Special Considerations

Male Health Care

Because of the physical, mental, and social changes that occur in boys around puberty and into adolescence, and because boys are more likely to initiate sexual behavior, it's important for health care providers to discuss sexual and reproductive health care with their male patients. There are several opportunities for primary care providers to educate their male patients about important prevention measures around reproductive and sexual health. Below are some resources to help in caring for young adolescent males. 

AAP Policy and Clinical Recommendations 

Bright Futures: These guidelines contain information and resources on how to provide care for adolescents with disabilities.

Education and Engaging Young Men in Reproductive Health  (CDC) 

Testicular Cancer Screening Recommendations (from the US Preventive Services Task Force)  

The Male Genital Examination (Position Paper, Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine), which provides guidance on performing a genital exam on male adolescent patients.  

The Physicians for Reproductive Health (PRH) Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health Education Project (ARSHEP) PowerPoint presentation on the delivery of male adolescent reproductive and sexual health care. There are also video vignettes on how to conduct the visit. 

LGBTQ+ Adolescents

Youth who are gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning are an important population with unique healthcare needs, as they may experience significant health disparities in mental health, substance use, and sexually transmitted infections. Providers should implement a teen-friendly practice that accommodates patients of different backgrounds and orientations as they move through adolescence. Sexually active LGBTQ youth are typically resilient and can emerge from adolescence as healthy adults. However, the presence of stigma from homophobia and heterosexism can lead to psychological distress, which may contribute to an increase in risky behaviors. 

The resources below provide guidance on the specific needs of LGBTQ youth and how to optimize the care this population of adolescents receives. 

AAP Policy and Recommendations 

Section on LGBT Health and Wellness: This section of the AAP offers educational opportunities and resources to support providers in caring for this population of youth.  

CDC Resources LGBT Health: Data, resources, and guidance on providing health for this population of adolescents is included on this site. 

Videos 

Gender Identity: Models a conversation with an adolescent who prefers to be called Alex instead of Sarah 

Healthy Children.org: The AAP’s website for parents provides information to support LGBTQ+ youth and their families.

Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health Education Program: As part of the Physicians for Reproductive Health resources, this program developed a PowerPoint training focused on providing optimal care for LGBT youth.  

Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing: Additional training and support materials for caring for the LGBTQ adolescent is offered by this group. Some of their recommended websites include:  

• Center of Excellence for Transgender Health 
• GLMA: Health Professional Advancing LGBT Equality 
• National LGBT Health Education Center - A Program of the Fenway Institute 
• National Coalition for Sexual Health: "Sexual Health and Your Patients: A Provider's Guide"  

Parents' Influence on the Health of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Teens: What Parents and Families Should Know  

Gay and Lesbian Medical Association: This organization provides information and resources to support the equity of healthcare for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and healthcare providers. 

Youth with Special Health Care Needs

There are special considerations when addressing reproductive and sexual health care needs of adolescents with special health care needs. 

AAP clinical guidance for providers

Bright Futures: These guidelines contain information and resources on how to provide care for adolescents with disabilities.

Menstrual management for adolescents with disabilities is a policy developed jointly with the NASPAG with disabilities. 

Sexuality for Children and Youth with Disabilities: This report provides guidance to primary care providers on how to address sexuality with you who have developmental disabilities.