title: Let's talk about sex.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  As sexual wellbeing is an important aspect of good general health, and sexual difficulties are a concern for 20-40% of the adult population, general practitioners (GPs) have a key role to play in initiating discussions about sex and sexual difficulties with their patients.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article encourages GPs to take the lead in initiating a conversation about sex and sexual difficulties with their patients by taking a brief sexual history as a routine part of a medical history. If any sexual concerns are identified, a longer appointment can be arranged for a detailed history and examination, and to discuss treatment options, including referral.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sexual difficulties are common and can affect a patient's quality of life. There is a high risk of sexual difficulties arising from illness, medication, and personal and relationship difficulties. Erectile dysfunction is particularly important to identify as it is a predictor of cardiovascular and other microvascular disease.
authors.affiliation: MBBS, MPS, is President, Victorian Medical Women's Society and a psychotherapist, Melbourne, Victoria.
authors.forename: Raie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Goodwach
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D058006:General Practice / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy