Health Care Services for Teens
Adagio Health is your trusted partner in health care for teens in western Pennsylvania. We provide confidential gynecological care, birth control services, pregnancy testing, STD testing, and more at any of our eight medical offices.
Our teen health care services are confidential and you don’t need insurance. In addition to gynecological care, birth control, and pregnancy testing, we also provide sexually transmitted infection (STI/STD) screening and treatment to anybody who needs it. Adagio Health’s offices across western PA are safe and judgment-free environments.
You have questions, we have answers.
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is the most common STD. Most people will get HPV at some point in their life. While most HPV infections are harmless and go away on their own, some types of HPV can cause genital warts, skin warts, or certain types of cancer.
Anyone who engages in sexual activity that involves genital contact with another person who has HPV can contract HPV. You do not need to have vaginal, oral, or anal sex to get HPV.
HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact. Condoms can help prevent the spread of HPV, but since HPV can infect parts of the genital area that a condom does not cover, HPV can still be transmitted even with correct condom use. HPV usually has no symptoms, so people do not know that they have it until it causes serious health problems, like genital warts or certain types of cancer.
Even if a person who is infected with HPV shows no symptoms, they can still pass the virus on to their partner(s).
Yes, it is possible to be re-infected with HPV more than once over a lifetime. It is also possible to have more than one strain of HPV.
Currently, the only routine screening for HPV is a cervical pap smear. Screening is recommended for women over the age of 25.
The HPV vaccine, Gardasil, is available to all people between the ages of 9 and 45. Gardasil helps protect against certain types of HPV that can lead to cancer or genital warts. If you already have HPV, the vaccine will not treat it, but it can protect you from getting other types of HPV.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), also known as Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), are infections you can develop after engaging in sexual activities.
PROTECT & EDUCATE YOURSELF! These STIs are spread by unprotected oral, vaginal, and/or anal sex; OR contact with skin, bodily fluids, or sores of an infected person.
Different types of STIs (STDs) include bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhea, herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2), HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Learn more about each STI below.
Preventative methods (like condoms, vaccinations, and STI testing) keep you safe from getting and spreading STIs. See us confidentially at Adagio Health — we can help!
*Most of the information listed below about STIs was provided by a resource of the Reproductive Health National Training Center (RHNTC).
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis, or BV for short, is a common vaginal infection in women. Although the actual cause of BV is still unknown, an imbalance of vaginal bacteria sometimes brought on by douching, not using condoms during sex, or new or multiple sexual partner(s) can increase your chances of getting me.
What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
BV causes an off-white vaginal discharge with a fishy smell or nothing at all. BV increases your risk of getting some other STIs.
How is bacterial vaginosis treated?
BV is treatable with antibiotics. Schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs and affects people under age 25 at a high rate. Chlamydia is a common, curable STI, caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, often spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
Most women and men who catch chlamydia don’t have symptoms, so they don’t know they have it and infect other people. I can cause serious problems like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID – scroll down to read about PID), infertility, and tubal pregnancy. Women under age 25 and men who have sex with men (MSM) should be tested at least yearly for me.
How is chlamydia treated?
Chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics. Schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
What are genital warts?
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), an STI.
What are the symptoms of genital warts?
Genital warts look like small, flesh-colored bumps that cluster together at the opening of the vagina or anus or on the penis and sometimes itch. There is a vaccination available to help prevent me.
How are genital warts treated?
Genital warts are treatable with prescription creams, surgery, laser, or freezing procedures. Schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
What is gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a STI caused by bacteria. Does the CLAP sound familiar? That’s its nickname.
What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?
Men who have gonorrhea may have burning when they pee and yellow discharge from their penis. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of catching this infection. Women usually don’t know they have gonorrhea. Women under age 25 and MSM should be tested at least yearly for gonorrhea. Like chlamydia, gonorrhea can cause serious problems, like PID, tubal pregnancy, and infertility.
How is gonorrhea treated?
Gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics. Schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
What is the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2)?
The herpes simplex virus is a common viral infection that can cause painful blisters or ulcers. There are two main types of HSV:
– HSV-1: Primarily causes oral herpes (cold sores).
– HSV-2: Primarily causes genital herpes.
