In many medical schools there are no lectures on sexual dysfunctions.

First of all, in many medical schools there are no lectures on sexual dysfunctions. With enormous pressure to train physicians in diseases like cancer and heart disease, there are simply not enough classroom hours left to cover human sexuality. Gynecologists and urologists are essentially surgeons who specialize in disorders of the genitourinary and reproductive systems.

Sexual dysfunctions often involve not only physiological systems but also psychological conflicts and troubled interpersonal relationships. These physicians have not been trained in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders or marital conflicts and often do not feel comfortable treating these cases.If this is the case, what is a person with a sexual problem to do? The answer is to spend some time to find a specialist in sexual medicine.

A variety of medical specialties have individuals specializing in sexual health. There are gynecologists, urologists, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners, and other professionals who are trained in sexual medicine and the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. Begin by asking your physician for a referral. You also can contact local medical societies for information. Yellow pages in the phone book provide some information on physicians and other professionals in the area as well.
by Leonard DeRogatis, Ph.D.