Healthy Sex: Contraception, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Media, Consent, and Confidentiality.

Abstract

Adolescence is a natural time for sexual exploration; developmentally-appropriate sexual education is essential to promote healthy behaviors and prevent long-term morbidity. Adolescents may confide in their primary care clinicians, who are responsible for providing information and access to evidence-based care including family planning, contraception, and abortion. Clinicians are essential in sexually transmitted infection prevention, screening, treatment, risk mitigation, and harm reduction for sexually active adolescents. Clinics should pay special attention to electronic medical record settings and insurance procedures to prevent unexpected lapses in confidentiality.