(hell, yeah) Scarleteen

Sevensinz asks:

I was wondering, can a doctor tell if you’ve masturbated? And in the case they can, is it possible to mistake it for being sexually active? I’m asking because I have a lot of health problems and I have to see an OB/GYNsoon, which means that there’s a chance the doctor will check to see if my vaginalooks right. And I’m really scared because I don’t want them to think that I’m sexually active, which with my health, would probably cause them to talk to my parents. And I’m just to shy to stick up for myself, so I really don’t want that to happen. Thanks in advance for your answer.

Robin Mandell replies:

No.

It is not possible for a gynecologistto tell if someone has been sexually active, either with themselves or with a partner through an examination. The only exception might be if you were examined shortly after masturbating; the doctor might notice redness or irritation of the vulvar tissues, but even then they would not be able to positively attribute that to masturbation. A doctor can tell by looking at someone’s vulva if their hymen has or hasn’t started wearing away, but that happens with or without any kind of sexual activity, including masturbation. A doctor often can also tell if and when someone has recently been sexually assaulted, particularly if that assault resulted in genital injuries.

The only way a doctor would know for sure that you’ve masturbated or been with a partner is if you told them.

In many areas — and most if you’re in the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom — your sexual health information is legally protected as private, and cannot be shared with your parents unless you give a healthcare provider permission to do so, or they feel your life or health is in real danger.

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