Counseling in gynecologic practice: an overivew

We live in a turbulant period with regard to interpersonal relationships. Individuals place great emphasis on their ability to form good relationships. It is a time of desiring and searching; desiring to be engaged in a rewarding relationship and searching for any principles which might promote such involvement. Obstetrician-gynecologists are involved because reproduction and sexuality are so basic to dyadic relationship. Few gynecologists have not pondered how they would accomodate new methods of contraception, sterilization, elective abortion, fathers involved in the birth process, and marital conseling. These areas of obstetrics and gynecology have been profoundly altered in what is occurring with respect to women and their dyadic relationships with men. Anyone practicing obstetrics and gynecology, whether specialist, primary care physician, or other professional, has a special role in a woman's life because he or she is there. We have an obligation to acknowledge and take advantage of this unique opportunity.