Practice patterns of physician members of the American Urogynecologic Society regarding female sexual dysfunction: results of a national survey

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate practice patterns of members of the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) with respect to female sexual dysfunction (FSD). A brief self-administered survey of 20 questions was mailed to 966 physician members of the AUGS in the United States of America and Canada; 471 surveys were returned (49% response rate). The majority of responders see urogynecology (19%) or urogynecology and general gynecology patients (43%). Sixty-eight percent of physicians were familiar with questionnaires to assess FSD; however, only 13% said they use these for screening purposes. Most said they believed screening for FSD was somewhat (47%) or very important (42%). Despite having these beliefs, only 22% of the responding physicians stated they always screen for FSD, while 55% do so most of the time and 23% admitted they never or rarely screen. Similar results were obtained regarding screening following urogynecologic surgery. Several barriers to screening for FSD existed, the most common being lack of time. The majority of respondents (69%) underestimated the prevalence of FSD in their patient population. Finally, although more than half of responders had received post-residency training in urogynecology (59%), 50% of them stated the training with respect to FSD was unsatisfactory, while only 10% were satisfied. Overall, many urogynecologists do not consistently screen for FSD, underestimate its prevalence, and feel they received unsatisfactory training.

Impact of gynecological surgery on female sexual function

“…Lack of time, uncertainty of therapeutic options and poor training are some reasons cited for this deficiency. 3 Nevertheless, sexual health is a basic human right, as mandated by the World Health Organization. Previous reports have shown that sexual disorders lead to impaired quality of life and health morbidity.…”

Female sexual dysfunction: are urogynecologists ready for it?

“…Lack of time, uncertainty about therapeutic options, and older age of the patient were cited as potential reasons for failing to address sexual complaints as part of routine history [7]. The aim of this study was to determine whether members of the British Society of Urogynaecology (BSUG) consider sexual function as a part of general patient assessment and to identify any barriers in screening for FSD.…”

Cuestionario para evaluación de la función sexual en mujeres con prolapso genital y/o incontinencia: Validación de la versión española del "Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12)"

“…En nuestro entorno, con frecuencia, existen además barreras culturales que impiden abordar con facilidad este tema en una consulta médica, a la que la paciente acude para buscar solución a otro problema de salud, que ella puede considerar poco relacionado con el motivo de su consulta. Se ha propuesto la utilización de cuestionarios sobre función sexual, pero los denominados genéricos, abordan el tema en profundidad, son a menudo largos y un porcentaje importante de pacientes se niegan a contestarlos porque consideran que no debe ser investigada esta parcela de su vida en una consulta a la que ha acudido por un problema de IU o de prolapso 12 . La posibilidad de disponer de un cuestionario específico, que aborde el tema preguntando directamente sobre el impacto en la función sexual de los síntomas ligados a su patología del suelo pélvico, si además es rápido y fiable, puede facilitar el abordaje de este tema y su cuantificación.…”