Taking a sexual history presents different challenges to the physician, not least because most physicians have had little or no training or experience in doing so. Many people, both lay and professional, find talking about sex uncomfortable to a greater or lesser degree. Many people, again both lay and professional, have their own beliefs, rooted in the culture and religion of their upbringing, about what is acceptable sexual behavior and what is not. The ability to talk freely about sexual behavior and lifestyles is a skill that must be acquired if the physician is to help people with sexual problems. If, for whatever reason, they find themselves unable to do this, it is better that they acknovsledge the fact and promptly refer people with sexual problems to a colleague. Read the rest of this entry »