ABSTRACT
A patient may hint at a sexual problem in an otherwise seemingly unconnected consultation. There are some issues that are too embarrassing or difficult to broach during the consultation but too important to leave unsaid; sexual problems may fall into this category. If a doctor is to prescribe a drug or recommend a procedure that may affect sexual function, then the doctor must feel confident to raise the issue with the patient. Posters in the waiting room about contraception or sexual issues can help give a message to patients who are waiting that these conversations are encouraged and welcomed. There are multiple screening checklists and questionnaires published to help assess sexual function. The great skill of the psychosexual practitioner is to open up the patient and to try to understand their world. Many sexual problems can be improved greatly simply by reducing the anxiety associated with keeping a sexual issue hidden.
