Sexual dysfunction in gastroenterological patients: Do gastroenterologists care enough? A nationwide survey from the Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE)

Background: Patients affected by gastrointestinal disorders often experience sexual dysfunction (SD). This creates stress and anxiety which impact on patients' and/or their partners' quality of life. A multidisci-plinary approach to SD is often advisable in these patients. This survey assessed if gastroenterologists routinely discuss SD with their patients and the barriers toward discussing SD in clinical practice.Methods: A 29-item questionnaire was sent to members of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy (SIGE). A descriptive analysis of responses was performed.Results: Out of 714 eligible gastroenterologists, 426 (59.7%), responded.The majority ( > 70%) never/ infrequently investigated SD with their patients and, similarly, most patients never discussed SD dur-ing the visit. The most reported reasons were lack of knowledge (58%), time (4 4%), and embarrassment (30%). However, more than 70% of respondents indicated that all specialists should be able to manage sexual problems, and more than 80% declared that it would be useful for gastroenterologists to attend courses dedicated to the problem of SD.Conclusion: Despite the high prevalence of SD, counselling was not routinely performed in gastroentero-logical care. Lack of education/knowledge appeared as the most important factor. Most of responders felt that attending a course on SD might increase the awareness of SD.(c) 2022 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The survey found that the majority of gastroenterologists do not frequently discuss sexual dysfunction with their patients, citing reasons such as lack of knowledge, time constraints, and embarrassment. However, most respondents believed that all specialists should be able to manage sexual problems, and that attending courses on sexual dysfunction could increase awareness of the issue.