What Kinds of Questions Should I Ask?
The questions you might ask can cover a range of topics, including: the best forms of contraception, STI screening and treatment, preventing STIs, protecting your fertility, and issues related to sexual functioning or performance.
Sample questions you might ask during your visit:
Screening and Testing
- What tests are you giving me?
- How are they done?
- When and how will I get my results?
Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Based on my history, should I be tested for STIs, including HIV? Which ones?
- How often should I be tested for STIs?
- Should my partner get tested, too?
- Are there any vaccines I should get to protect myself from STIs?
- How can I protect myself from getting STIs?
- If I have an STI, can it be treated?
Contraceptives
- What are the most effective forms of birth control?
- What are the different and best options for me?
- What are the side effects of different contraceptives?
- How and where can I get affordable contraceptives?
- Are they covered by my insurance?
Partner Issues
- I want my partner and I to get tested for STIs before we have sex for the first time. How should I bring up the topic?
- How do I tell my partner if I test positive for an STI?
- What if my partner doesn’t want to use a condom?
- I'm married and I assume my spouse is only having sex with me. Should I still be tested for STIs?
- My partner cheated on me and I’m worried I might have an STI. Which STIs should I be tested for?
Sexual Functioning or Performance
- I no longer find sex (or masturbation) pleasurable. Why?
- My sex drive is lower than normal. What's the deal?
- Having sex hurts. What's the problem?
- I'm being treated for another illness or disease, and I’m wondering how that will affect my sex life?
- I'm having trouble getting an erection/reaching climax. What's going on?
- I was told my prostate is enlarged. Will this affect my sex life?
