Health care providers who work with adolescents must be comfortable discussing the ethical, psychological, cultural, and biological dimensions of sexuality. Adolescent patients require a confidential relationship with the provider in order to explore sensitive issues such as number of sexual partners, sexual orientation, sexual abuse, history of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and drug or alcohol use. At minimum, physical examination of the reproductive organs and screening for STDs should be performed annually. Teens should be informed of the signs and symptoms of common STDs, the risks and benefits of the various contraceptive options, and the importance of risk-reduction behaviors. Included in this article are protocols for the physical examination, guidelines for human immunodeficiency virus testing and counseling, and standard treatment regimens for common STDs.

作者：A B, Middleman；S J, Emans

来源：Comprehensive therapy 1995 年 21卷 3期