Is it time for your teen to see the doctor alone?

What teens can expect from a checkup
• A typical checkup includes checking blood pressure, heart rate, height and weight. The doctor will also examine the skin, eyes, ears, nose and mouth; listen to the heart and lungs; and feel glands, internal organs, joints and bones for lumps, sore spots or abnormalities.

• Boys can expect a genital exam, which will include having their testicles felt for swelling or lumps. Testicular cancer – though rare – can present at 15 years of age, and tends to affect younger males.

• Girls might require a pelvic exam, though it's no longer standard at age 16. Today doctors may wait until a girl is, or wants to be, sexually active, or feels there's a problem. If your daughter is scheduled for a pelvic exam, let her know what to expect, either by sharing your own experience (keep it positive) or by visiting a recommended website together for a complete description. (See "Want to Know More?" below.)

• Many doctors help young patients feel more comfortable by letting them keep as many clothes on as possible. Suggest that your teen wears easy-access clothing, such as a buttoned shirt or loose pants, to ease examinations. Wearing a camisole might give a girl more privacy.

• Encourage your child to ask questions. "Misinformation flourishes on the Internet and in the schoolyard," says Cooper. "Teens should know that it's important to hear from a pro rather than from friends on the street or in the locker room."

• Saying no is always an option. If your teen feels uncomfortable in any way – either with the doctor, or about any part of the examination – he can wait for another time, or another person.

Teens: This advice is for you
• Be honest and open. The doctor needs to know your history – and you're the historian. It's important to answer questions truthfully and share any concerns.

• Respect yourself. You have the right to get good health care, to ask questions and get answers, and to understand what's happening and why. You can say no.

• Make a list of things you want to know, and take it with you, so you remember what to ask.

• Be on time. If you need to cancel, give as much notice as possible (there might be a fee if you cancel without 24 hours notice).

• Be prepared to wait. Take a book or your iPod.

Want to know more?
Here are some helpful resources for teens:
Contact Kids Help Phone at 1-800- 668-6868 or visit and go to the kids' site.
Visit Kids Health – enter the teen site and search for "medical care."
Learn more at Family Health Online and click on Adolescent Health.

Read more:
• Teenage milestones
• Your teenager: An owner's manual
• Understanding growth spurts

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