Talking about sexual health with a doctor

As we move into adulthood, we begin to take care of our healthcare needs without our parents’ help. When it comes to the area of sexual health, we may not want our parents involved. This means we have to learn to speak up for ourselves to get the sexual health care we need and deserve.

Seeing a healthcare provider can be the best medicine; assuming you’ve been as honest as you can with them, they know you and your medical and sexual history.

Remember, healthcare providers are there to make you well in the immediate sense. It may take time and investment on your end to talk with someone else about more lasting behavior changes to best protect your health.

Starting the Talk
When you call to make an appointment, tell your healthcare provider that you have sexual health questions. That might allow for an “opening” for the provider to ask you questions and start the conversation.
Before your appointment, write down the questions and concerns you have. You can ask any questions you want; they do not need to be related to any physical problems you might be having. Or, do an online assessment such as the one at http://www.stdwizard.org, and print out the results to bring to your appointment to show your provider. You can also include these if you fill out a “reason for visit” or “sexual history” form.
If you don’t feel like you can verbalize your questions, simply hand the provider your list. By communicating that you are uncomfortable discussing this topic, it will allow them to say something comforting to put you at ease.