| April 2012 · Vol. 24, No. 4
New study: ObGyns aren’t fully addressing their patients’ sexual function
Although most ObGyns ask patients about sexual activities, few discuss orientation, satisfaction, or pleasure
About two-thirds of ObGyns ask patients about their sexual activities, but other aspects of sexuality, including satisfaction with sex and sexual identity, are not routinely discussed, according to a study published online in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Janelle N. Sobecki, MA, from the University of Chicago, and colleagues surveyed 1,154 practicing U.S. ObGyns (response rate, 65.6%) regarding their communication practices with patients about sex. The survey asked whether ObGyns discussed each of five outcomes: sexual activities, sexual orientation, sexual satisfaction, pleasure with sexual activity, and sexual problems or dysfunction. The participants also were asked whether they ever expressed disapproval of or disagreement with sexual practices of their patients. The investigators found that 63% and 40% of ObGyns reported routinely assessing patients’ sexual activities and sexual problems, respectively. Fewer ObGyns asked about sexual orientation/identity and satisfaction or pleasure with sexual activities (27.7%, 28.5%, and 13.8%, respectively). One-quarter of ObGyns reported expressing disapproval of sexual practices. For each of the five outcomes investigated, ObGyns who mainly practiced gynecology were significantly more likely than other ObGyns to routinely communicate with their patients. “Our findings suggest that there are areas for improvement in ObGyn practices with respect to communication with patients about the comprehensive range of sexual matters that relate to women’s health,” the authors write. “Improvement will likely depend on graduate and continuing physician education, patient demand, availability of effective treatments for female sexual concerns, and an environment of care that facilitates the patient-physician relationship.” The abstract is available at: http://bit.ly/IfPSNw Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved. We want to hear from you! Tell us what you think. |
