A woman presents with burning urination and pain. What historical information is crucial to gather next?

Gathering information about the history of sexually transmitted infections is crucial when a patient presents with symptoms such as burning urination and pain. This patient’s symptoms are often indicative of a urinary tract infection (UTI), but they can also suggest a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, especially in sexually active individuals.

Understanding the history of STIs can help determine the likelihood of such infections and guide appropriate diagnostic testing and treatment. It also informs the clinician about potential complications or co-infections that may need to be addressed. While knowing the date of the last menstrual period can be helpful for various reasons, such as ruling out pregnancy or menstrual-related issues, it does not directly impact the immediate assessment of burning urination and pain related to possible infectious etiologies.

By focusing on the patient’s sexual health history, the clinician can explore risk factors, provide necessary education, and ensure appropriate follow-up care.