It is generally accepted among health care providers that the more information patients share, the better care they can provide. There is a strong argument that you should accurately answer everything your doctor asks about your medical history and current health and well-being.
But what if there are details you don't want to share for fear of being evaluated or that your doctor will lecture you about habits that aren't considered the healthiest?
It's fair to say that most providers don't look for reasons to embarrass you. For example, questions about alcohol or recreational drug use are important because doctors want to make sure there is no risk of abuse/abuse. If it is determined that you are self-medicating, your doctor will ask you about life stressors and mental health disorders. Ideally, they will be able to provide supportive community referrals and resources. Additionally, it is best to be as upfront as possible about things like alcohol use, as this can affect your prescription medications.
When it comes to sex, many of us want to be open to our doctors. But too many general practitioners are not trained in sexual medicine or how to talk to patients about sex. This can make it very difficult to find help for sexual dysfunction/pain symptoms. Often these types of concerns affect our relationships with others, making the situation even more complicated.
Additionally, we can no longer ignore the fact that everyone has implicit biases, and health care providers are no exception. We know that women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ2IA+-identifying individuals are more likely than white heterosexual men to report experiencing disrespect, neglect, and lower levels of care. Shamefully, the health care system has a long history of “othering” members of these communities, creating an atmosphere of distrust and fear.
How can we address these issues so that we all feel heard by our service providers?
- If you have a few doctors to choose from, do your research and see how your values align with those of potential candidates.
- If insurance or other financial circumstances determine who you see, consider bringing a friend or family member along to help advocate for you.
- If language is a barrier, ask for a translator, or at least ask your doctor to use a translation app.
How truthful you are with your doctor is, of course, up to you. Ideally, you should be honest and open and feel comfortable asking questions, even ones that might feel a little awkward. Remember, knowledge is power. And that goes for both doctors and Patient. If you are experiencing any type of sexual problem, please contact us and schedule a free phone consultation to see how we can help.