While the medical community increasingly acknowledges sexual health as an essential component of overall well-being, a new study reveals that general practitioners (GPs) face significantly more challenges than obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) in addressing sexual health concerns, especially among women.

Published online on May 6 in the journal Menopause, the study was led by Dr. Anna Aromaa from the University of Turku in Finland. Researchers examined survey responses from 402 general practitioners and 299 OB/GYNs, focusing on their attitudes, clinical behaviors, and perceived barriers related to treating patients with sexual health problems.

Although both groups agreed on the importance of managing sexual issues as part of comprehensive healthcare, the study found stark differences in practice patterns. GPs were significantly less likely to inquire about sexual problems during routine medical history taking, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.23 compared to OB/GYNs.

GPs also reported greater difficulty in diagnosing female sexual problems, and were more likely to cite barriers such as limited appointment time (aOR, 2.36), personal discomfort or beliefs (aOR, 2.07), and a lack of formal education in sexual medicine (aOR, 2.05).

“This study highlights the known barriers that exist to asking women about sexual health,” said Dr. Stephanie Faubion, Medical Director of The Menopause Society, in a statement. “It also shows that primary care practitioners may struggle a bit more than our OB/GYN colleagues in doing so, likely for a number of reasons, including time constraints, lack of education on sexual health, and competing priorities during the visit.”

Encouragingly, the study noted that younger physicians were more likely to engage in discussions around sexual health, suggesting a generational shift in medical training and attitudes. However, researchers emphasize that significant gaps remain and call for targeted efforts to improve education and support for GPs in addressing sexual health issues effectively.

The findings underscore the need for better integration of sexual medicine into general practice, particularly as primary care providers are often the first point of contact for many patients experiencing sexual health concerns.