sexual history, in a patient record, the part of the patient’s personal history concerned with sexual function and dysfunction. A sexual history is particularly important in gathering data from a patient who has a disease of the reproductive tract, who experiences sexual dysfunction, or who requests contraception, abortion, or sterilization. The extent of the history varies with the patient’s age and condition and the reason for securing the history. A short sexual history is recommended as part of every complete physical examination. The therapist needs a detailed sexual history to understand the patient’s complaint and to plan treatment. It may include the age at onset of sexual intercourse, the kind and frequency of sexual activity, and the satisfaction derived from it.
