STDs rarely discussed as part of routine GYN care
Think you are doing a good job in discussing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) with your new patients? Think again, because according to a recent survey, only one out of every 10 women between the ages of 18-44 reported that a health care provider had even raised the subject of STDs or HIV/AIDS at their first visit as part of their routine reproductive care.
Women interviewed for the Menlo Park, CA-based Kaiser Family Foundation/Glamour magazine survey had all been to a new doctor for gynecological or obstetrical care within the last year. Questions were geared to first-visit experiences, because it is assumed that information on sexual health topics, such as the risk for STDs, is most likely to be discussed as part of a new patient’s medical history.
Most of the women said it is up to the health provider to initiate these conversations. And even though the majority did not have discussions about STDs with their providers, 83% agreed that STDs should be talked about when visiting a new provider for gynecological care.
"Many health providers and women seem to be enacting a Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy when it comes to STDs," says Felicia Stewart, MD, director of the Kaiser Foundation’s reproductive health programs. "The end result is a dangerous I Don’t Know.’"
For the women who had no conversation with their provider about STDs, some troubling statistics emerge:
• 35% were not asked, nor did they provide information about, whether they were currently sexually active.
• 61% were not asked, nor did they offer information on, whether they were in a monogamous relationship.
• 67% were not asked, nor did they mention, whether they used condoms regularly.
• 77% were not asked, nor did they provide information on, the number of sexual partners in the last year.
• 94% were not asked, nor did they discuss, information about oral or anal sex.
Despite the lack of facts needed to assess STD risks, 80% of these women believed their providers had enough information to know their risk.
Results of the survey were published in the October issue of Glamour. For free single copies of the summary of findings, contact:
Kaiser Family Foundation, 2400 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025. Telephone: (800) 656-4533 or (415) 854-9400. Fax: (415) 854-4800. Ask for package 1313, Talking About STDs with Health Professionals: Women’s Experiences.
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