How to Talk on Sexuality in a Medical Consultation

Gynecologists, urologists, and other healthcare providers are not talking enough with their patients on sex, sexual problems, and sexuality in general, leaving many of their patients to suffer in silence. Comprehensive medical care should embody the biopsychosocial care model and involve all aspects of health. It is not uncommon that sexual health topics may be ignored or eluded because of patient and provider discomfort. Although healthcare professionals acknowledge the importance of having conversations with patients about these topics, discussing this can be challenging for them. Healthcare providers treating patients in different situations quote barriers to communicating about sex, sexuality, and sexual health. For example, healthcare professionals in primary care felt limited in their knowledge and skills to address sexual questions from patients. On the other hand, specialists treating patients with chronic illness reported that discomfort, lack of confidence, and patient factors such as religion, ethnics, social norms, and values are important barriers in discussing on sexual issues, and another salient obstacle is the lack of tools on ways in which such a sensitive topic can be addressed in conversation.