should i tell my doctor that i am sexually active?

Question

my doctor may ask me soon if i am sexually active.. I am afraid that if i say yes, (which i am), she will tell my mother--and i do not want her to know this yet. my doctor and my mother are friends..i am not sure whether there are actual laws that breach doctor-patient confidentiality when the patient is under 18 years of age.
so.. 1--should i lie if she asks?
2-- is it possible that she will tell my mother if i tell her i am sexually active? (would this be legal)
3--if she tells my mother.. what am i supposed to say to her afterward?
4-- if i say that i am not sexually active, could the results of my blood/urine tests be altered?

Answer 1

There is a federal privacy law that took effect in 2003 called HIPPA. ( the Health Information Privacy Protection Act) It was taken very seriously by all healthcare entities and what it does is it restricts what can and cannot be divulged by any healthcare provider ,i.e doctors, nurses, hospitals,etc. There are strict laws in place with even stricter punishments for violaters.If you tell your physician you do not want your mother to know, the physician cannot violate the confidentiality, even tho you are under 18.THere are some things tho that because you are a minor, your parent/guardian will have access to such as lab results,etc. A good doc is not going to tell your mother regardless of their relationship. I urge you to be honest with your doc about your sexual activity. There are parts of a PAP/pelvic exam that are not included for women who have never had intercourse. Your blood/urine results will not be altered because you are sexually active, just be honest with your doctor, express your concerns and you will be fine, just remind him/her of HIPPA!!!!

Answer 2

Sweetheart, don't lie. Just tell the truth; it's for your own good. The doctor should not tell your mother because of all the confidentually stuff and papers you sign. However, if she does you can complain about it.
I think that you should also confess to your mother. She might be angry or she might not. Either way what's done is done. You can not recouperate your virginity. Although you can stop now but you don't have to. If your happy doing it just do it!
Well now that you are sexually active you should have a pap smear test about every year. Protect yourself! Don't get pregnant because you are too young right now. You have a whole life to live. Watch out for STD's.
Well good luck with whatever you decide to do!!!!!

Answer 3

Assuming that you're seeing your doctor for a vaginally related exam, I would say you should tell your mother first and get it over with. (1. Lying---not a good thing to do, definately not a smart thing to do if odds are you'll get busted.
)2. Since you are a minor, your doctor is allowed to discuss anything about U that your mom wants to talk about(ie. that one night, with that guy), it's perfectly legal and the doc could get into trouble if she lies on your behalf.
(3. Don't wait to find out afterwards, find out what the exam entails beforehand and mention your fears to the doctor. (4. The only way to alter a urine or blood test in the context you're talking about is to have someone else submit it.
You may be worrying needlessly. Find out what the exam is for first by calling their office and finding out. As a father, though, I was pissed when I found out 2 of my daughters were sexually active because they'd promised to talk to me BEFORE they did anything. Go ahead and allay your fears by not hiding anything and just talk to her. She was sexually active at least once too. Good luck,
askaman

Answer 4

Homeopaths aren't doctors. No one can tell whether or not a person is sexually active just by holding the wrist. Homeopaths do not have the education, the training, and the clinical experience of real doctors. Stay away from them.

Answer 5

You are always supposed to be honest with your doctor because this has to do with your health. I would tell your doctor the truth and if your mom finds out oh well, you have to make sure you have an annual pap smear also after becoming sexually active so you need to tell your mom too.

Answer 6

For you own health and well being, you shouldn't ever lie to a doctor. She's looking out for your best interest. You are right, your doctor cannot tell your mother anything that she discusses with you without your consent.

Answer 7

If you are under 18, then the doctor CAN legally tell your mother. But you should tell her anyway, because guess what? She can figure it out on her own medically, and then she'll know AND you'll be a liar. May as well tell her so you can be safe, and hope your doctor cuts you a break.

Answer 8

She's not allowed to divulge this info to anyone.
If you are young/or have been active with more than one person, you may need to have a smear test done, but other than that I have no answer!
Please don't lie!
Make sure that you are telling her under confidence and if she mentions it, you will make a formal complaint about this and that you will go to the medical board.

Answer 9

Don't ever lie to your doctor, there is never a good reason to do it.. No matter what, your doctor needs to know the real answer to every question they ask. So just spill the beans.

Answer 10

always tell your doctor the truth- it will only hurt you to lie. there are hippa laws that dont allow the doctor to tell your mom whats going on without your consent, so if the dr asks if your sexually active tell her the truth and tell her that you dont want your mom to know. the dr will respect your decision and cant tell your mom. but like i said dont ever lie to the dr. they're there to help.