Source: American Academy of Family Physicians
In this episode of CME On the Go, the hosts discuss how family physicians can take a comprehensive, sensitive sexual history.
They highlight common discomfort and bias in asking “Are you sexually active?” and emphasize using respectful, gender-inclusive language, humility, trauma-informed care, and clear medical purpose to avoid voyeurism, with supportive electronic health record (EHR) documentation when possible.
They review terminology around sex, gender, and sexuality and outline the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Five Ps” framework—partners, practices, protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), past history of STIs, and pregnancy intention—adding two additional Ps: permission and primary sexual and gender identity. They suggest open-ended questions, assess STI risk and prevention, address sexual function and trauma, and revisit the sexual history during major life transitions.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the clinical and relational consequences of poorly conducted sexual histories, including the role of implicit bias and documentation challenges in EHRs, and patient portals.
- Differentiate between sex, gender, and sexual identity to enhance inclusive, respectful communication during sexual history taking.
- Demonstrate strategies to reduce personal discomfort and foster a safe, affirming environment for patients during sensitive conversations.
After listening to the podcast episode, claim 0.5 American Academy of Family Physicians continuing medical education credits.