Adolescent health clinics (AHC) are a low threshold health service for adolescents, focusing on mental health and sexual health. However, 90% of the users are young girls. This article discusses factors that can influence adolescents' use of AHC, particularly attendance of adolescent males. The article is based upon six focus group interviews with adolescent males and females in upper secondary schools (n = 32), average aged 17. AHC was seen by the female participants of this study as a place for adolescents to discuss matters which might be difficult to discuss with parents or their regular general practitioner. AHC was perceived by the male participants to be exclusively for adolescent females. Gender differences were apparent in their view of health and in help seeking behavior. These findings indicate that health professions are challenged to use new methods and technology in order to attract adolescent males. Gender perspectives must be given a higher priority in public health research.
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