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Review
. 1998 Dec 5;317(7172):1573-6.
doi: 10.1136/bmj.317.7172.1573.

ABC of sexual health: taking a sexual history

J Tomlinson
Review

ABC of sexual health: taking a sexual history

J Tomlinson. BMJ. .
No abstract available

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Figures

Figure
Figure
Placing seats at the side of the desk is a more friendly arrangement for an interview and makes it easier to observe a couple’s body language to each other, which gives clues to their relationship. (Reproduced with subjects’ permission)
Figure
Figure
Patients’ body language, such as defensively crossing arms, can reveal their state of mind
Figure
Figure
Postural echo, when doctor and patient sit in mirror images of each other’s position, indicates empathy between the speakers
Figure
Figure
Phrases such as “I’m sore down below” can mean anything from minor irritation to an anatomical problem such as rectal prolapse
Figure
Figure
Doctors must use very careful judgment in deciding if it would be appropriate to use colloquialisms when discussing a sexual problem
Figure
Figure
Painful osteoarthritis of the hips or knees limiting movement can be very inhibiting for sexual activity
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