Female sexual dysfunction: lack of change in physician practice patterns over time

It is difficult to assess if the evaluation and treatment of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) has progressed. In 2003, the American Urogynecology Society (AUGS) surveyed members to measure practice patterns for FSD. Our objective was to administer a similar survey to current members of AUGS and the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) to evaluate existing practice patterns.

An electronic survey was administered to SUFU and AUGS members. The results were compared to prior survey results from 2003.

A total of 187 physicians responded. The majority were female (75%) and at an academic or university-based practice (54%). Twenty percent of current members consider FSD screening to be extremely important versus 9% in 2003 (P=0.002). The most common reason for not screening was time constraints. Current practitioners report not screening because they do not know how/what to ask, whereas in 2003 physicians were more unsure about therapeutic options (P<0.001). In regards to post residency training, 36% were less than satisfied, significantly improved compared from 50% (P<0.001). Females were more likely to screen for FSD (P=0.012) compared to males. Those who were at least "very satisfied" with their training were more likely to screen (P=0.019). 87% of physicians would refer patients to an interactive phone application about FSD.

Screening patterns and barriers to treatment of FSD have minimally improved over the last 20 years. Many trainees continue to feel unsatisfied with FSD education. Phone applications about FSD may be a good resource in the future.