Does the idea of talking about sex with your provider make you cringe and feel anxious? You’re not alone. Many people were raised not to talk about sex with anyone. Unfortunately, that nervousness can also prevent us from getting the care that we need and deserve.

At Peoples Community Health Clinic, we believe your positive sexual health begins with honest conversations with your healthcare provider. Your confidential conversation with your provider can ensure you stay happy and healthy. Your provider can recommend the vaccinations, testing, and screening schedule that is right for you. Most STIs are treatable or easy to cure when caught early. Some don’t have symptoms, especially in their early stages. So getting the right tests can be crucial to staying healthy.

Confronting our fears around talking about sexual health can be hard. But sexual health issues can happen to anyone, and they sometimes can be related to other health issues. It’s important to have that conversation.

Many providers will bring the subject up. But if they don’t – or if they did at one time and you brushed it off because you were uncomfortable, it’s ok for you to take the lead. Providers appreciate your investment in your health and want to encourage you to be your own health champion.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

  1. Prepare and plan. If you have specific questions or concerns, write them down. This helps ensure you don’t forget anything important during your appointment.
  2. Be honest. Know that whatever your concerns are, our providers have likely seen it before. They have heard a wide range of complaints, concerns, and had hard conversations.
  3. It’s ok to be uncomfortable and admit it. Your provider will understand.
  4. Talk about prevention. Once your provider knows more, they can give you tips on how to avoid STIs. It’s also a great time to talk about contraception methods.
  5. Practice your opening line. Be prepared if your provider doesn’t ask about it. Consider starting with something like, “This is kind of embarrassing, but I wanted to ask you about my sexual health.” Or “I want to talk to you about my sexual health. I have never had this conversation before, but I want to be proactive and I’m hoping you can help me take care of the things I need to take care of to stay healthy.” Your provider will likely take it from there with some follow up questions.

Sexual health is a normal part of your healthcare journey. It’s better for the health of you, your partner, and, if you are pregnant, your baby if you have an open and honest conversation with your provider.

Sources:

https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/living-well/talking-about-sexual-function-2/

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/embarrassing-health-questions.html

https://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/hiv-prevention/talk-about-sexual-health

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2014/05/30/sex-ed-101-how-to-talk-to-your-doctor-about-sex