Discussing sexual health with patients is essential to quality care, yet it remains one of the most uncomfortable and overlooked aspects of clinical practice, especially in rural health settings. Many patients have never received comprehensive, accurate, or inclusive sexual health education, leaving significant gaps in knowledge that directly affect prevention, screening, and overall well-being. This session will provide practical, approachable strategies for integrating sexual history–taking and sexual health education into routine patient encounters.

Participants will learn “how-to” techniques for initiating and guiding conversations about sexual history through a lens of prevention, risk reduction, and patient-centered care. The presentation will emphasize creating a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental environment that encourages patients to ask questions and engage openly. Special attention will be given to the unique challenges faced in rural communities, where stigma, limited resources, and lack of formal education can further inhibit discussions about sexual health.

Through case examples and evidence-informed approaches, attendees will gain tools to normalize sexual health conversations, build trust, and reduce discomfort for both patients and providers. By the end of the session, participants will be able to confidently incorporate comprehensive sexual health education into their practice and foster a clinical environment where patients feel supported, respected, and empowered to understand their own sexual health.

This session ultimately argues that while sexual health conversations may never feel “sexy,” they are critical and, with the right skills and setting, they can become a natural, effective part of everyday patient care.