Psychosexual problems in gynaecological practice

Abstract

Sexual health is an important area of public and personal health. It is linked to sexual well-being where respect and positivity in relationships is promoted. A focus on promoting intimacy and pleasure needs to be emphasized in any form of sex education, rather than in only preventing disease and pregnancy. Symptoms in gynaecology clinics are frequently representative of the somatization of unrecognized sexual problems. Studies estimate 40% of gynaecological consultations have a psychosexual component to them, which may be overt or covert. Although a 20 minute consultation is insufficient for dealing with sexual difficulties, useful work can easily be done in this time. Having exposure to psychosexual skills can help gynaecologists uncover the distress, explore feelings generated, use sensitive language to communicate, examine with the patient the area of distress and help them obtain some insight into their difficulty.