Sexual dysfunction screening: the advantages of a culturally sensitive joint assessment clinic

Abstract

This paper describes the initiation and development of a culturally sensitive sexual dysfunction clinic by a urology specialist nurse and a medical social worker trained in psychosexual therapy. This development was in response to the large number of clients presenting in the urological outpatient clinics who had waited many months for an initial appointment and for whom the delay in treatment exacerbated sexual dysfunction. Factors, including gender stereotyping, religious and cultural taboos, that challenged the traditional style of this clinic (as a consequence of professional training), will be described along with how these were overcome. We conclude that a joint psychosexual/sexual dysfunction clinic provides a comprehensive assessment that clients with sexual dysfunction can participate in as partners in care if successful treatment is to be provided.

Keywords:

• sexual dysfunction
• psychosexual therapy
• behavioural therapy
• rapid ejaculation
• assessment
• culture
• treatment