Menopause

Sexual health may slip through the cracks in primary care

May 14, 2025

Study details: This cross-sectional study surveyed 402 GPs and 299 OB/GYNs in Finland using a web-based questionnaire. It assessed their engagement with patients’ sexual health issues, focusing on attitudes, perceived barriers, and clinical practices. Analyses were adjusted for physician age and sex.

Results: Both GPs and OB/GYNs recognized the importance of addressing sexual problems. However, GPs were less likely to inquire about sexual issues during general medical history-taking (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.23; 95% confidence interval [C], 0.16-0.33, P < 0.0001) and more likely to find diagnosing female sexual problems difficult (aOR, 2.44; P < 0.0001). GPs reported more barriers, such as short appointment times (aOR, 2.36; P < 0.0001), personal attitudes and beliefs (aOR, 2.07; P = 0.001), and lack of knowledge about sexual medicine (aOR, 2.05; P = 0.001).

Clinical impact: The findings highlight a critical gap in primary care: GPs may miss opportunities to address sexual health due to systemic and educational barriers. Enhancing training and restructuring visit workflows could empower GPs to better support patients’ sexual well-being.

Source:

Aromaa A, et al. (2025, May 6). Menopause. Engagement with patients' sexual problems: a comparative study among general practitioners and obstetrician-gynecologists. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40331860/