Teens require special care.
Annual physicals are an important part of maintaining good health for all individuals, particularly for children and teenagers. For every age group there are certain guidelines or industry-wide recommendations that dictate what doctors may look for during an annual physical. For teens, in particular, an annual physical may focus on growth in terms of weight and height, as well as hormonal changes taking place during puberty.
General Examination
During an annual physical it is recommended to check several general health components. These include vision and hearing screenings, obesity and eating disorder evaluations, scoliosis, oral health and immunization history. Doctors may also check for issues brought up by the teen or her parent, such as hormonal issues, questions about puberty or sports-related problems or injuries.
Male-Specific Components
Teen boys should be evaluated annually for male-specific health, according to Children's Hospital Boston. This might include a check of the male genital area. Doctors should also ask questions about sexual history and encourage teen males to ask questions about penis function or growth, as well as any issues he may be having related to normal adolescent changes.
Female-Specific Components
Teen females must also be evaluated annually for issues specific to their genitalia. The Kids Health website states females should visit the gynecologist for an annual examination somewhere between the ages of 13 or 15, or when they become sexually active. The gynecologist will ask questions about the teen's level of sexual activity and conduct a pap smear. She may also do an annual visual inspection of the vagina and cervix to ensure there are no obvious health issues.
Considerations
If you have questions about your teens growth patterns or behavioral issues, don't shy away from asking them during the exam. No question is a stupid one and a concern you raise might trigger a red flag for an underlying condition affecting your teen. Be insistent even if your doctor seem as though he is a hurry. Your teen's health is your chief concern and sometimes you have to be aggressive to get him the quality of care he needs.
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