Comprehensive sexual education is a luxury many students don’t have; so, how are we supposed to know when a problem arises, much less what to do about it?

Fortunately, your doctor can help. However, that does mean going into very intimate details about your sexual activity, preferences and partners.

Dr. Dennis J. Garcia, one of several on-staff physicians at WSU’s Health and Wellness Services, explains.

“(Being honest) is absolutely important. I know it’s awkward … but it is necessary to break that comfort zone,” Garcia said. “At the same time, the health care provider needs to break out of their comfort zone too and be willing to ask the questions.”

Being honest with your doctor goes much deeper than just admitting to having sex: it’s explaining what kinds of sexual acts you or your partner perform, who your partners are and what their lifestyle might be like, and what protections you use – if any.

They don’t want to know so that they can judge you. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

This information is necessary for doctors to make sure you are receiving the best care possible.

This can be what kind of contraceptives to prescribe you if you’re female or it can be knowing when to screen you for an STI.

It could even be talking to you about the risks you might not even know are involved with the activities you engage in.

“Partners are important – how many partners you’ve had unprotected sex with determines risk (of contracting an STI)” Garcia said. “If you’re withholding information, then we are making decisions that are incomplete.”

With that in mind, not all couples or sets of partners are at risk of getting pregnant. So much of that information seems useless, especially if you’re queer and female.

Members of the LGBTQ community can have other problems, and having your healthcare provider know your orientation can play a critical role in the healthcare you receive. You can’t assume that they know how you identify, so it’s important to inform them.

“You can’t assume anything,” Garcia explained. “A gay person doesn’t look a particular way.”

What can happen if we aren’t honest with our healthcare providers about our sexual activity?

Some potential consequences of not being completely open include improper care due to lack of understanding and not knowing if you have an STI, which can cause STIs to spread if either you or a partner have multiple partners.

Take care of yourself and your potential partners. Be honest with your healthcare provider when you are having sex, even though it may feel uncomfortable. It’s their job to help you, so tell them the who’s, what’s and how’s so they can treat you better.

After all, it’s not just you at risk.