Training in human sexuality in United Kingdom medical schools

Abstract

This paper discusses the current status of training in human sexuality in UK medical schools. This is set against a historical background of experience in both the USA and the UK. The problems of establishing and running a course are discussed and recommendations are made for the future. A case is made that training in human sexuality should be seen as part of the core training of medical students and should be organized using a stratified approach starting with the knowledge-base in the pre-clinical and early clinical years, and building on this as the student matures by integrating counselling skills, communication skills and awareness of personal attitudes and value systems related to human sexuality.