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but frightened or upset by a particular sexual lifestyle or
behavior; perhaps some education on your part can help
allay this person's qualms.

Your own first impression. A physician who is not

knowledgeable or respectful about sexual minority
practices often reveals that ignorance in the initial history
and physical. To avoid a bad first impression, consider some
better ways of asking questions, whether you're asking
them during the initial interview or on your forms:

- Rather than ask "marital status?"

Ask "Are you single, married, divorced, separated,

or partnered?" The next question is "With whom
do you live?"

- Rather than "What form of birth control do you

use?"

Ask "Do you use birth control?" If the patient says

yes, ask "What methods do you use?" If the patient
says no, then ask "Do you need birth control?"
(If you ask the second question first, you will
overlook the patient who is relying on the rhythm
method.)

- Rather than "Do you have any sexual problems?"

Ask, "Do you have any sexual concerns?" Then

follow up with more detailed questions: there is
research to indicate that the general question alone
will not uncover sexual dysfunctions. You have to
ask about each specific dysfunction: for example,
do you have difficulty having an orgasm, getting
an erection, maintaining an erection, with pain