How to Talk Sexual History With a Doctor

Your past sexual history is a very personal and private matter. In most cases, it is not something that you would speak about freely with someone. Your doctor, however, is someone that you should feel safe talking to about any questions, problems or concerns that you have regarding your sexual history. Here are a few things to remember when talking to your doctor about your sexual history.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Know that you are talking to a medical professional. Ethical practices and confidentiality are routinely practiced by doctors and nurses. Your personal life will stay personal.
2. Relax and try not to be embarrassed. This is easier said than done, but in essence, sexual history and activity is a physiological, medical topic. Your doctor is very knowledgeable about your body and all of its parts.
3. Be honest with your doctor. Lying to your doctor will not help him identify any problems or risks that you may be concerned with or that she needs to be aware of. You are not the first person to be talking about these things with your doctor or nurse, so be very open and honest about symptoms you might be experiencing in order to get the most out of your visit.
4. Prepare ahead of time. List previous partners, dates of encounters, problems or physiological symptoms on a sheet of paper before you arrive. Knowing what you will be saying will help make the process be less embarrassing and will not waste time during the consultation.
5. Come with questions and ask for clarification. List any questions or concerns you may have about your sexual history or problems that may occur before, during or after sexual contact. If you doctor says something that you do not understand, ask him to clarify what he means.

Tips & Warnings

• Having your questions and concerns jotted down on paper beforehand can help you if you become tongue-tied. If embarrassment strikes, hand your list of questions and concerns to the doctor or nurse to allow them to address your issues..