How do I know if my body is sexually healthy? Where can I go to get a sexual health medical exam?

Making an appointment with a health care provider is a great way to determine what’s healthy for you. If your regular health care provider is not experienced in providing adolescent gynecological or sexual health exams and counseling, you should find someone who is, such as an adolescent health specialist, a gynecologist or a nurse practitioner. This first visit may not include getting undressed for a Pap test or physical exam, but instead will involve a conversation with a caring health professional about your sexual and reproductive health.

You can search for a health care provider near you.

When you first visit a health care provider—including a gynecologist—you will be asked to fill out a medical history form in the waiting room or in a private room. The clinician will then talk to you privately about your medical history. The medical history will include questions about your sexual history. Sometimes these questions may feel a bit uncomfortable to answer, perhaps because they’re not things that people generally discuss. It’s important to answer each question completely and honestly so your health care provider can address everything that you need to stay healthy.

People with penises may not go for regular medical checks of their sexual and reproductive organs, unless they have a problem. But it’s a good idea for them to see a doctor, get checked out and ask any questions before a problem arises. If a person is having oral, vaginal or anal sex, then they need to get tested regularly for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). There are places that specialize in caring for teenagers. Outside of regular checkups, it is important to go to a clinic or see a doctor if you have problems like genital rashes, discharge, unusual bumps or sores. If a person with a penis has a lot of trouble getting or keeping an erection or ejaculating, they should also see a doctor or get a referral to a urologist if it happens more than half the time.

See your regular doctor health care provider for most sexual health questions. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your doctor, you could also find a health clinic or a family planning clinic. When you go to a Title X clinic for health care services or counseling, your visit is totally confidential. Your records are not shared with anyone, unless you ask them to do so. Title X clinics are teen-friendly, confidential and base their payments on a sliding-scale fee (which means you pay what you can). Planned Parenthood is one of many Title X clinics. You can find Title X clinics near you, or you can call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) to be connected to the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.