Doctor Visits, Medical Procedures and Medical Insurance / Question
Published: February 23, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
When you say see your doctor and don't be embarrassed how do I know that they won't think I'm weird and laugh behind my back? Have they really seen everything?
Signed: Have Doctors Really Seen Everything
Dear Have Doctors Really Seen Everything,
TeenHealthFX understands your concern. No one wants to be laughed at, feel embarrassed by something that they have or about some issue that has them worried - especially by someone that they are going to for help.
Doctors have seen a lot - maybe not everything under the sun - but a lot! Doctors have to go through rigorous training that lasts for at least 7 years. Part of this training is seeing and reading about patients and all sorts of conditions and situations that affect them. This training helps them to get comfortable treating different types of people and different diseases.
A doctor's job is to help you, not to judge you. A doctor is legally bound to keep your confidentiality - meaning they cannot talk about you to others without your permission. Doctors are also bound by their professional code of ethics to treat their patients carefully and respectfully (this means no laughing at their patients!).
That being said, it is important to be comfortable with the doctor who is treating you. You can discuss this with your doctor before you get undressed for your exam.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
More than four in 10 young women become pregnant at least once before they reach the age of 20 - nearly one million a year teen pregnancies a year 
