Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in new heterosexual attenders at a central London genitourinary medicine clinic in 1998

Objective: To determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and dissatisfa ction (SD) among new heterosexual attendees at a central London genitourina ry medicine (GUM) clinic. Methods: Consecutive new attendees seen by a single clinician were asked a probe question about SD in the previous year. A clinical interview followed a positive response to the probe question. Demographic information was obt ained using standard clinic forms. Results: 37% of 103 men and 20% of 100 women participants gave positive res ponses, and 24% of the men and 12% of the women wanted treatment for their problems. Conclusions: Our results indicate a relatively high rate of SD in new GUM c linic attendees that is not currently being detected or managed. SD may lea d to psychological problems, which can be reversed with appropriate treatme nt. The financial implications of such treatment are discussed.