Gynecologic examination of the teenager and young child

The gynecologic examination of the child or adolescent need not be trying to the patient or the physician. Patience, awareness of the patient's need to be treated with respect and honesty, and knowledge of a few modifications to the adult technique will allow a helpful examination in almost all cases. The final objective should always be to promote the gynecologic health of the patient, and this is best accomplished if she leaves the physician's office with a positive reinforcement of her self-esteem, and her ability to participate in her own health care.