Which groups should you ask about sexual history?

Which groups should you ask about sexual history?

• A. Only adults
• B. All patients, regardless of age, disability, or chronic illness
• C. Only patients with chronic illness
• D. Only those who are sexually active

Answer: (B)

Ask about sexual history with every patient, not just a subset. This universal approach makes care more complete because sexual health intersects with many aspects of well-being—risk for STIs, contraception and pregnancy planning, sexual function, and even safety and abuse screening. By routinely bringing up the topic in a private, nonjudgmental way, you avoid assumptions based on age, disability, or who is currently sexually active, and you’re more likely to identify concerns or risks that patients may not volunteer. When discussing this with minors, consider developmental level and legal/ethical guidelines about confidentiality and parental involvement, while still addressing sexual health as part of their preventive care. For patients with disabilities or chronic illnesses, sexual health issues can be overlooked, but they are often affected by medications, conditions, or functional changes, so the conversation should be inclusive and sensitive. Limiting the discussion to adults, to those with chronic illness, or to those who are sexually active would miss important information and opportunities for counseling, screening, and prevention. The goal is a normal, routine part of the medical interview that respects privacy and supports informed, patient-centered care.

Ask about sexual history with every patient, not just a subset. This universal approach makes care more complete because sexual health intersects with many aspects of well-being—risk for STIs, contraception and pregnancy planning, sexual function, and even safety and abuse screening. By routinely bringing up the topic in a private, nonjudgmental way, you avoid assumptions based on age, disability, or who is currently sexually active, and you’re more likely to identify concerns or risks that patients may not volunteer.

When discussing this with minors, consider developmental level and legal/ethical guidelines about confidentiality and parental involvement, while still addressing sexual health as part of their preventive care. For patients with disabilities or chronic illnesses, sexual health issues can be overlooked, but they are often affected by medications, conditions, or functional changes, so the conversation should be inclusive and sensitive.

Limiting the discussion to adults, to those with chronic illness, or to those who are sexually active would miss important information and opportunities for counseling, screening, and prevention. The goal is a normal, routine part of the medical interview that respects privacy and supports informed, patient-centered care.