Conversation
A patient presents with or without specific symptoms of an STI. You wish to discuss this issue with him/her according to his/her particular profile or the reason for his/her consultation.
Here you will find examples of questions to guide the consultation. Feel free to adapt them according to the patient and the circumstances of the consultation.
“STIs are very common among young people, who may not even be aware they have an STI. We encourage all sexually active young people to get tested regularly for STIs. Would you like a sexual health check-up today?”
"Young people often have questions about their body and sex; do you have any and would you like to talk about this? Do you have a specific question that you want to ask me? Even if you don’t have any questions today, you are welcome anytime."
"Have you ever used condoms? How did it go?"
"To party or relax, young people sometimes consume alcohol or other substances (Ecstasy, cannabis, GHB, cocaine...). It is possible that condom use during sex may not have worked. STIs take advantage of this opportunity to move from one person to another. Do you want to talk about STIs? Or drug use? Do you have any questions about STIs? Do you want to perform an STI screening test? We can discuss this if you wish."
“It is recommended that every pregnant woman should be tested for HIV and syphilis infection. This is an important opportunity to have a sexual health check.”
"When did you last have sex with somebody else than your usual partner? Did you use condoms every time?"
“While you’re here for contraception advice/cervical screening, it might be a good time to talk about other areas of sexual health, like having a sexual health check-up.”
"Would you be willing to have some STI tests done today?"
"Most people find it difficult to talk about sex, even with their doctor. Contrary to what people think, it is not easy to ask questions and find the right answers. Is that something you would like to talk about?"
“Some people take risks when they travel overseas, and that includes having unprotected sex. If you like, we could do a sexual health check-up before you go and when you return.”
"Is it ok to talk about having a sexual health check-up today?"
"Have you ever used condoms? How did it go?"
"Do you sometimes use drugs or other products to have better sex?"
“Have you had a hepatitis B vaccination? It protects against an infection that can be sexually transmitted. Do you want to talk about this today?”
"Is it ok to talk about having a sexual health check-up today?"
"What questions do you have about STIs? Would you be willing to have an STI test today?"
"Have you ever used condoms? How did it go?"
“I am sorry to hear your partner has a sexually transmitted infection. I suggest we test you today as well and perform a sexual health check-up; would that be something you would like done?”
"When did you last have sex? Was it with a woman, a man, or both? Was it vaginal, oral and/or anal sex?"
"Did you use condoms? What did you use as protection? Did you use anything else as protection? Did your partner use anything as protection?"
“Did you know that STIs are very common among men who have sex with men? We encourage all sexually active MSM to get tested regularly for STIs. Would you like a sexual health check-up today?”
"When did you last have sex with somebody else than your usual partner? Did you use condoms?"
"To party or relax, young people sometimes consume alcohol or other substances (Ecstasy, cannabis, GHB, cocaine...). It is possible that condom use during sex may not have worked. STIs take advantage of this opportunity to move from one person to another. Do you want to talk about STIs? Or drug use? Do you have any questions about STIs? Do you want to perform an STI screening test? We can discuss this if you wish."
“You are interested in a blood test to check up on your health. Are you also thinking of STI tests? Is it OK if we talk about that?”
"Most people find it difficult to talk about sex, even with their doctor. Contrary to what people think, it is not easy to ask questions and find the right answers. Is that something you would like to talk about?"
"Most people struggle to continue to have protected sex when the relationship is no longer new; is this something you recognize?"
“Have you noticed the campaign on STIs that is currently on TV? Maybe you have some questions in that context that you would like to talk about today?”
"Is it ok to talk about having a sexual health check-up today? Do you have questions about STIs? Would you be willing to have an STI test today?"
"Most people find it difficult to talk about sex, even with their doctor. Contrary to what people think it is not easy to ask questions and find the right answers. Is that something you would like to talk about?"
"When starting a new relationship, it is recommended to be tested for STIs before having sexual contact without condom. Is this something you would like to talk about?”
"When did you last have sex? Was it with a woman, a man, or both? Was it vaginal, oral and/or anal sex?"
"Most people struggle to continue to have protected sex when the relationship is no longer new; is this something you recognize?"
"When did you last have sex with somebody else than your usual partner? Did you use condoms?"