Collecting

A Sexual Health History from Adolescents

Check out these protips

    • At every adolescent annual visit

    • When discussing relationships, puberty, mood, identity, prescribing contraception, PrEP, or treating STIs.

    • Revisit history regularly, identity, anatomy, and partners can change over time.

    • Provide dedicated one-on-one time with the adolescent without a parent/guardian present.

    • Begin by explaining confidentiality and the limits of disclosure before history taking.

    • Offer the parent/guardian a brief explanation of private time with the adolescent.

    • Normalize: “I ask these questions with all my teen patients to support their health.”

    • Ask and document the patient’s name and pronouns at the start and confirm later privately.

    • Name and pronouns used by the patient. 

    • Gender identity and sexual orientation (self-described).

    • Anatomy inventory: body parts relevant to sexual health.

    • Sexual behaviors: types of contact (oral, anal, genital, digital).

    • Partners: genders, number, relationship dynamics.

    • Protection methods: condoms, barriers, PrEP, and contraception.

    • STI testing/treatment history; pregnancy risk and reproductive goals (if applicable).

    • Gender-affirming care: hormones, surgeries, chest/bottom procedures (if relevant).

    • Provide a short narrative for parent/guardian: “We routinely spend part of the visit one-on-one with teens to support their health independence.”

    • After the parent leaves the room, repeat the name/pronoun check and invite open discussion of sexual health topics.

    • Re-assure: “What we discuss is confidential unless I’m concerned about your safety or someone else’s.”

    • Ask about coercion, pressure, or unwanted sexual contact.

    • Screen for bullying, harassment, or family rejection.

    • Assess for intimate partner violence (including digital/online)

    • Evaluate safety at home and school.

    • Explore comfort with identity and existence of affirming support (friends, school, community).

    • Screen for depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidality.

    • Ask about substance use in sexual situations.

    • Base STI/sexual-health screening on anatomy and behavior rather than identity labels.

    • Review barrier methods and offer supplies in the clinic (condoms, internal condoms, dental dams).

    • Consider PrEP/PEP for eligible adolescents.

    • Ensure HPV and Hepatitis A/B vaccinations are up to date.

    • Record self-reported identity and pronouns each visit. 

    • Avoid assumptions in notes, document behaviors using the patient’s own words. 

    • Be aware of portals or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) visibility for minors.

    • If needed, discuss confidential testing or alternate billing pathways, per local policy.

    • Ensure intake forms/EHR fields include SOGI (sexual orientation, gender identity) and pronouns.