Topic |
Example phrase |
Follow up actions |
Introduction |
“Sexual health is an important part of everybody’s health; however, it is often not talked about. Would it be ok if I asked you some questions about your sexual health? You do not have to answer anything you don’t feel comfortable with.” |
Yes: “Great. What we discuss today will remain confidential between us. The only exception would be if I was worried about you or someone else being harmed, or if I do not have all the answers to your questions and will discuss with a colleague. Is that ok?”
No: “That’s ok. We always aim to bring up sexual health when we see you. If at any time in the future you have questions or you would like to discuss sexual health, please let me know.” |
Sexual activity |
“Have you ever been sexually active?” |
Yes: “I’d like to ask some further questions to check your sexual health, is that ok?”
No: “If you do become sexually active, or if you would like to discuss some important things to consider when you become sexually active, we can talk about this.” |
P: Partner/s |
“Do you have a regular sexual partner?” |
Yes: “Have you had sex with anyone other than your regular partner?”
No: “How many sexual partners have you had in recent months?”
Establish age and gender of partner/s |
A: Activities |
“What types of sex do you have/have you had?” |
Establish types of sexual activity and body parts involved eg vaginal, anal, oral sex |
R: Reproduction
(Contraception) |
“Are you, or your partner/s, using contraception to prevent pregnancy and STIs?” |
Establish the types of contraception used, frequency of use, acceptability |
T: Transmission of infection
(STIs) |
“Have you ever been tested, or required treatment, for a STI?” |
Take history of STIs, screening, treatment and follow up testing
Check for current STI symptoms |
N: No
(Sexual abuse) |
“Has anyone ever tried to hurt you during sex, or make you have sex when you’ve said no?” |
If sexual abuse is suspected, refer to local guidelines/mandatory reporting requirements. Recent sexual assault (<72 hours) requires urgent specialist consultation
See child abuse |
E: Etiquette
(Consent) |
“It’s important that you always feel safe during sex. Can we talk about what consent means?” |
See discussing sexual consent with teens |
R: Risk reduction
|
“Can we talk about ways to reduce your risk of pregnancy and STIs?” |
Barrier contraception should be recommended in addition to more reliable forms of contraception to reduce risk of STIs
See contraception |
S: Screening
|
“STIs are common in young people, and they often don’t cause symptoms. In Australia we recommend that all sexually active young people get tested for STIs each year. Can we do this today?” |
See sexually transmitted infections |