ABSTRACT
This chapter presents ten pearls of wisdom for general practitioners (GPs) for better understanding of sexual health related problems and for more efficient use of resources. These pearls have been acquired from years of experience and evidence-based study by specialists in the field. People may have sexual health needs at various life stages and a failure to discuss sex alongside other aspects of health is a failing to the patient. Taking a sexual history enables us to undertake a sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk assessment, enquire about sexual difficulties, and offer screening, intervention and referral. The chapter also presents advice on diagnoses often overlooked by GPs while handling patients with sexual ill health. Diagnoses of the following diseases/disorders are recommended: lymphogranuloma venereum, vestibulodynia, secondary syphilis, and lichen nitidius. The chapter further provides guidance on how to distinguish tricky differentials and finally a few tips on prescribing medications for these patients.
