Initiating Discussions

Sexual health conversations can be beneficial for all individuals.1 This section offers practical approaches to starting important conversations and fostering a trusting relationship with individuals in your care.

By proactively talking to individuals about their sexual health, providers can open the door to gaining an overall picture of their health1

Utilizing a holistic approach by discussing sexual health and mental health together2

Counseling and sharing information about factors that may increase exposure to STIs, including HIV1

Screening for treating and preventing STIs, and addressing other sexual health concerns1

Creating a comfortable, nonjudgmental environment can help facilitate discussions3-6

Number one

Identify and address personal bias and practice cultural humility3

Number two

Create an open environment, including visible, easy-to-understand information4,5

Number three

Engage in open discussion6

Number four

Ask open-ended questions4

Establishing a productive sexual health conversation

Good timing is key for a productive conversation.7 By starting productive conversations about sexual health, providers can open the door to better support patients.

Use neutral and inclusive terms (eg, “partner(s)”)8

Avoid stigmatizing language8

Pay attention to your body language and posture8

Avoid making assumptions based on age, appearance, or relationship status8

Have genuine curiosity and care; pose questions in a nonjudgmental manner8

To help normalize the conversation, let individuals know that sexual health is commonly addressed in your practice8

References:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Discussing sexual health with your patients. Updated February 10, 2025. Accessed September 9, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/hivnexus/hcp/sexual-history/index.html
  2. Schnitzler L, Paulus ATG, Roberts TE, Evers SMAA, Jackson LJ. Exploring the wider societal impacts of sexual health issues and interventions to build a framework for research and policy: a qualitative study based on in-depth semi-structured interviews with experts in OECD member countries. BMJ Open. 2023;13(1):e066663. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066663
  3. Zhang LJ, Shannon K, Tibashoboka D, et al. Prevalence and correlates of having sexual and reproductive health priorities met by HIV providers among women living with HIV in a Canadian setting. Sex Reprod Healthc. 2021:30:100666. doi:10.1016/j.srhc.2021.100666
  4. Practice Nursing. Sexual history taking in primary care. Published August 2, 2021. Accessed March 16, 2023. https://www.practicenursing.com/content/clinical-focus/sexual-history-taking-in-primary-care/
  5. Kingsberg SA, Schaffir J, Faught BM, et al. Female sexual health: barriers to optimal outcomes and a roadmap for improved patient-clinician communications. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2019;28(4):432-443. doi:10.1089/jwh.2018.7352
  6. Douglas JM, Fenton KA. Understanding sexual health and its role in more effective prevention programs. Public Health Rep. 2013;128:1-4. doi:10.1177/00333549131282S101
  7. Plaut T, Lui P, Galvin SL. Discussing sexual health with your doctor. MAHEC Online J Res. 2015;2(2):1-9.
  8. National Coalition for Sexual Health. Sexual health and your patients: a provider's guide. Published 2016. https://www.nationalcoalitionforsexualhealth.org/tools/for-healthcare-providers/sexual-health-and-your-patients-a-providers-guide/