Teen & Adolescent Health Care in Ottumwa, Iowa
Adolescent Care That Meets Teens Where They Are
The teenage years bring a lot of changes, and not all of them are easy to navigate. Between physical development, shifting mental health, school pressures, and growing independence, teens have a unique set of health needs that require a provider who genuinely understands that stage of life. Having a doctor that your teen feels comfortable talking to can make a real difference in the quality of care they receive and the choices they make about their own health.
At All Ages Pediatrics in Ottumwa, Iowa, Dr. Eric Dodson and our team are experienced in caring for adolescents and young adults with the same compassion and respect we bring to every patient. Whether your teen needs a routine checkup, support for a mental or physical health concern, or confidential guidance on birth control options, we're here to help without judgment.
Request an appointment at All Ages Pediatrics today!
Routine Checkups, Preventive Care & More for Teens
Adolescent Health Care at All Ages Pediatrics
Adolescent care covers a wide range of services designed to keep teens healthy and support their development through one of the most dynamic periods of their lives. Regular checkups during the teen years are just as important as they were in childhood, even if they look a little different.
During an adolescent well visit, your provider will check your teen's height, weight, blood pressure, and other vital signs before screening for any physical health concerns. But these appointments go beyond the physical. They're also an opportunity to check in on mental and emotional well-being, talk about healthy habits, and make sure your teen has the information they need to take care of themselves.
Our team takes a confidential and non-judgmental approach with adolescent patients. Teens are more likely to be honest with their provider when they feel safe, and that honesty leads to better, more personalized care. We welcome open conversations about topics that might feel sensitive, including mental health, sexual health, substance use, and anything else your teen might be hesitant to bring up elsewhere.
Adolescent care at All Ages Pediatrics includes:
- Annual well visits and physical exams
- Vaccinations, including HPV and annual flu shots
- Screening for anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns
- Guidance on nutrition, sleep, and physical activity
- Sports physicals and school physicals
- Birth control counseling and management
- Referrals for specialty care when needed
- Discussions about men’s and women’s health issues.
We also understand that parents want to be involved in their teenager's health, and we're happy to work with both teens and their families to make sure everyone feels supported. If your teen is coming here from another practice, we make it easy to get established as a new patient and pick up right where their last provider left off.
Nexplanon, Contraceptive Pills & Birth Control Counseling for Teens
Information About Birth Control & Available Options
Birth control is often associated with pregnancy prevention, but that's only part of the picture. Many teens use birth control to manage painful or irregular periods, reduce acne, ease the symptoms of conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and improve overall quality of life. Whatever your teen's reason for exploring birth control options, our team is here to provide honest information and compassionate guidance without any judgment attached.
At All Ages Pediatrics, we offer birth control counseling to help teens and their families understand the available options and find the approach that fits best. Our providers take the time to review your teen's health history, discuss their goals, and answer questions so that every decision feels informed and comfortable.
Nexplanon Birth Control Implant
One of the most popular options we offer is Nexplanon, a small, thin rod about the size of a matchstick that's inserted just under the skin of the upper arm. Nexplanon is a long-acting hormonal contraceptive that works for up to three years and is more than 99% effective. Because it doesn't require a daily pill or any ongoing steps, it's a practical option for teens who want reliable protection without having to remember something every day.
Nexplanon birth control implant benefits go well beyond pregnancy prevention. Many teens who use it experience lighter periods or no periods at all, which can be a significant relief for those dealing with heavy or painful menstrual cycles. It's also easily reversible. Nexplanon removal is a straightforward, in-office procedure.
Our team is experienced with both insertion and removal and can walk you through exactly what to expect at each step.
Other Birth Control Options
In addition to Nexplanon, our team can discuss other options, such as the pill, patch, or shot. Every teen is different, and our goal is to make sure each patient leaves with an option they feel confident and comfortable with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you treat mental health concerns for teenagers?
Yes. Mental health is a big part of adolescent care at All Ages Pediatrics, and it's something our team takes seriously. Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other mental health challenges are common during the teen years, and they're nothing to push through alone. Our providers screen for signs of mental health concerns and make time to talk through what your teen is experiencing. Depending on their needs, we can provide support directly, adjust medications if appropriate, or connect your teen with a specialist who can help.
What is Nexplanon, and is it a good option for my teen?
Nexplanon is a small hormonal implant inserted just under the skin of the upper arm during a quick in-office procedure. It releases a low, steady dose of hormones that prevent pregnancy for up to three years and is more than 99% effective. It's a great option for teens who want reliable, long-term birth control without having to remember a daily pill. Nexplanon removal is equally simple and is done in the office whenever your teen is ready to discontinue it. Many teens also appreciate that it can reduce or eliminate periods altogether. Our team is happy to answer any questions your teen has about whether it might be the right fit.
How do I talk to my teen about birth control?
Starting the conversation about birth control can feel awkward, but it's one of the most important talks you can have with your teenager. You don't have to have all the answers. In fact, coming to an appointment together at All Ages Pediatrics is a great way to open the door. Our providers are experienced in talking with both teens and parents about birth control options in a way that's honest, age-appropriate, and judgment-free. We can help facilitate the conversation and make sure your teen has the information they need to make healthy, informed decisions.
How do I schedule an adolescent care appointment at All Ages Pediatrics?
Scheduling at All Ages Pediatrics is simple. You can call our Ottumwa office directly or request an appointment online . We welcome teens of all ages and are happy to see new patients who are transitioning from another provider or looking for adolescent care for the first time.