Use of complementary therapies in a sexual health clinic setting

This prospective cohort study examined the health-seeking behaviour of pati ents diagnosed with genital warts and vulvodynia who presented to Manly Sex ual Health Service from March to June 2000. A self-administered questionnai re was used to assess patients' perceptions of their condition and their us e of complementary therapies. Thirty-seven patients with genital warts and 26 patients with vulvodynia participated in the study. The use of at least one complementary health product or method was reported by 59% of patients with genital warts and 96% of vulvodynia patients (P <0.001). Having receiv ed conflicting information and being worried about the condition was signif icantly associated with visits to complementary health providers. Acknowled gement of this search for complementary therapies and open discussion can h elp patients make informed decisions and to avoid drug interactions, and sh ould ultimately lead to better patient care.