Gynaecological visits should concentrate more on sex and relationships

Washington, Dec 16 (ANI): Gynaecological visits should not be limited to discussions about different tests and/or prescriptions for contraceptives, but could be used as a great opportunity for dialogue about sexual health as well, according to a thesis.

The thesis at Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden has revealed that women, doctors and midwives all share the above view.

It showed that many young women see sex as a problem-almost 500 women aged 23-29 answered questions about their sex lives, their relationships and how they view gynaecological visits.

One in five had a reduced sex drive and found it difficult to be satisfied together with their partner.

Just as many said that they had been taken advantage of sexually or experienced other forms of sexual abuse.

"Many young women actually know little about their sexuality. If you feel confident about your body and understand how it works, sex is much easier and much more fun," said midwife Eva Wendt, who wrote the thesis.

The survey revealed that nine out of ten young women think it natural to be asked questions about sexuality at a visit to a gynaecologist or midwife.

Seven out of ten think it natural to be asked questions about sexual abuse.

"Women trust their doctor and their midwife - they are independent parties who have both expertise and a duty of confidentiality. This paves the way for a dialogue when these professionals ask questions and can help women to reflect and see their own situation more clearly," said Wendt.

While the midwives, general practitioners and gynaecologists think on similar lines, but it is still relatively unusual for medical professionals to invite women to engage in in-depth discussion of sexuality and relationships.

Instead, visits are primarily medically oriented - discussion of sexuality gets forgotten or time runs out.

"Both doctors and midwives describe opportunities to create respectful meetings and strengthen women by giving them information and encouraging them to have a positive view of sexuality. Now that we know that women and medical professionals both want the same thing, perhaps sexuality and dialogue with the patient can be allotted more time at gynaecological visits," said Wendt. (ANI)