ABSTRACT
Primary health care professionals encounter ethical issues in all areas of their work, but sexual health promotion involves some special sensitivities. Many people are wary of disclosing information about their sexual behaviour or drug use. One of the main reasons that people concerned about these health issues do not ask their GPs for advice is the perceived lack of confidentiality in the primary care setting. Where a patient has a transmissible infection, such as hepatitis B, it is important to explain that the reason for recording the specific diagnosis is to ensure appropriate treatment and care. There is no legal or ethical barrier to asking young people under 16 about their sexual behaviour for health promotion purposes, but sensitivity is clearly needed as most have not had intercourse. GPs are often asked to provide reports to a patient's insurance company or employer. For many infections, the patient's sexual partner(s) should be contacted to attend for information, tests and possible treatment.
