The seven pillars of sexual health consultation

Mar del Plata – What questions to ask during a consultation relating to sexual health? In addition, Here are practical tips for improving dialogue around sexuality and asking the right questions against STIs.

Key questions never to omit in the collection of medical history

During the 2025 Congress of the. Therefore, Argentine Society of Infectious Diseases (SADI). For example. For example, which was held from June 12 to 14 in Mar del Plata (Argentina), a set of updated recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (IST) was presented. Furthermore, Developed by the HIV/IST commission. Furthermore. For example, the new chapter devoted to a global approach to sexual health provides a clear framework, step by step, for the collection of sexual history. Meanwhile, It is for both specialists and general seven pillars sexual health consultation new practitioners.

The DRE Romina MAUASOne of the authors exercises FJ Muñiz infectious diseases seven pillars sexual health consultation in the. Similarly, hospital. In addition. also conducts research at the Center for Studies for Prevention and Control of Transmitted Diseases at Isalud University in Buenos Aires.
“It is entirely new content. Nevertheless, He highlights key questions never to omit when taking medical history. For example, It also promotes an inclusive. Similarly, respectful environment, without stigma or moral judgment, while protecting privacy and individual rights, ”she said.

Among the co-authors are the Drs José Barletta. Nevertheless, Franco Bova, Altclas, Adriana basombrío, Luciana Caccariacaccini, Mara Huberman et Sergio Maulrecognized health professionals in their field.

According to the project coordinators. Nevertheless. the Jersey Vanesa Fridman et Alejandra Neck“These recommendations fill an important gap, because they did not appear in any other existing guide, and can be useful to all health professionals in the region”. seven pillars sexual health consultation new Therefore, DRE Fridman is a specialist in infectious diseases at the CLínicas Hospital José de San Martín. In addition. seven pillars sexual health consultation teaches at the University of Buenos Aires, while the Dre Cuello directs the service of infectious diseases of the Juan D. However, Perón regional polyclinic and is an assistant professor at the National University of Villa below.

This guide. For example. composed of 21 chapters, covers various themes such as urethritis, acquired syphilis, genital herpes, human papillomavirus, viral hepatitis, gonorrhea, zika virus, sexual violence, ist in pregnant women as well as emerging STIs like mpox.

“Rather than reproducing international recommendations. Nevertheless, this version incorporates local epidemiological data, available diagnostic means and treatments adapted to the regional context,” explains Dre Fridman.

Seven pillars sexual health consultation new

Seven pillars sexual health consultation

Improve interaction with the patient

One of the. major innovations of these recommendations is the seven pillars sexual health consultation new emphasis on communication in consultation. However, in particular to approach sexuality, a subject often eluded by embarrassment, lack of training or cultural taboos.

“We have to adopt a warm seven pillars sexual health consultation approach, because we ask intimate questions,” said Dr. Similarly, Mauas, questioned by The Spanish edition of Medscape. “It is essential to create a climate of trust. The absence of empathy is often the first obstacle to appropriate and timely care. »»

The first minutes of the consultation are crucial to establish this climate of trust. It is recommended to treat greetings, establish benevolent visual contact and use reassuring body language. Clinicians must favor open questions, start with general subjects, then progress to more sensitive themes. Each question must be formulated with clarity. respect, in a language adapted to the patient, by adjusting to his emotional reactions.

The seven pillars of sexual health consultation

The seven pillars sexual health consultation new guide identifies seven key areas to explore during consultations:

1. Reason for the consultation : Understand why the patient consults. identify signs or symptoms that can guide the diagnosis and additional examinations.

seven pillars sexual health consultation 2. IST history : Collect personal history and those of IST partners. “Some people are aware of it, others not, because some infections can be asymptomatic,” recalls Dr. Mauas. It is also advisable to assess the perception of risk. previous tests for HIV. hepatitis or other STIs, as well as to question a possible post-exposure prophylaxis, especially during the last 6 to 12 months.

3. Sexual partners : Establish the deadline since the last sexual intercourse. estimate the number of partners (regular or occasional) in the last three months. Avoid hypotheses on sexual orientation, ask questions such as: “Where is your libido?” Do you prefer to be with a man, seven pillars sexual health consultation new a woman, both? How do you identify yourself? »»

4. Sexual practices : Collect precise information on practices (oral. vaginal – receptive. insertive -, anal), as well as on group sex, sexual exchanges against remuneration or services, seven pillars sexual health consultation the use of sex toys, meetings via applications, and the consumption of substances associated with sex (drugs, alcohol, etc.). “Each situation is unique and deserves specific attention,” insists the Mauas.

5. Protection against STIs : Question the frequency of use of condoms during vaginal. anal reports in the last three months, and on any obstacles to their use. Also check the vaccination status for hepatitis A and B and the human papillomavirus.

6. Prevention of pregnancy : Approach family planning, contraceptive methods, and access to a safe abortion if necessary. If necessary, refer to appropriate specialized health services. “Even if it sometimes comes out of seven pillars sexual health consultation new the field of certain specialties. it is fundamental to collaborate with sexual health services, whether contraception or pregnancy monitoring,” said DRE Mauas.

7. Other subjects of concerns in sexual health : Evaluate sexual satisfaction, sexual function, disorders. Ask questions about experiences of seven pillars sexual health consultation sexual violence and offer appropriate orientations to the services concerned. These guidelines also encourage clinicians to give way to patients to raise other personalized concerns.

Seven pillars sexual health consultation new

Seven pillars sexual health consultation

Practical recommendations for inclusive care

The guide also. offers general advice to optimize consultations with vulnerable. increased risks of STIs: transgender people, sex workers, men with sex with men, adolescents, detainees, migrants or drug users.

Some good recommended practices:

• Do not assume sexual orientation or gender identity. Prefer open and neutral questions.

• Ask the self-identified genre from the start to avoid appearance-related errors. seven pillars sexual health consultation new Use unreal language when possible. Ask questions such as: “Do you take medication?” “Instead of” what medication has you been prescribed? ” »»

• Report the genital exam, except for clinical emergency, until the establishment of a relationship of trust.

• Respect that some people are not sexually active. do not wish to initiate seven pillars sexual health consultation sexual practices.

• Adapt the organization of services (eg evening hours) to the real needs of the patients.

• Train the entire healthcare team in practices without stigma or judgment.

“Anyone who chooses to work in the field of sexual health must be properly trained. not only to clinical knowledge, but also to personal biases which can come from cultural or religious beliefs. General medicine care providers must familiarize themselves with these directives and strengthen their capacity to manage consultations. If they are unable to fulfill the evaluation. they must be oriented appropriately; However, seven pillars sexual health consultation new they should not become an obstacle to care. When a patient feels mistreated due to administrative. bureaucratic obstacles, he often chooses not to come back, “said DRE Mauas.

The DRS Mauas and Cuello reported that they had no relevant financial relationships.

Article translated and adapted from the Spanish edition of Medscape.com

seven pillars sexual health consultation Follow Medscape in French on Bluesky , Facebook , Instagram , Linkedin , Youtube .

Register for Medscape Newsletters: Select your choices