DR MAX PEMBERTON: Why we all need to stop being so embarrassed about talking about sex By Dr Max Pemberton Published: 02:11, 17 June 2024 | Updated: 02:11, 17 June 2024 e-mail View comments Sex isn’t an easy topic to discuss, even for doctors. Asking a patient about it feels awkward, embarrassing and intrusive. The doctor feels uncomfortable, the patient is squirming, and everyone just wants it over and done with.
It’s no real surprise, therefore, that studies show that the vast majority of doctors never ask their patients about their sex lives. Doctors from every specialty struggle to broach the subject but some of the worst offenders are GPs, where just six per cent initiate these discussions. But sex is an integral part of so many people’s lives, and medical professionals must get better at talking about it.
Studies show that the vast majority of doctors never ask their patients about their sex lives Many conditions – from diabetes to depression – can affect sexual performance so it’s an important symptom when thinking about a diagnosis. In my experience the group of people most likely to shy away from talking about sex is the same for whom sex is often the most important issue: young men. I think part of the reticence comes from the fact many GPs are middle-aged women who are embarrassed talking to someone their son’s age about such personal details – which only makes the young man feel more awkward.
But doctors are letting patients down by not broaching t.
