[Strategies for talking to the patient with sexual dysfunction in the doctor's office]

The use of a questionnaire for initiating talks about the topic of sexual disorders and the efficacy and acceptance by the physician and patient of various communication strategies, were investigated. Each of a total of 1191 general practitioners distributed a health questionnaire which contained questions on sexuality to 150 men aged 30 and above. In a total of 10,622 first talks on sexual health, the questionnaire met with a high level of acceptance, and was the trigger for talks in 54% of the cases. More than two-thirds of the patients reacted positively to such talks, speaking freely and readily, and relieved that this aspect of their lives was being addressed. In 75% of the patients an erectile dysfunction was diagnosed, in 27% further diagnostic measures were prescribed, and in 60% treatment was initiated. In the exes of the physician, the clearly signaled readiness to talk and the discussion of treatment options were the most favorable communication strategies.