title: Resident education and training in female sexuality: results of a national survey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Considering the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction, the lack of education and training in female sexual function and dysfunction (FSF&D) during and obstetrics and gynecology residency highlights a need for greater focus on this topic.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess understanding and confidence among third and fourth year Ob/Gyn residents with respect to FSF&D.
  
  
  METHODS
  An Internet-based survey was constructed to evaluate third and fourth year residents in American Council for Graduate Medical Education-approved Ob/Gyn programs. Residents were asked about familiarity, knowledge, and confidence in treating various aspects of FSF&D, based on the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) Educational Objectives for Ob/Gyn training. They were also queried regarding areas of improvement for their education.
  
  
  METHODS
  Responses to survey instrument.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two hundred thirty-four residents responded. The majority (91.5%) reported attending ≤5 didactic activities on FSF&D. Only 19.6% reported often or always screening women for sexual function problems; most had very little or no knowledge in administering or interpreting screening questionnaires. While many (82.8%) felt confident about obtaining a complete sexual history, only 54.7% felt able to perform a targeted physical exam. Although most residents had cared for women with dyspareunia (55.1%), a minority had managed many women with low desire (18.4%), arousal problems (8.1%), anorgasmia (5.6%), or vaginismus (16.7%). In treating patients, 34-56% reported rarely or never suggesting ancillary therapy such as counseling and medications. However, the majority believed that their confidence would increase through FSF&D lectures (97.9%), FSF&D patient observations (97.4%), rotating with a urogynecologist (94.4%), and online modules (90.6%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite CREOG requirements for Ob/Gyn training in female sexuality, most residents feel ill-equipped to address these problems. Additional evidence-based educational and didactic activities would enhance residents' knowledge and confidence in treating these common, quality-of-life issues.
authors.affiliation: Cincinnati Urogynecology Associates, Good Samaritan Hospital, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA. pancholya@gmail.com
authors.forename: Apurva B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Pancholy
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Goldenhar
authors.forename: Angela N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Fellner
authors.forename: Catrina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Crisp
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kleeman
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pauls
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008875:Middle Aged; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; D019529:Sexuality / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D014481:United States