catherine owens

You are working in a rural Family Planning Health clinic and a 16 y/o presents with complaints of vaginal pain, discharge, odor x 4 days. Pain is getting worse. Her mother relates she has a cognitive learning delay and has tried to talk to her about her consensual sexual behavior with multiple partners. She tells you she has “felt some ‘bumps’ down there.” She relates multiple sexual partners because she is now popular and it is part of the ‘game’ to stay popular with her new friends. Diagnosis: HPV with several condyloma lesions, a vaginal yeast infection, and chlamydia.

She is given a prescription for Chlamydia, and the vulvar lesions, told to follow up in 2 weeks.

How do you approach her and begin the conversation regarding safe sexual practices? What are your thoughts about this young lady? How do you feel about her game? How would you proceed to give her education?