99
during sex, orgasm too soon, lubricate enough or
long enough, do you desire sex? Also, referring to
sexual "concerns" allows the patient to bring up
concerns other than dysfunctions.
- Rather than "With how many partners do you have
sex?"
Ask, "Are you currently having sex with anyone?"
If the patient says "no," you can ask "Is that a
problem for you?" If the patient says "yes," you
can ask "Do you have more than one partner?"
- Rather than "Who beat you up?"
Ask, "How did you get those marks/bruises/
welts?"
- Rather than "What is your sexual orientation?"
Ask, "Do you have sex with men, women or
both?"
- Finish the sex-oriented part of the interview with,
"Do you engage in any sexual activities about
which you have health questions?"
Respecting patients' identity and relationships. It
seems only courteous to refer to patients as they request.
Nevertheless, it can be difficult to remember to refer
to your budding, but balding, male-to-female (MTF)
transsexual patient as a "she" to write "Frank" on the
prescription, but refer to her as "Francesca." It can be hard
to remember to do a pap smear on Dick, your female-to-
male (FTM) transgendered patient.