Introduction Evidence shows that sexual dysfunctions (SDs) are very prevalent in both sexes and that they share risk factors with many other conditions. It is known that only a minority of people experiencing sexual problems seek treatment, but the role of the general practitioner (GP) in SD diagnosis and treatment is relatively unexplored. No study has been conducted in Portugal in order to identify GPs’ knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices regarding SD and only a small amount of similar studies from other countries have been published. Aim To characterize GPs’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs concerning SD; practices of SD management in daily practice; self-perceived competence in discussing and treating SD; and need for training. Methods Cross-sectional study using confidential self-administered questionnaires applied to GPs working in Primary Health Care Units in the Lisbon region. Main Outcome Measures The questionnaire collected information concerning GPs’ knowledge and perceptions regarding SD, training and practice in sexual health, criteria for initiating discussion and treatment, and the adoption of guidelines. Results A total of 50 questionnaires (30 females) were obtained (73.5% response rate). On average, the 50 participants were 52 ± 8.6 years old, had 21 ± 8.2 years of family practice, and followed 1,613 ± 364 patients. The degree in medicine was never considered as an extremely adequate source of information both for male and female SD. Lack of time to obtain relevant information for clinical practice and to deal with sexual health issues were perceived as important barriers in initiating a discussion with the patient, as well as lack of academic training and experience in this area. Conclusions GPs expressed a high need for continuous training in this area and more than half considered that their degree was not an adequate source of training. These results indicate that there is a need for both pregraduate and postgraduate training in this area.

Introduction Good history-taking skills are the first step towards achieving a correct diagnosis of sexual dysfunction (SD). However, studies show most general practitioners (GPs) do not take the initiative to ask the patient about SD, and when diagnosing a condition, they tend to give preference to their own criteria over clinical guidelines. Aim The aim of this study is to characterize GPs' attitudes towards taking sexual history, identifying its frequency and focus, and to describe GPs' diagnostics and therapeutic approaches including the use of clinical guidelines, exploring patients' and doctor-related differences. Methods Cross-sectional study using confidential self-administrated questionnaires applied to GPs working in primary healthcare units in the Lisbon region. Main Outcome Measures Data concerning GPs' consultation of guidelines, active exploration of SD in male and in female patients, and focus on sexual history taking was collected. Results Of the 50 participants (73.5% response rate), 15.5% actively ask their patients about SD. The main reasons for asking patients about their sexuality are diabetes (84.0%), prescription of medication with adverse effects on sexuality (78.0%), and family planning (72.0%), the latter being a significantly more frequent reason for GPs with 20 or less years of practice. Routine sexual history taking (22.0%) appears as one of the least mentioned motives. The percentage of appointments with active exploration of SD was positively associated with guidelines' consultation, as well as considering the specialty as a good source of information and having longer appointments when SD is mentioned. However, 76.0% report not having consulted any guidelines in the previous year. Lack of time (31.6%) and low accessibility (25.0%) were referred to as the main reasons for not consulting guidelines. Conclusions Routine sexual history taking and consultation of guidelines about SD are not yet a generalized practice in primary care. Data should be interpreted with caution as they are self-reported. Further objective measurement such as direct observation or clinical files consultation should be implemented.

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