To keep healthy as a teenager, Einstein health experts suggest the following:

Regular pelvic exams and Pap smears
Women should have pelvic exams and Pap smears yearly after age 18, or after becoming sexually active—whichever comes first. Sexually active teens need regular pelvic exams to screen for sexually transmitted diseases, many of which have no symptoms in women or men. These infections can cause serious complications, and can even be transmitted to unborn or newborn babies.

Clinical breast examinations
When you have your regular pelvic exam and Pap smear, your doctor will do a clinical breast exam, too. Using fingertips, your doctor will carefully check each breast for lumps or other suspicious changes.

Monthly breast self-examinations (BSEs)
Breast cancer is rare in teenagers, but it's a good idea to start the life-long habit of monthly BSEs now.

To schedule an appointment with one of Einstein's teen health experts, call 1-800-EINSTEIN. Or, find a doctor on-line.

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