Via practica 4/2015

How to talk with patient with sexual problems

The goal of the article is to draw attention to the fact that patients‘ sexual problems do not receive adequate care. General practitioners and specialists do not usually hold conversation about sexual dysfunctions with their patients at all or they pay to it just marginal attention. The article describes the most common male sexual dysfunctions, primarily focusing on communication problems encountered by patients but also by their attending physicians. It provides information about prevalence of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in population and states precise dysfunction definitions. The article highlights the need for an active search for the patient‘s sexual difficulties by the general practitioners. The paper provides basic instruction and advice on how and at what occasions to talk with a patient about his intimate problems. It warns how to avoid improperly formulated questions which may discourage a patient from an open conversation. The paper critically comments and summarises reasons why the physicians avoid conversations about intimate issues. Although some general practitioners do not realise, the paper stresses that at least a basic question about patient‘s sexuality is an important part of general anamnesis. Sexual function disorder may be the first sign of serious trouble, particularly cardiovascular disease. The aim of the paper is to highlight causes and to describe forms why and how the physicians should hold conversation with patients about their sexuality.

Keywords: communication, sexual dysfunction, erectile disorder, premature ejaculation.