Adolescence is a time of sexual risk-taking and
experimentation but also vulnerability. Young people may
present to general physicians with systemic symptoms of
sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as arthritis,
hepatitis or rash, but may not necessarily volunteer
information about sexual activity. It is important for
physicians to ask directly about sexual risks and if appropriate
test for STIs and pregnancy. Knowing how to take a sexual
history and consent a patient for an HIV test are core medical
skills that all physicians should be trained to competently
perform. Safeguarding young people is the responsibility
of all healthcare professionals who come into contact with
them, and young victims of abuse may present with physical
symptoms such as abdominal pain or deliberate self-harm.
We must all be aware of indicators of both child sexual
exploitation and HIV infection and not be afraid to ask
potentially awkward questions. If we don’t we may miss vital
opportunities to prevent or minimise harm to young people.