UEGW 2022: Neglected sexual function problems, not mentioned by 71% of doctors to patients with gastrointestinal disorders!

A new survey shows that sexual dysfunction is undermanaged in patients with gastrointestinal disorders, with 71% of gastroenterologists not asking patients about
sexual dysfunction.
Although sexual dysfunction is often present in patients with gastrointestinal disorders, it is not common
in gastrointestinal care.
Researchers from Italy presented the findings
at the 2022 European Digestive Disease Week (UEGW) conference.

The researchers sent an anonymous online questionnaire to members of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Society of Digestive Endoscopy, consisting of 29 multiple-choice and open-ended questions, collecting a total of 426 questionnaires, of which 335 questionnaires were from experienced gastroenterologists 91 were from less experienced residents
.
Of all respondents, 54.
7% were men and 45.
3%
were women.

The survey found that even though most gastroenterologists don't ask about sexual dysfunction, most want to know how to address it
.
Of the survey respondents, 80 percent agreed that gastroenterologists attend courses
related to sexual dysfunction.

At the same time, the survey found that only 4% of patients talked about sexual dysfunction
.
Among women aged 40-50, the most common complaint is dyspareunia (pain during intercourse).

Among men, 75% of patients reported erectile dysfunction and 45% reported decreased
libido.
The researchers further found that the most common gastrointestinal disorders associated with sexual dysfunction were inflammatory bowel disease (37%), chronic liver disease (28%), and irritable bowel syndrome (26%)
.

In this survey, doctors were also asked whether they believed the drug played a role
in the patient's sexual dysfunction.
Nearly 15 percent of physicians said accelerators were involved, and 18 percent believed proton pump inhibitors affected sexual function
.
Both classes of drugs are thought to be responsible for
sexual dysfunction.

Few doctors prescribe 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5i) to treat sexual dysfunction, such as Viagra
.
About 90 percent of doctors said they had never prescribed such drugs and preferred to refer patients to a urologist
.
In addition, the biggest reasons gastroenterologists did not mention sexual dysfunction were lack of knowledge (80%), lack of experience (58%), time (44%), and embarrassment (30%)
。

The researchers say the study shows the need not only to raise awareness, but also to build the confidence
of doctors with gastrointestinal diseases to address sexual dysfunction in patients.

Resources

Sexual Issues Common for GI Patients, but Docs Often Avoid Topic.
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