Sikander Sohani, Sheena Hadi Aahung.
Overcoming the challenges of taking a sexual history: Abridged republication.
Med Today Jan ;2(4):128-31.

Sexual health is shrouded in secrecy and mystery among the general population in Pakistan and at the service delivery and policy levels. Despite it being a major component of the National Reproductive Health Package, very little is being done at the ground level to address this pressing public health concern and improve current practice. Reproductive health services focus predominantly on population control and maternal and child health, and health practitioners do not have the medical training to manage sexual health issues. In order for practitioners to take a client`s sexual history effectively, their medical knowledge regarding both organic and non-organic causes of impairment of the healthy functioning of sexual organs and processes must be complete. Social inhibitions, feelings of shame and guilt that surround sexuality and lack of confidentiality also contribute to creating barriers between practitioners and clients that ultimately prohibit effective sexual history taking and counselling. Sexual health management training can be incorporated into the medical curricula to address doctor`s medical information needs, along with their barriers in talking to clients openly about different aspects of sexual behaviour and relationships. A safe space can also be procured to create an environment where clients feel secure in providing accurate information about their sexual history. Finally a need exists for the general public to develop an understanding of sexuality as an intrinsic part of human beings so that feelings of shame, guilt and fear are reduced and people have the opportunity to make healthy, informed choices. This is a review article.

PakMediNet -Pakistan's largest Database of Pakistani Medical Journals - http://www.pakmedinet.com