Abstract
BackgroundSexual problems are common. Many patients with sexual health dysfunction use self-help literature or are often managed in general practice. However, many general practitioners (GPs) find it difficult to discuss sexual health issues because they feel uncomfortable with this and lack training in these matters. These GPs are now referring patients with sexual dysfunction to specialists.AimWe sought to explore how GPs working in the Mabopane and Ga-Rankuwa areas of handle sexual problems of their patients.SettingThe setting was the Mabopane and Ga-Rankuwa areas of North-West Tshwane, in Gauteng Province.MethodsA qualitative study comprising eight free attitude interviews with purposefully selected four male and four female GPs. All interviews were conducted in English and tape-recorded. Field notes in the form of a detailed diary was kept. The tapes were transcribed verbatim, and the transcriptions were checked against the tapes for omissions and inaccuracies.ResultsSix themes emerged from the interviews: causes of sexual problems; presentation of sexual problems to the doctor; management of sexual health problems; sex is a taboo topic; society's need for sexual health discussions, and these discussions have already begun; previous limited exposure and training, and a need for more sexual health training.ConclusionThis study confirms earlier findings that patients could be either reluctant to discuss their problems or are open about them when presenting to doctors with sexual dysfunction. GPs were not exposed to sexual health training at medical school and, because of this shortcoming, felt that training in sexual medicine should be part of the curriculum.
Highlights
In this article human sexuality refers to the integration of somatic, emotional, intellectual and social aspects of sexual being in ways that are positively enriching and that enhance personality, communication and love.[1]Sexual problems are common at any age and in any race
There were six themes that emerged from the transcripts as follows: causes of sexual problems; presentation of sexual problems to the doctor; management of sexual health problems; sex is a taboo topic; society has a need for sexual health discussions, and these discussions have already begun; previous limited exposure and training, and a need for more sexual health training
The results indicate that doctors did not manage their patients with sexual problems according to evidence-based guidelines
Summary
Sexual problems are common at any age and in any race. The most common problems are loss of sexual drive, anorgasmia, vaginismus in women and erectile failure and premature ejaculation in men. Many patients with sexual health dysfunction use self-help literature or are often managed in general practice. Many general practitioners (GPs) find it difficult to discuss sexual health issues because they feel uncomfortable with this and lack training in these matters. These GPs are referring patients with sexual dysfunction to specialists
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: African journal of primary health care & family medicine
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
