Sexual History Taking

Sexual Health

Sexual History Taking

·        Purpose of sexual history is to determine:

·        Whether or not there has been a risk of exposure to an STI including HIV

o   If it is an appropriate time to take tests (window period – genital tests are not taken unless at least 14 days has elapsed from unprotected sex, unless symptomatic. For blood tests wait 3 months)

o  Who else had been at risk and may need testing/treating

·        Approach:

o  „Going to ask personal questions – want to be able to offer right tests and care”

o  Ask why they‟ve come

o  Use patient‟s language

o  Don‟t make assumptions about anyone 

o  Lot‟s of reassurance: STD‟s are common, confidentiality, support relationship issues – let them decide, continue at a later date

o  Not interested in their orientation but what they do

·        Questions:

o  Are you sexually active?

o  How many partners have you had in the last 6 months – male or female?

o  Alcohol and drug history

o  Do you suspect that you may be at risk from HIV or other STD? 

o  Need to ask about sexual abuse – won‟t volunteer it: Ever had sex when you didn‟t want to, ever been sexually assaulted?