The herpes simplex virus can be spread by touching another person who already has it, even if the person has no symptoms; this is called viral shedding. You can also become infected by touching one of the sores or the body fluids of an infected partner. After the first infection, the virus may come back from time to time in the form of small clusters of sores.
How is the herpes simplex virus treated?
The herpes simplex virus persists for life, BUT antiviral medication is available to help decrease transmission to partner(s) and to treat outbreaks. Schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
What is HIV?
HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that attacks and weakens the body’s immune system. HIV is spread through blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals, through shared drug needles, and/or from mother-to-baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. In its initial stages, HIV can cause severe flu-like symptoms. Treatment is important! Without treatment, HIV can lead to AIDS.
How is HIV treated?
HIV is treated through Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Medication. Find out more about HIV testing, treatment, and prevention, and schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?
HPV is a group of over 200 related viruses that can infect the skin and mucous membranes.
What are the symptoms of HPV?
HPV exists in 40 different strains that affect the anal and genital areas, some causing warts, the others causing pre-cancer and cancer. There are vaccinations for some strains and there are medications for removing warts caused by me.
How is HPV treated?
HPV is treated with vaccination for some types, and medication for warts. Schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries. PID is usually caused by untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea. STI screening and early treatment of infections can reduce the risk of developing PID, so get tested regularly.
How is pelvic inflammatory disease treated?
Pelvic inflammatory disease is treatable with antibiotics. Schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is an infection caused by bacteria. It is spread by blood and bodily fluids of infected individuals and/or through shared drug needles.
What are the symptoms of syphilis?
Syphilis shows symptoms in four stages:
1) Primary: Single, painless sore that lasts 3-6 weeks.
2) Secondary: Up to 180 days after the first sore, syphilis causes skin rashes, lesions in the mouth, vagina or anus.
3) Hidden Stage: This is caused when someone does not seek treatment and shows no additional symptoms.
4) Late Stage: This stage is dangerous and can cause damage to internal organs, including the brain.
How is syphilis treated?
Syphilis is treatable with antibiotics. Schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
What is trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis or “trich” is a common and curable STI. Its name comes from the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which causes the infection. Trich spreads during sexual intercourse, in semen and vaginal fluids. The STI is spread by unprotected sex, so the best way to prevent it is by using condoms during sex.
What are the symptoms of trich?
Most of the time people (especially males) don’t know trich has infected them. When trich symptoms do show up it is usually in women, and it can cause vaginal discharge that might be a yellow-green color.
How is trich treated?
Trich is treatable with antibiotics. Schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs), like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can be treated with antibiotics, while others, like the herpes simplex virus and HIV, are not curable but can be managed with medication.
Yes, some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs/STIs) can be transmitted through kissing. The STIs that can be transmitted through kissing include:
– Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
– Human papillomavirus (HPV)
– Gonorrhea
– Chlamydia
Transmission occurs through the exchange of saliva, which can contain the viruses or bacteria that cause these STIs/STDs.
The decision to have safe sex is a serious one. Avoiding an unwanted pregnancy is a top concern among teens. Learn more about the most effective birth control methods available here. When you’re ready, we’ll help you decide what will work best for you. There are many safe and reliable forms of birth control available to you, at no cost, through Adagio Health.
Condoms are barrier contraceptives used during sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Dental dams are thin sheets of latex or polyurethane used as a barrier during oral sex to reduce the risk of STI transmission. Learn more about both in our questions below. Condoms and other forms of contraceptives are available at Adagio Health.
What is an external (male) condom?
External condoms – sometimes referred to as a male condom – fit snugly over a penis or sex toy. Male condoms are typically made from latex, less common materials include lambskin and polyurethane.
How effective are male condoms?
When used correctly every time you have sex, latex condoms are close to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. Consistent and correct use of latex condoms is also highly effective in preventing sexual transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, along with sexually transmitted infections (STIs or STDs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Latex condoms also greatly reduce the risk of transmitting or contracting genital herpes, syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
How can I access a male condom?
Family planning medical offices offer external/male condoms. They are also widely available online or in person at retail locations like supermarkets, drug stores, gas stations, etc.
What is an internal (female) condom?
