Can you talk 'sex' with your doctor?

Published on January 26, 2017

Sex is taboo for most of us.
 
The messages we grow up with are often negative and shameful…our sexual behaviour is affected, our mindset is affected.
 
Imagine this, a sex-related question pops into your head. Who do you ask? Maybe your partner or a friend, why not your doctor?
 
Have you ever asked your doctor about something specifically sexual? Not many people have.
 
If you have, congratulations for your courage. If you haven’t, remember that it takes two hands to clap.
 
Doctors are subjected to the same negative messages we experienced, but of course we expect them to be trained professionals, and therefore able to address all our questions.
 
Think again!
 
Many medical professionals receive only a few hours of formal human sexuality training. In fact, in a study conducted in 2010 with over 1,200 doctors in the US, over half of them (53%) felt they were not equipped to address sexual questions with their patients in clinical settings (see Ref. below).
 
Imagine therefore the uncomfortable situation if you and your doctor both feel embarrassed to speak about sex…the likelihood is that you would not ask, unless strictly necessary.
 
Sex is natural; we are here because of an act of sex.
 
More can be done to equip medical professionals with human sexuality knowledge, but we owe it to ourselves to be comfortable with it. Knowledge is necessary to ask the right questions for both you and your doctor.
 
And so, my invite to you today is, be curious about sex, learn its language and ask those questions.
 

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Category(s):Sexual Problems / Sex Therapy

Written by:

Dr Oberdan Marianetti

Dr OM opened in Singapore 2015 to serve the local community on all their relationship and sexuality challenges.

Intrigued by the secrets of the mind, Dr Oberdan first qualified as a psychologist over 15 years ago and worked both in corporate and private settings to support individuals, couples and groups to rediscover their innate power for productivity, creativity and service.

Today, the clinic has evolved to offer a broader range of services, eventually establishing itself as a respected, reputable, and trusted place for healing. It has grown to serve a diverse clientele from over 50 countries, who present life challenges ranging from stress, anxiety and depression, to the specialised sexual and relational ones experienced in silence by many.

We welcome clients from any walk of life, and look forward to continue growing as a valuable service provider to our local and international communities.

Dr Oberdan Marianetti belongs to Dr Oberdan Marianetti in Singapore