Sexual dysfunction: a study on learning experience of Australian medical students

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Sexual Health
• Clinical Training

Background:

• Clinicians often lack confidence in managing sexual dysfunction (SD).
• Existing research highlights SD training gaps in US and UK medical students.
• Limited data exists on SD training needs for Australian medical students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the extent of learning experiences and training gaps in sexual dysfunction (SD) among final-year medical students at one Australian university.
• To identify specific areas of SD training that require improvement within the postgraduate medical curriculum.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous 10-item online questionnaire was distributed to final-year medical students at the University of Sydney.
• Data analysis included descriptive and analytical statistics, with thematic analysis for an open-ended question.
• The study achieved a 12% response rate from 252 final-year medical students (n=31).

Main Results:

• The majority of students rarely or never interacted with patients presenting with SD.
• Erectile dysfunction received the most training, while female orgasmic disorder received the least.
• Many students felt unprepared to manage medication/substance-induced SD and lacked confidence initiating SD discussions with patients.

Conclusions:

• The current medical curriculum provides inadequate training for confidently managing sexual dysfunction (SD).
• Enhancements are needed to broaden understanding and recognition of SD.
• Future clinicians require better preparation to address and manage SD effectively.