Sex is important in most people’s lives. However, many health professionals receive little training in how to talk respectfully with patients about sex and how to provide pertinent and effective counseling. Talking with Patients about Sex has been developed to address these gaps.

Please note the content in this website is explicit and is meant for medical professionals.

Part 1 Introduction explains why this topic is important and examines common myths about human sexuality;
Part 2 Taking a Sexual History presents recommendations about who, when, and what questions to ask;
Part 3 Responding to Patients: Providing Risk Reduction Counseling outlines a practical approach to providing risk-reduction counseling;
Part 4 Assessing Satisfaction and Addressing Problems demonstrates how to evaluate and counsel patients who present with common sexual complaints
Part 5 Boundaries in the Medical Encounter: Finding a Balance presents strategies that can be used to manage boundary breaches that arise during medical visits.

The overall goal is to increase the confidence and skill with which clinicians talk with patients about sex, and thereby to enhance patients’ sexual health and satisfaction.