Can a doctor tell during a pelvic exam if you've had sex? – Krista* Most of the time, a doctor can't tell if a girl has had sex just from a pelvic exam (and doctors don't usually give teen girls pelvic exams unless there's a sign of a problem). But you should let your doctor know if you've had sex anyway. Why? Having sex puts a person at risk for STDs as well as unplanned pregnancy. When you tell your doctor or nurse practitioner you've had sex, he or she can look out for signs of infection. Treating STDs early is important not just for your health, but also for the health of your partner. An STD that's not treated could cause scarring of the reproductive organs and might lead to infertility (inability to have a baby) in men and women. Even if you don't think you have an STD, only a doctor can tell for sure. Many people do not have signs or symptoms of an STD, but the STD can still cause problems later on. Doctors can test for STDs easily and quickly, usually by taking a sample of pee, blood, or vaginal mucus (quickly wiping a cotton swab just inside the vagina). Nurses and doctors can also give you advice about protecting yourself against STDs and unwanted pregnancy, such as using condoms every time you have sex. You may feel nervous talking to your doctor about sex. But your doc can be one of the best resources you have. Gynecologists, family practitioners, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and adolescent medicine specialists deal with questions about sex every day, so don't be embarrassed to ask them anything. Their goal is for you to stay healthy. If you're worried that your parents will find out, just tell your doctor about your concerns. What you discuss with your doctor about sex can stay between the two of you. *Names have been changed to protect user privacy. Back to Articles Related Articles Can a Doctor Tell if You've Been Masturbating? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Questions to Ask Your Doctor You're probably used to answering your doctor's questions - not asking your own. But it's your body, so you should be able to ask your doctor questions about anything you'd like. Here are some ideas to get you started. Read More Choosing Your Own Doctor You deserve medical care from someone who helps you feel comfortable and understood. Get tips on finding the best doctor for you. Read More STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) You've probably heard lots of discouraging news about sexually transmitted diseases. The good news is that STDs can be prevented. Find out how to protect yourself. Read More Talking to Your Doctor Your best resource for health information and advice is your doctor - the person who knows you, your medical history, and accurate medical information to answer your questions. Read More Gyn Checkups Girls should get their first gynecological checkup between ages 13 and 15. Find out what happens during a yearly gyn visit -- and why most girls don't get internal exams. Read More About Birth Control Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article to get the basics on birth control. Read More Adolescent Medicine Specialists Adolescent medicine doctors are specialists who have extra training in the medical and emotional issues that many teens face. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.