Taking a sexual history

Abstract

Why should you inquire about sexual concerns? The importance of sexual health to a woman's quality of life and general health and well-being cannot be overstated, yet the topic is too often ignored by gynecologists and primary care physicians. This article has been geared toward helping overcome some of the barriers to physicians simply opening the door to the topic and conducting at least a basic sexual history and screening of sexual concerns. Although treatment options are addressed elsewhere in this issue, the most effective treatment of all is to ask. You cannot treat a problem if you do not know it exists.