AAP Offers Guidance to Physicians on Addressing Sexual and Reproductive Health Topics with Teens

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is publishing a new clinical report, "Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Services in a Pediatric Setting" to guide pediatricians on providing appropriate health care services and education to teens and young adults to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. The report, to be published in the November 2017 Pediatrics (published online Oct. 23), observes that pediatricians may initiate conversations on sexual and reproductive health during a single office visit or over the course of several visits. The clinical report recommends strategies to make the office setting more teen-friendly, as well as guidance on how and when to introduce confidentiality. The report details recommendations on immunization, contraception and counseling to minimize risks of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies, and encourages parent involvement in these discussions. The AAP recommends annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screening of all sexually active females and young sexually active males, based on specific risk factors. AAP recommends that pediatricians counsel and ensure access to a broad range of contraceptive services, including the most effective, long active reversible contraception (LARC) methods, i.e., the progestin implant and intrauterine devices. The report references additional AAP resources that can provide more information.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 66,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org and follow us on Twitter @AmerAcadPeds