Sexual Health History: Addressing a Commonly Neglected Health Indicator in Gynecologic Surgery.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Women's Health
• Sexual Medicine

Background:

• Sexual health is integral to overall well-being, yet often overlooked in medical practice, especially for women.
• Sexual dysfunction can indicate underlying medical issues, impacting patient care.
• Current medical education and clinical practices inadequately address sexual health concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of sexual health in gynecologic surgery.
• To emphasize the need for improved identification and management of sexual dysfunction.
• To advocate for prioritizing sexual function in pre-, peri-, and postoperative care.

Main Methods:

• A literature review was conducted on PubMed focusing on sexual health history-taking.
• Identified evidence-based approaches from organizations like the CDC and ISSWSH.
• Synthesized findings to inform clinical practice in gynecologic surgery.

Main Results:

• Sexual health is frequently underemphasized in clinical settings and medical training.
• Many healthcare providers lack confidence in addressing sexual health issues.
• Established inclusive, evidence-based strategies for sexual health assessment exist.

Conclusions:

• Gynecologic surgeons must take a leading role in addressing sexual dysfunction.
• Prioritizing sexual function is crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes and patient well-being.
• Integrating sexual health into routine care is essential for comprehensive women's healthcare.