ABSTRACT
The frog-leg position is the most commonly used position in the young prepubertal patient and allows her to have a direct view of the examiner and herself. In the prepubertal female, the nonestrogenized nature of the hymeneal and vulvar tissue makes it sensitive to touch and easily torn during an examination. Although the peripubertal and adolescent patient may be older and able to understand the specifics of the examination, the patients present another challenge for the examining practitioner. Ensure that the adolescent assumes the role of decision-making and help to empower her to take charge of her own health care with her parents and family physicians guidance and assistance. All adolescents should be reassured that the examination, while uncomfortable, is not painful and will not alter their anatomy. This may reassure those who may believe that the exam will alter their “virginity.”
