Take Charge of Your Sexual Health

What you need to know about preventive services

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What to Look for in a Sexual Health Care Provider

Remember, a health care provider who takes good care of your sexual health should:

Have a friendly and welcoming staff
Speak clearly and use words you understand
Put you at ease and listen to any sexual and reproductive health issues that are important to you
Answer your questions and address your concerns in a helpful, respectful way
Ask what your pronouns are and use them
Ask permission before performing any tests
Explain what they’re doing and the reason why
Keep your conversations confidential
Support your right to make decisions about your sexual health care, based on your own values and what you believe is best for yourself

A health care provider should NOT:

Assume to know your sexual behaviors or preferences without asking
Be judgmental in response to your questions or concerns
Be disrespectful of your sexual orientation, identity, or preferences
Deny you care or treatment because of your sexual choices

If you feel uncomfortable with your health care provider for any reason, listen to your feelings. Ask your friends or family to recommend someone you can trust, research providers through an online rating site, or ask your health plan for a list of top-rated doctors in your area.

Take Charge

You can do many things to take charge of your sexual health. Make visiting a health care provider a priority. But, when you go for a visit, don’t just rely on your provider. It’s up to you to know which services you need and to make sure that you get them.

Schedule an appointment and get the services and advice you need to take care of your entire body, and to help you enjoy good sexual health for a lifetime.