People consult sexual health experts for a variety of reasons. They might be struggling with sexual function problems, like low desire or premature ejaculation. Or, they might be working through psychological issues, such as past sexual trauma or relationship difficulties. Sex health specialists can help people who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity. Those looking for help with paraphilias, pornography, or compulsive sexual behavior might see a sex health specialist, too.
Sex health specialists often have different roles in your medical community. They include gynecologists, obstetricians, urologists, nurse practitioners, and surgeons. Specialists may also be therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, and social workers. If you visit a sex health clinic, you might meet educators who can answer your questions about contraception, safe sex practices, sexually transmitted infections, and local resources.
Chances are, your specialist fills many of these roles at the same time. Your general practitioner or primary care physician can refer you to the most appropriate expert for your situation.
You might feel nervous about your first appointment with a sexual health expert. That’s completely understandable. Lots of people are uncomfortable talking about sexuality, especially their own experiences. For many, it’s a taboo subject, and people often feel embarrassed about the issues they’re dealing with.
However, opening up and being honest about your situation is the most effective way to help your provider help you.
At your appointment, you’ll likely be asked a lot of personal questions. Your provider isn’t being nosy; they’re trying to get as much information as they can in order to help you.
Questions usually depend on the reason for your visit, but some of the more common ones to expect are:
- What brings you here today?
- How is your overall health?
- Are you sexually active?
- Do you have sex with men? Women? Both?
- If you’re in a relationship, how would you describe it? Monogamous? Open?
- What types of sexual activities do you engage in? (anal, vaginal, or oral sex? Kink behaviors? BDSM?)
- Is consent a regular part of your sexual relationships?
- Do you follow safe sex practices? Do you use condoms and dental dams?
- Do you use contraception? If so, what type?
- Have you ever had a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
- Would you like to be tested for an STI?
- Do you experience any sexual pain?
- Do you feel safe with your partner?
Some of these questions might be asked in a questionnaire format.
Your provider might also conduct a physical exam or medical tests like the following:
- A blood test to measure your hormone levels
- A urine test to check for an STI
- A digital rectal exam to assess prostate health
- A Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer
- A semen test to evaluate sperm count
Keep in mind, these are just examples. Your provider will explain any testing you need and what such tests will entail.
To prepare for your appointment, consider these ideas:
- Make notes about your personal health history and your family history. Some conditions, such as diabetes, can affect your sexual function.
- Make a list of the medications you take, along with any over-the-counter supplements. Drugs and supplements can have sexual side effects.
- Jot down your own list of questions for your provider. All questions are valid ones.
- Take a deep breath. You’re taking a big step seeing a provider, and that’s good! Try to relax beforehand. And if you’re feeling anxious, it’s okay to tell your provider that, too.
Resources
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
Michal, Lew-Starowicz, MD, PhD, FECSM
”Expert Opinion on ‘Practices and Barriers in Sexual History Taking: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Public Adult Primary Care Clinic’”
(Full-text. Published: June 21, 2020)
https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(20)30651-2/fulltext
Palaiodimos, Leonidas, MD, MSc, et al.
“Practices and Barriers in Sexual History Taking: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Public Adult Primary Care Clinic”
(Full-text. Published: June 28, 2020)
https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(20)30611-1/fulltext
National Coalition for Sexual Health
“Sexual Health and Your Patients: A Provider’s Guide”
(2016)
“What types of health care providers address sexual health?”
(2019)
https://www.ncshguide.org/provider-visit/types-of-providers
NHS.uk
“Guide to sexual health services”
(Page last reviewed: November 21, 2018)