Questions about sexual history

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Questions about sexual history

Women often begin the process of diagnosing sexual dysfunction by noticing an absence of sexual desire or satisfaction. Your health professional will work with you to identify your symptoms and the history of those symptoms. The answers to the following questions may be helpful to you and your health professional in determining the cause of your sexual problem and designing a treatment plan.¹

• Are you currently sexually active?
• If so, are you sexually active with men, women, or both?
• Are you or your partner experiencing sexual difficulties?
• Have you noticed a change in your sexual activity?
• Are you satisfied with the quality and frequency of sexual activity?
• Have you ever experienced any unwanted touching or sexual activity?
• What are your expectations and goals for treatment?

Other questions that may be helpful in your diagnosis include the following:

• Are you having difficulty initiating sexual activity?
• Are you having difficulty becoming aroused when you want to be sexual?
• Do you experience as much arousal as you expect or would like?
• Do you experience dryness in your vagina during intercourse?
• Do you have pain during intercourse?

If answering these questions leads you to identify a sexual problem, the following questions may provide helpful additional information.

• Is this a new problem, or has it always been present?
• Have you had this problem with all of your partners?
• Is the problem always there?
• Does anything make it better or worse?
• How much of a concern is this for you and your partner?
• Do you have any idea what may have caused your sexual problem?
• Have you received any treatment for this problem?

References

Citations

1. Baram DA (2007). Sexuality, sexual dysfunction, and sexual assault. In JS Berek, ed., Novak's Gynecology, 14th ed., pp. 313–349. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Credits

Last updated:	March 11, 2008
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Michele Cronen