Background: There are many diseases and conditions that can affect the sexual health of patients. Research shows that nurses do not talk to patients about sexual health. Swedish law, nurses’ competence description and ICN's ethical code state that the nurse has a responsibility to counteract illness and work on a holistic approach. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to account for the factors that affect nurses talking about the patient's sexual health. Method: Literature overview. Result: Three themes were found and presented in the results. These were: Nurses attitudes, knowledge and competence and organizational factors. Discussion: The discussion discussed the importance of nurses' attitude, as well as how knowledge and the health care setting together affect nurses' motivation to talk with patients about their sexual health. Conclusion: Nurses largely refrain from discussing sexual health with patients. It is dependent on the attitude of the nurse, knowledge and workplace environment. In order for nurses to be able to provide care based on a holistic approach, more knowledge is needed in both sexual dysfunctions and patient communication. Nurses need to be comfortable with sexuality as a subject and get routine talking to patients about their sexual health.