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    Teen FAQ

    For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.

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    Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Doctor Visits & Confidentiality > Q&A
    Posted on: 09/16/2008

    Question

    When you want to do a physical exam because you have a red bump on your penis, or just want to check if something doesn't look normal, do your parents have to go with you?

    Answer

    At 17, you are more than ready to call your doctor by yourself, make an appointment and say clearly to your parents, "It is time I start managing my own health care - I would like to go to my exam alone." If for whatever reason that will not work in your family, call the doctor's office and ask him or her to be clear that the exam is private. Good luck!


    Answered By:
    Nancy Brown , Ed.S, M.A., Ph.D.


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