Questions to ask the doctor

During your visit you can ask the doctor what they are doing and why they are doing it. You can ask them to explain something you don’t understand. You can also ask your doctor questions about your sexual health. You can use some of these questions and think of other ones too. If you think of questions before your visit you can write them down so you don’t forget.

Reasons to ask your doctor about sexual and reproductive health.

You have the right to get complete and correct facts.
Asking questions about your sexual and reproductive health is a way to start talking about it and get the most out of your doctor visit.
This is your doctor’s job, so do not be afraid to ask.
Being open and honest with your doctor about your body and any issues you have, can help your doctor give you better care and advice.

What are some ways you can bring up the topic of sexual and reproductive health with your doctor?

“I know I’m here to get a check-up, but I have some questions about sex and my health.”
“I know STDs are a problem. What can I do to keep myself safe?”
“I want to learn how to put on and take off a condom correctly.”
“My partner and I are not ready for a baby. How can we prevent from getting pregnant?”
“I have never had sex, but want to be to safe when I make that decision. What can I do?”

Here are some sample questions for different sexual and reproductive health topics.

Sexual and reproductive health means more than just planning to prevent pregnancy and STDs/HIV. See also how can a doctor can help you for more information. Depending on your needs, sample questions you can ask are below:

Changes that happen to your body as you become an adult.

Am I done growing? When should I expect to be done growing?
How does the male and female body work?
How do my private parts work?
Can you help me with my acne?

Sexual identity and who I am attracted to.

I am a boy and I think I am attracted to other boys. Is this normal?
I am unsure about my sexual identity or sexual orientation. Is this normal?
Do you need to know that I identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual? Why?
Do you need to know that I identify as a transgender person? Why?

Birth control needs and how to prevent pregnancy.

What is the best birth control for males?
What is the best birth control for females?
Can you show me the right way to use a condom?
Do you have free condoms for me to take home?
Can you write me a prescription for condoms? Some health insurance plans allows prescriptions for condoms.
What should I do if a condom breaks or slips off?
What is Emergency Contraception?
What are the side effects of different birth control methods?
How and where can I/my partner get low cost birth control?
We think we may be pregnant – who can I or my partner talk to?

Tests to screen for STDs/HIV.

What STD tests should I get today?
How do you do STD tests?
When and how will I get my STD test results?
Do you do the HIV test where I can get results today? (HIV tests results in 20 minutes).

How to prevent getting STDs/HIV

How can I stay safe from getting STDs/HIV?
I am having sex. Should I get tested for STDs/HIV today? Which ones? How often should I get tested?
Should my partner(s) get tested?
Are there vaccines that can keep me safe from getting STDs?
If I have an STD, can it be treated?
What STDs can be cured? Which ones cannot be cured?
What if my partner is also a man? What things should I know?
What are reproductive-related cancers? How can I prevent getting them?

Problems with sexual performance or function.

I do not enjoy having sex. What should I do?
I cannot perform again after having sex. What should I do?
I have trouble getting hard (an erection). What should I do?
My sex drive is lower than normal. What should I do?
Having sex hurts. What should I do?
Can the medicines I take affect my sex life?

How to stay safe in relationships

I want my partner to get tested for STDs before the first time we have sex. How should I bring this up?
My partner does not want to use a condom. How can I bring this up?
My partner does not want to be on birth control. What should I do?
My partner says or does things to me that is not caring or disrespects me. What should I do?
What does sex between two persons of the same sex look like?
I have been with the same person for a long time and only have sex with them. Should I still be tested for STDs?
I think my partner had sex with someone else. I am worried I might have an STD. Which STDs should I be tested for?
How do I tell my partner if I test positive for an STD?

How to take care of your fertility (ability to have children).

I want children in the future. What should I do to make sure I am healthy enough for this to happen?

How to plan for a healthy pregnancy.

My partner and I want children in the future. What should we each do to plan for a healthy pregnancy when we are ready to get pregnant?
What can I do to be ready to be the best parent I can be?