Teens: When to Get a Physical Exam
Tweens and teens should see a doctor for a physical exam, when and why?
Wellness checks are recommended annually starting at age 10 . Puberty and reproductive health are among the main concerns during preadolescence and adolescence . At least three of an adolescent’s annual doctor visits should include a complete head-to-toe physical exam …
Index
DOCTOR VISITS
The first complete physical examination of preteens or adolescents should be done sometime between the ages of 11 and 14, the second during the middle adolescence or between the ages of 15 and 17, and the third between the ages of 18 and 21 . A doctor can closely examine the eyes, ears, nose, throat, mouth, abdomen, back, arms, and legs. Preteens and teens are also often screened for scoliosis or curvature of the spine.
In boys, the genitals and scrotum , the bag of skin that carries and protects the testicles , are examined . It is never too young to examine the genitals in men; in fact, even baby boys should be screened for birth defects. Exams of the breasts, pelvis, and vagina can begin at the ages of 13 to 15 in adolescent girls.
OTHER ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Your pediatrician or other healthcare provider will teach a teenager how to properly perform a monthly breast exam. You can also be referred to a gynecologist for future check-ups. An adolescent will learn to perform a testicular self-exam to detect potentially cancerous lumps. Some doctors recommend that boys do monthly testicular self-exams starting at age 15. Testicular cancer most often affects young men ages 20 to 39.
AGE-SPECIFIC CONCERNS
As preteens and teens grow through puberty, sexual problems will be on the shortlist of health problems. Doctors should investigate a teenage girl’s sexual behavior that could lead to an unwanted pregnancy. The diseases sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like genital herpes, gonorrhea and HIV and the importance of using condoms and other contraceptive methods are also appropriate discussion topics. Preteens and teens should be asked about any unhealthy behaviors, such as eating disorders, alcohol or drug use or abuse, as well as emotional problems that can be a sign of depression.
VACCINES
Regular doctor visits help make sure teens are up to date on their shots . Acellular pertussis (Tdap) and tetanus and diphtheria (Td) boosters are recommended between the ages of 11 and 12 years. All preteens and teens need three doses of the human papillomavirus or the HPV vaccine. Immunization protects against HPV, the most common cause of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine also prevents cancer of the anus and penis. By age 13, adolescents should also have been immunized against chickenpox, unless they have already had chickenpox: measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), meningococcal meningitis, hepatitis B series (HBV), and hepatitis A series (HAV). ).
If you have more doubts about the physical tests that your preadolescent and adolescent children have to take, go to your doctor to give you an exact guide on what to check according to their age . Likewise, you shouldn’t wait for the check-up date for any health problems your kids have. If you notice that your children have health problems or that they do not behave as they should, and then you will have to go to the pediatrician with your children to expose the health issues that are worrying you and to do the relevant tests on your children.
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.