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Probing: Asking Specific Questions
This list of issues should
not be used as a checklist; it is merely a guide to help you remember
the information points that are key to elicit.
HIV and other STI risk
During the exploratory discussion,
try to elicit information about key issues in order to assist the
client to perceive and determine his or her risk for STIs, including:
- Number (and gender) of
sexual partners currently and in the past
- Knowledge of partner’s
sexual practices and other partners
- Condom use
- History of STIs/infections
- Sexual practices and behaviors
Prenatal concerns
During discussion with prenatal
clients, try to elicit information about potential concerns related to
sexuality, including:
- Lack of interest in sex
- Increased time for arousal
- Insufficient lubrication
- Pain during or after intercourse
- Vaginismus (difficulty
allowing the vagina to relax enough to allow anything to enter)
- Diminished orgasm or loss
of orgasm
- Fear of hurting the fetus
- Postcoital bleeding
- Cultural taboos around
sexual intercourse during pregnancy that may lead her partner to seek
out other partners during that time (increasing risk to the client when
sexual activity resumes)
Postpartum concerns
During discussion with postpartum clients, try to elicit information about
potential concerns related to sexuality, including:
- Problems associated with
resumption of sexual activity since birth of the child
- Pain (vaginal or pelvic)
- Insufficient lubrication
(breastfeeding women)
- Lack of desire
- Diminished or absence of
orgasm
Family planning client concerns
In addition to information
about contraceptive history and needs, reproductive intentions, and potential
contraindications, explore factors associated with sexuality that may
impact upon contraceptive choice and continuation, including:
- Fear of becoming pregnant
or fear of disease
- Concerns about negative
impact of the method (e.g., condoms, other barrier methods) on sexual
pleasure
- Diminished sexual response
due to use of hormonal methods
- HIV and other STI risk (see above)
Other issues for any client
- Past surgery or diseases
relevant to sexual functioning
- Sexual concerns with onset
of menopause
- Sexual dysfunction in client
or partner
- Pain during sex
- Lack of desire, orgasm,
or sexual satisfaction
- Insufficient lubrication
- Age at first intercourse
- Experience of recent or
past sexual coercion or violence
- Impact of drug or alcohol
use on sexual activity and risks
- Partner’s use of,
support of, and communication about contraceptive use or disease prevention
© 2007 EngenderHealth
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