Talking About Sexuality in Gynecological Consultations: Mismatches Between Patients’ Expectations and Gynecological Practices

Abstract

Many health authorities have recommended that gynecologists actively address sexual issues during their consultations. However, fewer than 50% of doctors raise questions related to sexuality during discussions about the patient’s medical history. This study focused on gynecologists’ and patients’ perceptions about introducing the topic of sexuality during consultations. Twenty-one semistructured interviews with gynecologists and three focus groups with patients were conducted in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The findings highlight a lack of knowledge about sexology in the medical curricula, as well as important mismatches between patients and gynecologists concerning the role of the gynecologist and the perception of intimacy and sexuality. I discuss several ways to overcome these mismatches.