Talking to a health care provider about sexual health can be intimidating. You might feel embarrassed about the questions that you have; you might not want to admit to certain feelings or fears about your health. But being able to talk to your health care provider about your physical health as it relates to your sexual health is absolutely crucial.
If you can’t be totally honest about what’s happening with your body and your feelings about it, you won’t be able to get accurate treatment. Your health care provider should be able to give you straightforward, nonjudgmental feedback and advice about your body and sexual life. But at the same time, they have to start with the whole picture.
The first step is to choose a health care provider that you trust. They should be someone who is open-minded, honest, and very good at listening. Be sure to talk to your health care provider about your own boundaries in terms of what is okay in terms of how they deal with your body and health concerns.
If you feel uncomfortable with your health care provider for any reason, follow your instincts; ask around for other recommendations. Your good health depends on your ability to communicate and rely on your health care provider! You might have to try more than one before you feel completely comfortable. But when you do, they will be an ally as you continue to learn more about how to remain in good health.
The questions you may want to ask your health care provider can cover a wide range of topics. from changes in sex drive, dealing with sex during pregnancy, pain during sex, protecting your fertility, what form of contraception would be best, or other issues. There are few topics, however, that any sexually active person should be sure to discuss, including preventing sexually transmitted infections, getting tested, and more.
The 10 questions below are a great place to start the conversation with your health care provider.
Your provider needs to know some personal information about you so that she or he can help answer your questions and assess your risk and offer the correct advice. You may want to talk to your provider about the following:
What if you don’t have a regular health care provider? Where do you begin trying to find one? You can start by asking family, friends, or co-workers for referrals. If you have health insurance, your insurance company should offer a list of providers as well. The links here offer another resource, allowing you to search for providers and health centers in your area.
So how do you overcome your own hesitancy or embarrassment and start that conversation with your healthcare provider? It would be easier if we didn’t have to be naked when we do! Sexual health experts health experts—Martha Kempner and Logan Levkoff help you learn how to “own your awkwardness” and get the care you need. This discussion is featured on ASHA’s Sex+Health podcast.
