What to Expect at a Physical for a Teen Girl

Scheduling a doctor's appointment can bring on anxiety in otherwise brave teenagers and parents. Physical examinations can give doctors the opportunity to look into a teen girl's condition and guide her into living a healthier lifestyle. While you may not feel totally relieved until the examination is over, knowing what to expect may ease any anxiety you and your daughter are experiencing.

  1. Full Physical Exam

    • Regular physical exams provide your teen's doctor a long-term view of her health and development. Doctors will often ask about your teen's medical history, as well as that of the family, according to the Center for Young Women's Health. You may be asked to leave the room while a doctor asks about your daughter's sexual health, drug use and other activities. Teens may be surprised to find that the exam itself often lasts only a few minutes. Joints, muscles, breasts, pelvic area, eyes, ears, mouth, lungs and heart are often checked during the exam.

    Sports Physical

    • If your daughter is athletic, she may need to get a sports physical before signing up for programs, according to KidsHealth. These exams are not as thorough as a typical physical exam. A doctor will usually ask about previous sports injuries, medications, the medical history of your teen and her family and any difficulties like breathing problems while exercising. Blood pressure, pulse, height and weight are also recorded. During the exam itself, your teen's doctor will usually check her eyes, ears, nose, throat, lungs, heart and joints.

    Schedule

    • Teen girls should usually get a full physical exam once a year, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Teens involved in sports may need more frequent sports physicals if they are recovering from an injury and planning to play again. However, yearly exams may not be necessary. Talk to your teen's doctor about how frequently your daughter should schedule a physical.

    Post-Physical

    • After each physical, your teen's doctor should address any concerns and give recommendations on what your daughter can do to stay healthy, according to the Center for Young Women's Health. Parents and teens can also ask questions about health, like asking what weight range is appropriate for your daughter or where she can learn more about safe sexual practices. Thinking about any questions you may have before your daughter's visit can also help the two of you make the most of her physical.

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