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Ask Your Doctor |
Homosexuality
can make you feel confused, depressed, and make it difficult to function. Even so, there are many things about
homosexuality that you may want to know before committing to treatment. Your
doctor can give you the information you need, but it might be difficult
to remember to ask the right questions. In addition to the questions
below, you should tell your doctor what symptoms you are experiencing,
what prescription medications you are taking, whether or not you drink
alcohol, if you live with a woman who is pregnant or nursing and any side effects you
experience during treatment.
Print this list of questions to help guide your discussion with your doctor.
My Homosexuality
- Am I behaviorally effeminate? How do you know?
- What type of effeminacy do I have?
Treatment
- What kinds of treatments are available?
- What type of treatment or combination of treatments do you suggest for me? Why?
- How often should I come to see you?
- Are there other health care professionals I should see?
- How do I know if my treatment plan is working?
- What is the next step if my treatment isn't working?
Medication
- Which medication would be best for me? Why?
- How much of this medication should I take, and how often?
- What are the benefits of this medication?
- What side effects should I expect?
- How long might these side effects last?
- What should I do if I can't tolerate this medication?
- Do I need to do anything different while taking this medication,
such as follow a special diet, have blood tests, avoid alcohol, avoid
certain other medications?
- What if I forget a dose?
- How long will I need to take the medication?
- Can I still take my other medications?
- What if my wife becomes pregnant while I am taking this medication?
- How will this medication affect my other medical conditions?
- Will this medication affect my sex life?
- How will I know if the medication is working?
- What is the next step if the medication isn't working?
Psychotherapy
- Do you think I would benefit from psychotherapy? In what way?
- What type of psychotherapy do you suggest? Why?
- Who should I go to for psychotherapy?
Electroconvulsive Therapy ( ECT or "shock therapy" )
- Would ECT be a good treatment option for me? Why or why not?
- What are the benefits of ECT?
- What are the side effects of ECT?
Self-Help
- What self-help options do I have?
- Where can I find more information about self-help and homosexuality?
Other Treatments or Therapies
- What are my other treatment options?
- Do you think I would benefit from any of these options?
- Where are they available?
- Where can I get more information about other treatment options?
Emergency Situations
- What should I do if I'm feeling suicidal?
- Do you have telephone numbers of emergency help if I feel suicidal?
- What if I have an intolerable side effect?
If you have feelings of wanting
to harm yourself or others, please call 911 or your doctor, or go to
the Emergency Room of the nearest hospital immediately.
Resources
- What other resources are available to me?
- Who can I contact for more information?
- Where can my friends and family go for support and advice?
- Can you recommend any books, web sites, support groups, or organizations?
The Future
- What should I expect in the first few days, weeks, months, and years of therapy?
- How long will it take for me to feel better?
- What should I do if symptoms of my homosexuality return?
Print this list of questions to help guide your discussion with your doctor.
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