Physician attitudes regarding hypoactive sexual desire disorder in a primary care clinic: a pilot study

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD), in particular, complaints of low desire, affects many American women. Despite the impact FSD may have on these women, many do not present their symptoms to their physicians.

To determine physician attitudes and practices regarding hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in the primary care setting.

A 10-item questionnaire regarding HSDD.

All residents and faculty in an academic primary care clinic were invited to participate in a web-based survey regarding HSDD. Return of the questionnaire was considered consent. Responses were downloaded into Excel and converted into an spss database.

In total, 53 of 155 physicians responded (46% response rate-41.5% women, 58.5% men). Of respondents, 90% reported little confidence in making the diagnosis of HSDD, 90% of physicians had not screened a patient for HSDD, and 98% of the physicians had not prescribed medication for patients with HSDD. No significant gender differences among physicians were identified, but faculty providers had more confidence in diagnosing and treating HSDD than resident physicians.

These results indicate there is an opportunity to improve patient care and life satisfaction by offering physicians training on diagnosis and management of HSDD.