behavior, others are offended if the questions do not use
the correct jargon ("How dare you call me submissive? I am
the wholly owned slave of my master!" "I am not a lesbian,
I have never even been to the Greek island of Lesbos I
am a butch dyke and don't you forget it.") Similarly, my
non-sexual-minority patients can be offended when I ask
about alternative sexuality.
or even by their stated sexual orientation; if your doctor
doesn't ask, she will probably make incorrect assumptions.
Please be as open as you can: "Doctor, I know I am 85
years old, but I am concerned that the cause of my sore
throat might be a sexually transmitted disease. Can you
make sure the antibiotic you are prescribing will cover
that?"
it's not appropriate to be straightforward outside the
bedroom, or even inside it when discussing our sexual
desires and behaviors. It is often a major accomplishment
to be able to tell your partner what you desire sexually.
office. You must tell your health care practitioner about
any sexual behaviors that might be affecting your health.
He cannot provide you with an acceptable level of care
if he doesn't have enough information to do so. Several
people have paid for an hour of my time just to ask me
questions about the medical ramifications of their specific