"Routine Checkup"

My nurse was very good and my treatment was fast and well informed. I do however, have some concerns around the questions asked on the forms they completed.

Firstly, previous unwanted sexual activity (or assault) was asked about, to which I confirmed that this had been the case in my previous experience. I understand the need to ask, however, the response I received I perceived as quite judgmental in the fact that I had not had police involved in my circumstance. It is not anyone’s place to tell me whether or not this was the correct decision to make, especially a stranger (all be it I knew her name) years later after the fact. I felt this unnecessary.

Secondly, the form asks whether I took part in anal sex. Although I again understand the need for this question, the tone with which it was asked made me feel that my nurse disagreed with this act. I answered truthfully but I feel that other patients who do perform anal sex would be afraid of saying so in fear of being treated differently- therefore impacting their health as they may not get the full treatment they need. Anal sex is a healthy and common form of sexual expression and it should not be treated as something dirty, especially by sexual health experts.