Sexual dysfunction: a study on learning experience of Australian medical students.

BACKGROUND: Research has shown that clinicians are not comfortable managing sexual dysfunction (SD), and there are gaps in the SD-specific training of medical students in the US and the UK. However, there is little research into the extent of SD-specific training needs and learning experiences of Australian medical students. This study aims to explore the extent of students' learning experiences and training gaps in the postgraduate medical curriculum at one Australian university. METHODS: The study was completed as part of the Doctor of Medicine program requirement, and due ethics approval was obtained. An anonymous 10-item online questionnaire, including one open-ended question was created and distributed to all final-year medical students at the University of Sydney. Data were analysed using descriptive and analytical statistical measures, and a thematic analysis was used for the open-ended question. RESULTS: There are 252 final-year medical students at the University of Sydney, of which 31 students completed the questionnaire, giving a 12% response rate. Of the 31 respondents, the majority of students reported that they never (n =7; 23%) or rarely (n =16; 52%) had opportunities to interact with patients presenting with SD throughout their training. Erectile dysfunction was the topic that all students had some training, whereas female orgasmic disorder was the topic that students had the least training. Of all the students who reported receiving training in the medication/substance-induced SD (n =26), one in two (n =14, 54%) reported feeling unprepared. Only 55% of students (n =17) felt comfortable to initiate discussions around SD with patients, whereas 84% of students (n =26) felt comfortable to discuss SD when the patient initiated the conversation. Students expressed a need for training on how to address these sensitive topics with patients, with more emphasis on the management of SD. CONCLUSION: The data suggests that the current medical curriculum at the University of Sydney does offer some training in SD, but it is not adequate enough to confidently and comfortably manage SD. Considerations should be made to the curriculum to facilitate a broader recognition and understanding of SD and to prepare future clinicians to adequately address and manage SD.

Erectile dysfunction: causes, assessment and management options.

Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common male sexual dysfunctions. The diagnosis can usually be made by a detailed history and examination. Men with erectile dysfunction benefit from multimodal management strategies. These include lifestyle modification, medical treatment and psychosexual counselling and therapy. An oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor is often prescribed for erectile dysfunction. Providing simple and clear instructions is critical to realise the full benefits of these drugs. Those with severe vascular disease or a history of pelvic surgery may not respond to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Anxiety or unrealistic expectations can also result in a poor response.

Sexual dysfunctions and sex therapy: The role of a general practitioner.

BACKGROUND: Medical management is undeniably an important therapeutic intervention for selected sexual dysfunctions, but it does not serve as a stand-alone approach to treat many common sexual dysfunctions such as lack of interest in sex, sexual performance anxiety, inability to reach orgasm or too quick an orgasm. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to highlight the role of general practitioners (GPs) in recognising sexual problems, encourage initiation of conversation about sexual dysfunction with patients and raise awareness of sex therapy and presentations that may benefit from referral to sex therapists. DISCUSSION: GPs in Australia have a significant role in addressing sexual health concerns despite practice-related and doctor-patient-related barriers, thereby promoting the healthy sexuality of Australians. Sex therapy is a specialty comprised of various medical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural interventions. Sex therapists, who are healthcare professionals with tertiary training in human sexuality, can share care with GPs to help individuals and/or couples understand, improve and resolve their sexual dysfunctions.

Safe sex practices of Indian immigrant men living in Australia: an exploratory research.

There is a paucity of scientific information about safe sex practices of Indians immigrants living in popular multicultural nations such as Australia. An online survey of adult Indian men living in Australia was conducted to measure the frequency of use of safe sex practices using the Safe Sex Behavior Questionnaire (SSBQ). Among the respondents of the SSBQ (n = 184), 16.8% (n = 31) reported that never insist on condom use, when having sexual intercourse. One in two men surveyed, agreed that it is difficult for them to discuss safe sex issues with their sexual partners. One in two men said that they used alcoholic beverages prior to or during sexual intercourse. There were no significant differences in SSBQ data among Indian men based on their relationship status. The current study has assessed a range of safe sex practices by involving a community sample of Indian men, and provides baseline data for further evaluation and comparison.

Sexual health of Indian immigrant men in Australia: an exploratory research on help-seeking attitudes.

The help-seeking attitudes for sexual health of Indian men living in Australia was explored. Of all survey respondents (n=225), many preferred to seek help from medical doctors. Young (18-25 years) Indian men were three times more likely to prefer a specialist medical doctor than older men. Ethnicity and gender of the medical doctor was 'not important' for the majority of men. Most men preferred to seek help from their regular general practitioner.