Sexual History Questions

FIRST INTERVIEW

This first history extracts a basic understanding of a gay or lesbian patient’s behaviors.

Introduce yourself in the normal way to the patient. Ask why he has come to see you today (he’ll be here for a routine physical).

If you have no immediate concerns, I like to spend a few minutes getting to know a bit about my patients, would you mind telling me a bit about yourself? (open)"

·  What do you do

·  Are you in a relationship? Tell me about it?

·  Who are you closest supports?

·  Have you had any children? Do you have any children?

…continue with other questions… fade out then back in to show we’ve progressed to sexual history…

·  Do you smoke?

·  Do you drink alcohol?

·  Are you sexually active? Do you have sex with men women or both?

·  What do you about ensuring safe sex? <end>

SECOND INTERVIEW (more in depth)

Introduce yourself in the normal way to the patient. Ask why he has come to see you today (he’ll be here for a routine physical).

Say “If you have no immediate concerns, I like to spend a few minutes getting to know a bit about my patients, would you mind telling me a bit about yourself? (open)"

·  What do you do

·  Are you in a relationship? Tell me about it

When LGBT comes up, discuss confidentiality of medical record and confirm that patient feels comfortable with your making notes about nature of relationship, sexual orientation.

·  Who are you closest supports?

·  Do you have or have you had any children?

When introducing this section say “One important component of health that I ask all my patients about is their sexual health history since it helps me better understand you and your health risks…”

·  Can you tell me when you first became sexually active?

·  In the past have your sexual partners been men, women, or both?

·  Are you sexually active currently? With men, women, or both?

I know that some of these can be a difficult questions, but it helps me to help you …

·  Can you estimate how many sexual partners have you had over the past six months?

·  What do you do to ensure that you are not exposed to sexually transmitted infections or HIV?

·  Have you ever engaged in sexual activity that in retrospect would have been considered high risk – such as paying for or being paid for sex, or had unprotected encounters?

·  Do you have any worries or problems related to sex at the moment?

·  Are you comfortable with your sexuality?

·  Do you feel you can be open about this with family or at work?

·  Have you ever been harmed physically or emotionally in the context of a relationship? How did you deal with that?

·  (If appropriate) Have you and your current partner completed the legal documents to ensure that you are protected if something unexpected should happen to either of you?

·  I have been asking you a lot of questions. I’d like to hear your question or concerns…