Honesty at the Doctors

[mutsy]

I'm 17, so an underage girl in NY. When you go to the doctors to get your yearly physical and they ask are you sexually active, smoke, or do drugs, are you supposed to answer honestly? What happens if you say yes?

[Stacey]

Yes, you should always be honest with your doctors about everything. Nothing happens if you respond yes to any of those questions it simply allows them to better understand any symptoms you may be having, and what tests or things they may need to check. For example, if you're sexually active, they may suggest or check and make sure you're getting your yearly pap smear/pelvic exam and make sure you're being tested for STDs. If you smoke they may just simply warn you about the risks, especially if you are on birth control, and tell you to keep a closer eye on your health, etc. It's for your own benefit to be honest and open about EVERYTHING with your doctor despite how uncomfortable you may feel.

[JackOffJill]

Yes you are supposed to answer honestly. I know that if can be scary to do but nothing is going to happen if you tell your doctor the truth. Its not like the doctor can tell your parents or anything unless they get your consent first. Being honest with your doctor is important, like Stacey said, because it allows your doctor to be able to make sure that you are healthy.

[mutsy]

I don't want to be tested for STDs... Or asked questions...

[Pelios]

Why wouldn't you want to get tested for STDs?
It's always good to be honest with your doctor because if you have something wrong, your doctor can see what it is and help you before it gets out of hand.

[bitesize]

Yes, although it can be tempting to tell white lies about not smoking or drinking or whatever (especially when you're doctor's known you since you were a baby) they're just asking these questions to get a better understand of your health, not you morals. Lying is not a good diea as they may prescribe you a medication or treatment that doesn't suit you at all...

[MisplacedDreamer]

They can't force you to get tested for STDs. They would educate you and ensure you aren't following any myths about safe sex.

They also can refer you to a low-cost or sometimes free clinic where you can go on your free time if you don't want to risk your parents finding out through the insurance company that you were tested for STDs. They won't tell your parents that you were tested for STDs.

The risk about STDs is that they can cause infertility and other problems if they are not treated in a timely manner. Some of them can cause death if it is left to get to a late stage.

[MadPoet]

They can't force anything upon you when you are honest with them. They can, however, provide you with information and help that will ensure your safety. As for the drugs and smoking, they will probably discourage you from doing drugs, and provide you with information on why they are unhealthy. If you tell them you are sexually active then they will inform on what you should remember before you have sex, and how to do it safely.

If you want to end up unhealthy and regretful that you weren't honest with your doctor, then you should go ahead and lie.
But if you want to be healthy and ensure that you are safe, then you need to be honest.

[ALLorNOTHINGforCHRIST]

Being honest is always the best policy. This way not only will they be better able to treat you, but they will have respect for your being honest.

[Bibliophile]

You should always be honest with your doctor. Most doctors won't tell your parents or anybody unless they're concerned about you, so there's nothing to worry about. They're here to look after you and make sure you're healthy, not embarrass you and get you into trouble. If you have any questions feel free to message me.

It can be embarrassing, but honesty really is the best policy. If you are honest, then they can give you the right advice and treatment.