[Addressing sexuality in outpatient medicine : an often overlooked necessity]

Although sexuality and sexual health are an integral part of overall health, these topics are still not adequately addressed in medical practices. The medical profession is undeniably responsible for this shortcoming. Lack of legitimacy to address intimacy issues, fear of being intrusive, lack of self-confidence, personal prejudices, and lack of training can compromise patient-physician dialogue about a central element of patients' lives and their identity. To re-establish this dialogue, talking about sexuality and taking a sexual history are essential steps that can be learned and perfected.