Skip to main content
Go to homepage

Print Page

Can a Doctor Tell During Your Pelvic Exam If You've Had Sex?

Can a doctor tell during a pelvic exam if you've had sex?
Krista*

Most of the time, a doctor can't tell if a girl has had sex just from a pelvic exam (and doctors don't usually give teen girls pelvic exams unless there's a sign of a problem).

But you should let your doctor know if you've had sex anyway. Why? Having sex puts a person at risk for STDs as well as unplanned pregnancy. When you tell your doctor or nurse practitioner you've had sex, he or she can look out for signs of infection. Treating STDs early is important not just for your health, but also for the health of your partner. An STD that's not treated could cause scarring of the reproductive organs and might lead to infertility (inability to have a baby) in men and women.

Even if you don't think you have an STD, only a doctor can tell for sure. Many people do not have signs or symptoms of an STD, but the STD can still cause problems later on. Doctors can test for STDs easily and quickly, usually by taking a sample of pee, blood, or vaginal mucus (quickly wiping a cotton swab just inside the vagina).

Nurses and doctors can also give you advice about protecting yourself against STDs and unwanted pregnancy, such as using condoms every time you have sex.

You may feel nervous talking to your doctor about sex. But your doc can be one of the best resources you have. Gynecologists, family practitioners, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and adolescent medicine specialists deal with questions about sex every day, so don't be embarrassed to ask them anything. Their goal is for you to stay healthy.

If you're worried that your parents will find out, just tell your doctor about your concerns. What you discuss with your doctor about sex can stay between the two of you.

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.

Reviewed by: Amy W. Anzilotti, MD
Date Reviewed: Oct 15, 2018

What next?

Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
There are 10 nurses in the picture.

And we have many more pediatric primary care providers in Northeast Ohio. You can meet some of them here.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The five differences are:
– Phone color
– Coat pocket
– Stethoscope earpiece color
– Stethoscope bell dot
– Clipboard paper color

Need help finding a doctor, choosing a location or getting a general question about Akron Children's answered? Call us or fill out the form and we'll help in any way we can.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The two matching doctors are 9 and 14.

With virtual visits, you can see our pediatric experts from the comfort of home or wherever you are.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The correct path:
The Correct Path
We offer many ways to get pediatric care all over Northeast Ohio. Use this page to find the right kind of care and the most convenient location for you.