Citation

Cassell J. Medicine (Abingdon) 2005; 33(9): 8-9.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Medicine Publishing)

DOI

10.1383/medc.2005.33.9.8

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Sexual behaviour is an important aspect of patients' lives that is seldom discussed in the consultation. It is not easily accessible to study, but a number of large-scale surveys have been undertaken since the late 1980s, and these provide an important resource for health service planning, epidemiology and the understanding of sexual behaviour. The nature and success of sexual relationships is fundamental to individual, family and social life in all cultures. It is important for all doctors to recognize the variety of sexual lifestyles in their practice, to enable them to diagnose unusual STIs (e.g. gonococcal septicaemia), to advise on sex after major illness, and to promote safer sex. Communication with patients and their families can avoid misunderstanding by cultivating an awareness of sexual relationships (e.g. homosexual partnerships) and respect for them.