young woman took two entire appointments trying to
tell me that she thought she was a lesbian.) I can certainly
sympathize with how difficult it can be to come out to
a relative stranger; it can be hard not to save them this
discomfort by asking them a direct question. Yet any time
I do, I wind up stepping in it.
he was uncomfortable with the demands of the male role.
Over the next ten minutes, he told me that he wanted to
radically change his life and sexuality. Yet when I gently
suggested that he might be transgendered, he was very
surprised and offended and wanted to know how I'd
gotten that idea: he was trying to tell me that he was
having problems getting erections.
is very knowledgeable about alternative sexualities, it's
up to you to be forthright about the information you're
trying to share.
lifestyles. Many people tell me that they are completely
"out" concerning their sexual behavior: if their physician
can't handle it, it's the doctor's problem, not theirs.
While that is one perspective, I think it's a much better
idea to have patient and physician working together.
Additionally, a nonjudgmental physician is more likely
to be able to give you helpful information to help make
whatever activity or lifestyle you choose safer and more
satisfactory.