Last reviewed May 6, 2026 by NPBoardSlay Medical Review Board

5 P's

Sexual History

Five questions, normalized as routine — build comfort first.

The board-friendly take on sexual history is that you take it on every adult, you take it the same way every time, and the 5 P's give you the structure. Partners (number, gender), Practices (anal, oral, vaginal), Protection (condom use consistency), Past history of STIs, and Pregnancy intent or prevention. Normalizing the questions matters — frame them as routine, not as a probe — and document specifics rather than impressions. AANP exam vignettes use the 5 P's to test whether you ask the right follow-up question rather than ordering reflexive screening, and to confirm you don't skip the conversation in older or partnered adults.

  1. P
    Partners
    Number in last 12 months; gender(s); new partners recently.
  2. P
    Practices
    Oral, vaginal, anal; condom use consistency.
  3. P
    Prevention of pregnancy
    Current method; efficacy; intention.
  4. P
    Protection from STIs
    Condom use; PrEP; HPV and hepatitis vaccines.
  5. P
    Past STIs
    Prior diagnoses; last testing; partners notified/treated.

Clinical Context

CDC-endorsed structure for sexual history taking. Normalize the ask: "I ask all my patients these questions — they help me keep you healthy." Confidentiality matters especially for adolescents and young adults.

Answers drive STI screening priorities and risk-reduction counseling (HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea). Update annually in sexually active adults, more often with risk factors. AANP primary-care questions test the 5 P's as standard-of-care for routine visits.

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