What is the best way to ask an adolescent girl about her sexual activity?

What is the best way to ask an adolescent girl about her sexual activity?

• A. Are you having sex with anyone?
• B. Are you sexually active?
• C. Do you have a boyfriend?
• D. Are you dating someone?

Answer: (A)

Direct, explicit, and nonjudgmental language helps adolescents feel safe to share sensitive information. Asking in this way clearly and simply inquires about sexual activity with anyone, without assuming a single partner or a dating relationship. This openness invites an honest response and creates a natural opening to discuss important health topics such as contraception, STI testing, pregnancy prevention, and consent, all while acknowledging confidentiality. Phrasings that ask about general sexual activity in abstract terms or focus on relationships rather than behavior can miss or mask relevant risk information and may make the teen less likely to disclose.

Direct, explicit, and nonjudgmental language helps adolescents feel safe to share sensitive information. Asking in this way clearly and simply inquires about sexual activity with anyone, without assuming a single partner or a dating relationship. This openness invites an honest response and creates a natural opening to discuss important health topics such as contraception, STI testing, pregnancy prevention, and consent, all while acknowledging confidentiality. Phrasings that ask about general sexual activity in abstract terms or focus on relationships rather than behavior can miss or mask relevant risk information and may make the teen less likely to disclose.