Sexual Health

Sexual Health

General History Outline

The purpose of this sexual history interview is to give the student practice in interviewing and discussing specific sexual issues. The student should attempt to gain a complete picture of the interviewee's background perceptions, and concerns about sexuality. The interview is meant as a practice session for obtaining a great deal of intimate information in a relatively short time. Please note that much of this information is highly personal.

The interviewee should be prepared to discuss information about themselves and to be willing to role play specific sexual issues. The interview is an opportunity for you to gain comfort in asking specific questions regarding sexuality.

Part of a successful interview involves using appropriate interview techniques. If you are interested in improving your interview skills you may wish to consult additional resources on interviewing techniques including textbooks in counseling psychology, medical interviewing, consulting your instructors, or your present curriculum textbooks. In any case the self-evaluation of the interview will include appropriate interview techniques.

The following is a suggested guideline for your interview:

Establish the interview relationship and parameters of the interview

General History Guidelines:

Presenting Concern

Brief account of how the problems developed

How severe (upsetting) the problem is to the interviewee

Some typical symptoms in sexually related issues:

headaches, dizziness, fainting spells, palpitations, stomach troubles, no appetite, fatigue, insomnia, bowel disturbance, nightmares, alcoholism, feel tense, feel panicky, tremors, depressed, suicidal ideas, unable to relax, sexual appetite, shy with people, don't like weekends or vacations, overambitious, lack of motivation, can't make decisions, inferiority feelings, memory problems, home conditions bad, can't make friends, can't keep a job, financial problems, concentration problems, unable to have a good time, career/occupational concerns

Sexual activity:

How often do they have sex with another person?

How often are they in a sexy mood?

What helps them get in the mood for sex?

What gets in the way?

Who usually starts things sexually?

How do they initiate sexual activity?

How do they feel about their partner initiating sexual activity?

How do they respond?

How do they tell if their partner is in a sexy mood?

What happens if one partner is reluctant to have sex?

SEE THE SEXUALITY HISTORY SURVEY FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO KNOW ABOUT A CLIENT'S CONDITION OR PROBLEM.