Brief sexual inquiry in gynecologic practice

Eight hundred eight-seven consecutive gynecologic outpatients were screened for sexual concerns and dysfunctions by the inclusion in the medical history of two questions concerning sexual function. Only 29 women (3%) spontaneously offered sexual complaints without direct inquiry. An additional 142 women (16%) acknowledged sexual problems upon questioning. The most common sexual complaint was dyspareunia (48%), followed by decreased sexual desire (21%), partner problem(s) or dysfunction(s) (8%), vaginismus (6%), anorgasmia (4%), and other problems (13%), eg, arousal problems, decreased lubrication, sexual anxiety, etc. Sexual complaints were more prevalent in those 50 years of age or older. This brief sexual inquiry added little time to the office visit, and most of the sexual complaints could be resolved by the gynecologist.