help the adolescent in decision making that affects health and well-being, choice of partners in intimate relationships, choice and use of contraceptives, and signs and symptoms of diseases.