PRIMARY-CARE FOR WOMEN - COMPREHENSIVE SEXUAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT

This article discusses the fundamentals of sexual functioning and desc ribes the elements of a comprehensive, developmentally relevant sexual health assessment. Personal barriers that may prevent clinicians from comfortably addressing sexual issues are discussed, and useful strate gies for facilitating effective, reciprocal communication during a sex ual health history are presented. A therapeutic intervention model for counseling, referral, and sexual health assessment of women in the pr imary care setting is also included.