Female Sexual Anatomy Training in Medical Education-Are We Adequately Preparing Our Students for Patient Care?

For the last century, medical texts often have omitted or ignored the clitoris and its role in female health. Only in the last 30 years has a comprehensive description of the anatomy of the area been elucidated. Despite research establishing the clitoris's essential role in the orgasmic functioning of females, valid concerns exist about the extent to which physicians are trained about this important component of anatomy. In the broader context of medical training about female sexual anatomy and function, both undergraduate and graduate education are inadequately preparing learners for clinical practice in these important areas. With a substantial portion of the female population reporting sexual dysfunction worldwide, the global prevalence of female genital mutilation, and a growing interest in female genital cosmetic surgery, it is essential that physicians be adequately trained about these critical topics relating to the clitoris. A proposed longitudinal model for medical education about female genitalia, and the clitoris in particular, is provided, along with a roadmap outlining specific steps to ensure physicians are adequately trained and prepared for clinical practice.