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your choices without making negative judgments
about them beyond that. A good rule of thumb
is that you should feel you can tell your physician
about a planned sexual behavior, with the
expectation that she will explain the possible
health repercussions of the behavior.
- You don't withhold information because you're
afraid of what your health care practitioner might
say.
- You don't have a knot in your stomach when you
think about going to the health care practitioner.
(Of course, some people are always nervous about
a trip to the doctor ­ but nervousness beyond what
you usually feel may be a sign of trouble.)
- You feel that you can be yourself around your
health care practitioner. You don't feel that you
should put on a special outfit, different from
your everyday clothes, to visit your health care
practitioner. (Wearing clothes that are relatively
easy to remove and put back on is a courteous
touch. And going out of your way to be shocking
or seductive toward your doctor, or toward his staff
or patients in the waiting room, is inappropriate.)
- Your health care practitioner is aware of your
family and relationship structures, and is aware of
any relevant legal documentations such as living
wills or durable powers of attorney for health
care.
- The office staff is courteous, friendly and helpful
to you ­ even if they can't always give you the 2:45
appointment that fits into your hectic schedule.