RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Sexual health issues in adolescents and young adults JF Clinical Medicine JO Clin Med FD Royal College of Physicians SP 447 OP 451 DO 10.7861/clinmedicine.15-5-447 VO 15 IS 5 A1 Sophie Forsyth A1 Karen Rogstad YR 2015 UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/15/5/447.abstract AB Adolescence is a time of sexual risk-taking and experimentation but also vulnerability. Young people may present to general physicians with systemic symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as arthritis, hepatitis or rash, but may not necessarily volunteer information about sexual activity. It is important for physicians to ask directly about sexual risks and if appropriate test for STIs and pregnancy. Knowing how to take a sexual history and consent a patient for an HIV test are core medical skills that all physicians should be trained to competently perform. Safeguarding young people is the responsibility of all healthcare professionals who come into contact with them, and young victims of abuse may present with physical symptoms such as abdominal pain or deliberate self-harm. We must all be aware of indicators of both child sexual exploitation and HIV infection and not be afraid to ask potentially awkward questions. If we don't we may miss vital opportunities to prevent or minimise harm to young people.