Pinnochio
If you can’t be honest with me, I can’t help you. I tell all my clients that at the beginning of the very first session. I strive to create a non-judgmental environment where people will feel comfortable sharing extremely private information. Likewise, it is your doctor’s responsibility to make sure that you are treated with respect and to take your sexual health concerns seriously. The doctor-patient relationship is a two-way street though. You are responsible for being honest about your sexuality so that your doctor can do his/her job and make important decisions about your health care.
The students gathered at the annual conference of the American Medical Student Association want to know what they need to do to make you feel safe and as comfortable as possible talking about your sexual concerns and what mistakes they need to avoid that might jeopardize your willingness to give them all the information they need to help you. I’ll tell them, if you tell me.
Today’s question: Have you ever withheld information about your sexual behavior from your doctor? What kept you from being completely honest?
Tags: doctor, doctor patient relationship, medical education, sexual health
