(373) Sexual Health Literacy Confidence Among Urology Resident Physicians

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Despite the importance of sexual health, physicians may not be adequately equipped to diagnose and treat sexual dysfunction. Topics related to healthy sexual function (pleasure, masturbation, communication, sex toys/tools, and anal sex practices) are largely omitted from medical education. It is vital that urologists are trained to ask detailed questions about sexual health, counsel on healthy sexual habits, and identify and treat sexual dysfunction. Objective To determine the level of comfort among urology residents in taking a comprehensive sexual health history, identifying sexual dysfunction, and treating patients of various gender identities and sexual orientations. Methods An anonymous electronic survey was distributed to current urology residents in the United States. The survey contained five demographics questions and twenty-three questions tied to sexual health competencies. Participants were asked to provide their education year, current age, medical school location, residency location, and estimated hours of sexual health education during training (excluding STI/STD content). Survey questions targeted previously established sexual education competency domains. Results A total of 52 urology residents participated in the study. Participant post-graduate years ranged from 1-6. 61.5% of participants stated they received only 0-3 hours of formal sex education during medical school and 46.3% reported having any formal sex education during urology residency. 80% of participants felt comfortable asking patients about self-erogenous stimulation, but only 27% of responders felt comfortable answering questions about anal stimulation devices, and 35% of responders felt comfortable answering questions about vaginal stimulation devices. Greater than 94% of residents feel “very comfortable” or “somewhat comfortable” with describing male sexual dysfunction and performing physical exam for a man with sexual dysfunction, but only 59% felt the same towards female sexual dysfunction. When describing medicines used for sexual function, 100% of residents are comfortable doing so for men, but only 63% are comfortable doing the same for women. When counseling transgender males or females on sexual practice/therapies/surgeries, only 29% of residents felt comfortable. Conclusions There are knowledge gaps in sexual medicine literacy confidence among urology residents surveyed. Lack of a comprehensive sexual health education curriculum during medical training may be affecting patient care. Women and sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ) patients may be at higher risk of being treated by a urologist without comfort in managing their sexual health. Sexual health education optimization during urology residency has the potential to promote improved understanding of the sexual health of women and sexual and gender minorities and improve the evaluation and management of sexual dysfunction in general. Disclosure No