Internal condoms – sometimes called a female condom – is a pouch that is inserted into the vagina during sex. Female condoms protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs and STDs) including HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis, and pregnancy.
How effective are female condoms?
If you use them correctly every single time you have sex, internal/female condom effectiveness is 95%.
How can I access female condoms?
Female condoms can be purchased with or without a prescription. To purchase at a pharmacy, you’ll need a prescription from a health care provider (following an in person or online appointment). You can find them online without a prescription from places like FC2 Female Condoms.
What are dental dams?
Dental dams are a square piece of stretchy latex or similar material that’s placed over the vagina during oral sex. It’s not a contraceptive like an internal or external condom, but it does greatly reduce the risk of spreading bodily fluids that may carry sexually transmitted infections (STIs or STDs).
How effective are dental dams?
There are very few statistics on the effectiveness of dental dams, but they do reduce the risk of spreading STIs through oral sex. They do not prevent pregnancy and should not be used during penetrative sex.
How can I access dental dams?
Dental dams can be found in some drugstores and medical offices and are more widely available for purchase online.
Myths
It’s safe to re-use a condom or dental dam.
Never re-use a condom or dental dam. Always use a new condom or dental dam for each act of sexual intercourse.
I don’t need to use a condom or dental dam if I’m in a committed relationship.
Even if you or your partner is using another form of birth control, being in a monogamous relationship does not eliminate the risk of an unwanted pregnancy or transmitting STIs or STDs.
I don’t need to be tested for STIs or STDs if I use condoms and/or dental dams.
Because condoms are not 100% effective at protecting against STIs or STDs, it is important to get tested on a regular basis if you are sexually active. Don’t wait until symptoms appear to get tested — many STIs or STDs may not cause any symptoms – but can lead to serious illness, including infertility.
Condoms and dental dams can cause users to become sterile, impotent, or lose their sex drive.
Using these products does not “kill the mood”, cause impotence, or risk sterilization. There are several different external condom options that can help increase pleasure between partners.
I can use any type of lube with condoms and dental dams.
Avoid using oil-based lube, or anything that has oil in it, with condoms and dental dams, especially if they are latex. Oil can damage latex condoms and make them break. Use a water-based or silicone-based lube instead.
Truths
You should always check for tears or holes in condoms and dental dams before use.
If a condom is broken, you can come into contact with sexual fluid that can cause pregnancy or the spread of STIs.
All types of couples can use condoms and dental dams.
Regardless of age, sexuality, gender, or commitment between partners, a condom or dental dam is an effective way to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy and/or transmission of STIs.
Annual STI or STD testing is recommended for all sexually active people.
If you have sex, it’s important to get tested for STIs or STDs at least once a year. Speak with your physician about which STI or STD tests are recommended for you based on sex, age, and risk factors.
Condoms and dental dams have little to no side effects.
Unless you have a latex allergy or sensitivity, most people have no issues with condoms and dental dams.
Water-based and silicone-based lubricants are safe to use with condoms and dental dams.
If you are worried about irritation caused by friction during intercourse, water-based and silicone-based lube can be safely used with internal condoms, external condoms, and dental dams.
Getting reliable information is critical in making good decisions. We’ve put together a list of sites you can trust for information on love, relationships, safe sex, drugs and alcohol, STIs, teen pregnancy/parenting, and more.
Adagio Health also provides a variety of different educational programs to teens. We aim to address the needs of our communities throughout western PA, with a focus on developing healthy lifestyles for all.
Remember that love is respect. If you’re experiencing any signs of partner abuse, whether it be physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal, find out how to know the signs and how to get the help you need.
My Story
Thank you, Adagio Health!
I came to Adagio Health as a very scared sixteen-year-old, having no clue how to grapple with my sexuality in my conservative environment. It was there that I learned my sexuality is something to be celebrated, a part of myself that I ought to understand rather than reject. I received my first birth control at Adagio Health and learned how to protect myself, body and spirit, in the face of sexuality. Six years later, I am still bringing my friends to clinics like Adagio Health so they too can have control over their sexual lives.
Join the Youth Advisory Committee
Join the Youth Advisory Committee, a volunteer experience with Adagio Health that allows you to share your input about health topics. Fill out an application to join YAC.
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