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Expert Opinion

Advanced Sexual Counseling and How to Ask Patients About “Intimate Disclosure”

ORCID Icon &
Pages 1105-1108 | Published online: 20 Nov 2020
 

Abstract

At the forefront of female sexual and reproductive health, OBGYNs play a pivotal role in assessing and managing sexual satisfaction and dysfunction. Satisfying sexuality often relates to a woman’s ability or likelihood to relay to her partner the steps and actions required for her to reach orgasm. Female orgasms, in contrast to male orgasms, can be related to different areas of stimulation and processes (clitoral/vaginal (G-spot)/anal). Despite this knowledge, OBGYNs rarely discuss orgasm with patients or the importance and vulnerability of disclosing this information to their partners to enhance sexual satisfaction. Many women may not realize that sexual complaints are an acceptable subject to discuss at gynecologic visits, while others may feel uncomfortable in general talking about sex. But as the topic of female sexual dissatisfaction becomes less taboo thanks to social media, patients are increasingly likely to turn to their health-care providers to evaluate and treat sexual complaints. While conducting a thorough history, sexual history, physical exam and laboratory tests can help to rule out any biological, physiological or psychological causes of sexual dissatisfaction, it is only one half of the equation. Discussion of the steps and actions required for them to reach orgasm with their partners is paramount in working to achieve satisfying sexuality and orgasm. Despite the importance of satisfying sexuality in a relationship, this topic often leads to feelings of trepidation and vulnerability on behalf of the patient. Recognizing and providing acknowledgment of these feelings help patients feel listened to and validated.

Abbreviation

OBGYNs, obstetricians and gynecologists.

Data Sharing Statement

Data sharing not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study.

Acknowledgments

The Marchand Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery would like to acknowledge the efforts of all of the students, researchers, residents and fellows at the institute who put their time and effort into these projects without compensation, only for the betterment of medicine. We firmly assure them that the future of medicine belongs to them.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no funding or financial support for the research, authorship, or publication of this article.