Introduction to history taking and principles of sexual health

Abstract

Sexual health has a profound influence over an individual's physical and psychological wellbeing. There is an increasing need to develop effective strategies to reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally. Many STIs are asymptomatic and yet, highly infectious. The sequelae of such infections may be catastrophic and hence, an integrated multidisciplinary and preventative approach to the control of STIs is clearly necessary. Sexual history taking holds the key to the practice of sexual health medicine. It provides the basis for treatment, prevention, education, and sexual health promotion.