In sexual history taking there is a grave risk that the examiner will assume too much about the patient from superficial clues or from the examiner's personal biases. Such assumptions put the examiner at a great disadvantage and confuse as well as embarrass the patient. The usual result of such assumptions is the loss of time, valuable information, and rapport with the patient. It is axiomatic that the examiner cannot be certain about anything concerning the patient's sexuality from a superficial examination of dress, manner, or style. Indeed, many patients" dress, manners, and style are deliberate or unconscious strategies to hide true sexual feelings and attitudes. It is best to approach all patients with a clean slate and allow them to express personal feelings and attitudes. Observations of dress, manners, or style coupled with history are extremely informative but must not distract the examiner from history taking.
Copyright © 1990, Butterworth Publishers, a division of Reed Publishing.