Patient sexual history taking is essential to proper care in genitourinary medicine. It provides the medical caregiver with the information they need to understand patient issues and specific risks to be further explored.

It is essential that patient sexual history taking is conducted in a safe environment where the patient is relaxed and reassured about privacy, confidentiality and the doctor’s professionalism. Taking a sexual history may only take a few minutes. Still, it can be the most potent key to gaining accurate information and delivering the proper level of patient support and counselling they need. 

Patients may find it difficult, painful or embarrassing to discuss their sexual history in a clinical setting. An experienced, sensitive, compassionate medical professional will be more sympathetic and careful about which questions must be asked. It may require more than one session to gain all the sexual history a physician needs to move forward, so understanding that follow-up appointments may be necessary to help patients disclose their history, screen for as many infections as possible, and perform essential contact tracing is critical.

PDUK recommend the following courses for medical professionals and primary care practitioners involved in taking a patient sexual history and managing patients with gynaecological issues.

A80 Gynae core skills for first contact practitioners: Online

This is an interactive one-day online course to help primary care practitioners involved in the care, management and referral decisions for women presenting with gynaecological issues. The course runs from 10:00 am- 4:30 pm.

This course is aimed at advanced nurse practitioners, practice nurses, first-contact nurses and nurse practitioners. All course material, evaluations and certificates of attendance are included.

The aims and objectives of this course include the following:

• Develop an awareness of common gynaecological presentations, including red flags.
• Explore sexual history taking and considerations in performing an intimate gynaecological assessment  
• Integrate an evidence-based approach to diagnosing and managing these gynaecological disorders.
• Explore factors that influence urogenital conditions such as atrophy, pelvic organ prolapse, and stress urinary incontinence and consider the management strategies available. 
• Develop knowledge and competency in prescribing emergency contraception 
• Explore the fundamental principles of Fraser Guidelines in clinical practice

AOL17 A primary care provider’s guide to contraception: Online

This one-day study course has been designed for doctors, nurses and midwives looking to update or refresh their knowledge and understanding of contraception options. Course participants will gain in-depth knowledge of contraception choices in the UK and learn to use this knowledge with patients in a clinical setting.

The course runs online from 10:00 am- 4:30 pm, and all course material, evaluations and certificates are provided.

The aims and objectives of this study course are to provide participants with the following:

• Have an overview of contraception methods available in the UK
• Understand the risks and benefits of methods of contraception
• Understand UKMEC guidelines and be able to use them to underpin safe practice 
• Improve understanding of emergency contraception and be able to advise on the best method to prevent unplanned pregnancies

A126 Caring for women around the menopause: Online

This is an interactive online introductory course for medical professionals, including primary care nurses, advanced nurse practitioners, practice nurses, first-contact nurses, nurse practitioners, and 

allied health professionals that work with peri-menopausal women. 

The course offers a solid foundation to enable health professionals to engage with their patients and promote healthy and positive menopause. 

The course runs from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, and all course material, evaluations and certificates of attendance are included. 

The aims and objectives of this course include the following:

• Greater awareness around the impact of menopause on the health and well-being of women
• Appreciate the potential barriers and hurdles for women in accessing advice and support around the menopause
• Increased knowledge of the signs and symptoms of the menopause
• Understand the risks and benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• Be aware of the other treatment options available for women
• Be more confident in counselling women regarding treatment choices around the menopause
• Know where to signpost women to up-to-date information to aid their decision making
• Be aware of the red flags and when to refer women for more specialist care and treatment