Sexual problems and the gynaecologist: Are we doing enough?

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual health is an important part of womens’ life and wellbeing. emale sexual dysfunction is a complex problem involving an interplay of various physical, emotional, psychological factors often less understood by the general doctors. Gynecologists are many a time first contact person for the woman, where she comes for help. As there are very few or maybe no specialist in this field, in most of the developing countries, responsibility to adequately address and manage these issues in women comes to gynecologists. How does a gynecologist see these issues? Are they comfortable and confident in handling these problems? This study was undertaken to address all these issues. Materials and methods: This was a questionnaire based study conducted on gynecologists in Jodhpur, Rajasthan and neighboring areas of Rajasthan, India. Gynecologists were contacted by personal contact or mail and were asked to fill out a questionnaire, which was analysed. Results: Most gynecologists were females (95%). The average duration of practice was 7.8 years. Most of the gynecologist (77.8%) responded that they do not take a sexual history routinely. Gynecologists who were doing mainly infertility practice were more likely (80% v 4.46%) to take a sexual history. A total of 85.4% admitted that they do not feel confident in managing these problems, though they were open to discussion. They suggested that training during the graduation and postgradua-tion in this area could be helpful. Conclusion: All gynecologists should include screening questions regarding sexual well-being as a standard of practice. The gynecologists should be comfortable in discussing the issue of sexual health with their patients and skilled to treat them. The academic medical organization should ensure that students have sufficient knowledge, attitude, and skills to address issues of sexual health.