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| Let’s Talk About Sex: How Healthcare Providers Can Start the Conversation |
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by Markeita McIntosh MPAS PA - October 18, 2010
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In the early 1980s, the radio waves blasted with the beat of the number one hit single, “Lets Talk About Sex”, by the African American female rap duo, Salt and Pepper. The controversial song raised the public awareness of the good and bad consequences of sex. Nearly thirty years later, eighty six percent of individuals want to discuss their sexual health with their health care provider. JAMA.1999; 28I (23): 2173 – 2174.
So, besides the music industry, who is talking about sex openly to the public?
MEDIA
Sex is the primary vehicle to sell the public their wants and needs. The media has saturated the marketplace with print ads and daytime television shows with sex. Talk show hosts have increased ratings and made millions of dollars off the growing number of sex health issues.
SCHOOLS
I recall my first sex education class. It was 30 giggling fifth-grade girls crowded between the cafeteria tables. The movie reel squealed as the black and white film flickered and the male announcer discussed sex beginning with ovulation. Today’s sexual health education is limited in content and, in some situations, nonexistent. Many teens and most tweens (10 -12 year olds) have experienced one sexual encounter before graduating high school.
PARENTS/GUARDIANS
As a parent, the age appropriate conversation has been open and honest with my children beginning with the recognition and identification of the proper name for each body part. Like my own parents, many parents are uncomfortable and unprepared to discuss sex with their children. Many parents have their own questions. Hence, the infamous birds and bees story was created to teach our children about sex.
Sixty eight percent of individuals are concerned about embarrassing their healthcare provider by asking about sex. JAMA. 1999; 28I (23): 2173 – 2174. The faces of sex have dramatically changed over the past several decades. Health care providers are challenged personally and professionally.
By discussing sex with patients, we decrease the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Sexually transmitted infections include communicable reported sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), multiple bacterial pathogens associated with infertility and causative viral agents of cervical cancer. STIs are not limited to demographics such as socioeconomic status or sexual orientation. Anyone who is or has been sexually active may be at risk for sexually transmitted infections, even grandma.
Applying the four Rs to the taboo topic of sex, health care providers are able to overcome the fears of patients and improve the overall sexual health of patients.
REASSURANCE - Many patients may not use anatomically correct words or find it difficult to begin the discussion on sex. Using open-ended questions and clarifying statements or questions to gain understanding is helpful. Also, opening the conversation with, “are you sexually active?” with your patient, even a married patient, decreases your patient’s anxiety and enhances the provider-patient relationship. Surprisingly, there are numerous sexless marriages. Some of the sexless couples have clinically relevant concerns.
REEDUCATION - Discuss sex, such as body changes, various contraception, and vaginal health. With the various stages of life, the changes of body from reproduction to menopause follow. Using brief explanations with anatomical terms and visual aids empower men and women.
REGIMEN - Utilizing the latest laboratory technology provides specific treatment of sexually transmitted infections to prevent reoccurrence, spread, resistance, and complications. Many laboratories aid by documenting the hormonal changes of men and women, so health care providers can tailor their treatment plan.
RESOURCES - Providing brief patient education materials and information (i.e. websites, one page visually relevant pamphlets, etc.) can reinforce your sex discussion to improve sexual well-being. Research your medical community for specialists to refer patients. Stay abreast of the latest sex information and sexual trends within your community.
Talking about the sexual health and well-being of your patient improves the overall health of our community one person, one family and one community at a time.
 Since January 1997, Markeita McIntosh has empowered patients from private urban and rural medical offices, Native American reservations, homeless shelters, international clinics, community health centers, correctional facilities and nursing homes to achieve optimum health as a Physician Assistant. She received her Bachelor in Science and Master in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska. She is a Divinity doctoral candidate at American Institute of Holistic Theology. With a rich research background in medical office dynamics, she has been the Practice Administrator for a small private office as well as a large medical organization. As the past owner of her own practice, Mrs. McIntosh understands the multiple challenges of practicing medicine as a business administrator, clinical manager, and clinician. She currently is an independent contractor for an OB/Gyn and Family Practice office. Demonstrating unwavering passion for her community, she has been a community advocate as an active member on various boards to improve public education, family enrichment, affordable housing, business development, and health care. In 2005, In-Focus Magazine named her ‘Woman of the Year’. Her commitment to women was birthed from her own family and life challenges of teen pregnancy, divorce, single parenthood, poverty, sexual abuse, domestic violence, incarceration, and drug addiction. She has become victorious to achieve the pearls of spiritual maturity, emotional stability, physical health and financial wealth. Markeita is the beautiful wife and high school sweetheart of Gerel, loving mother of seven children, and proud grandmother of eight.
The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.
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| Reginald Thomas MSSM (Omaha, NE) |
on 21 Oct 2010 at 8:49 pm |
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| Thank you for your continued efforts in keeping this subject in a healthy light the way it should be. With so many babies raising babies, it is more of a challenge today to provide correct information that is not media driven. Two thumbs up on the article. |
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| Marquita Dawson (Atlanta) |
on 21 Oct 2010 at 4:35 pm |
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| I am very proud of you Ms. McIntosh...and let me be a testimony to the great things you bring to the lives of not only women but men and children whose lives you come into. I commend you on the hard work and dedication you displayed and feel you are truly one of God\'s angels and the woman of every year. With the little time we have spent and brief conversations we have had you have instilled in me some lessons that have made impact on my everyday living. Thank you for being you and keep up the great work. |
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| Markeita McIntosh MPAS (Atlanta,GA) |
on 20 Oct 2010 at 6:19 pm |
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| Thank you. Life's journey has its twist and turns and it is up to the individual if you give lemon juice or lemonade to the world. I chose to give lemonade through my many talents and gifts. I am also National Medical Consultant for a NJ based company and recently returned from the area. So it is likely we may meet a future event. |
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| Dave Mittman, PA (Livingston, NJ) |
on 20 Oct 2010 at 5:42 pm |
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What a wonderful PA. I love that you are into so many different things and all to help people.
Hope we get to meet someday.
Dave Mittman, PA
www.clinician1.com |
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