Then I speak with and examine the patient alone. Then bring parent back and discuss all non-confidential issues so patients see I m not divulging information. It takes more time, but overall is more efficient because all voices are heard. Explaining what is going to be done often helps to have the teen be less apprehensive. Beginning at age 12-13, I always take part of the history without a parent present and give the young teen the option to have the parent present or not with a genital exam.
Many younger teens don t consider oral sex as sex.
The Academy offers a variety of excellent patient education tools. Non-AAP members can order through AAP Publications Catalog. American Medical Association, Department of Adolescent Health. Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents. National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health.