What does this mean and why do we care?

Language around sexual health is always evolving. The information below is provided to help you understand some of the language we currently use. As our understanding of sexual health and best care options grows, so too will this information.

During your visit: We now collect certain sexual health information and verify it with you once a year to help our caregivers provide the very best care to you. This information may change for people over time. That’s why our caregivers check back with you to make sure we still have the correct information in our records. A description of terms used to describe sexual orientation is below. Please read on to decide which choice is best for you.

Sexual orientation: Sexual orientation and gender are separate, though related, parts of each person’s overall identity. Gender is personal (it’s how we each see ourselves), while sexual orientation is interpersonal (it’s who we are physically, emotionally and/or romantically attracted to).

We currently use the following terms to describe sexual orientation:

Bisexual This can be used for someone who has the potential to be physically, romantically, and/or emotionally attracted to people of more than one gender.
Straight or heterosexual These terms can be used for someone whose enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction is to a person whose sex is different from their own.
Lesbian, gay or homosexual These terms can include individuals whose enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction is to other individuals who are of the same sex.
Something else This option is for individuals who don’t feel like any of the words above describe their sexual orientation. You can choose to share the word/s that you think describe your sexual orientation best.
Don’t know Not everyone is clear on how to label their sexual orientation. If that describes how you feel, you can choose this option.
Choose not to disclose Only you as the patient gets to decide what to share. If you don’t want to share any information about your sexual orientation, you can select this option.