It is well documented that a well-functioning intimate and sexual life are general factors of well-being and health. However, doctors still refrain from talking to patients about their intimate life despite that more than 88% of patients consider it important or very important for their well-being.

At the same time, previous research shows that illness and surgery can lead to a sexual dysfunction that can lead to serious relationship problems or identity crises, which in turn leads to poor well-being and disease management with a negative effect on health.

Seen in that and a general health-promoting perspective, it is, therefore, the doctor's responsibility - regardless of specialty - to address the sexuality of their patients at a context-relevant level.

Today, most patients miss out on the opportunity to turn this area of ​​life around with their medical doctor due to the doctor's lack of initiative.

This is partly due to the fact that sexology is not included in medical training and - more importantly - that many doctors experience discomfort when talking about a patient’s intimacy challenges - or simply general sexual health - often in fear of breaking boundaries.

It is not the doctor's job to solve the patient's sexological problems, but it is the doctor's responsibility to create a safe space for a conversation that allows the patient to talk about their sexuality and intimacy. 

At the same time, such a conversation allows the doctor to uncover whether the patient needs to be referred to e.g. a sexology clinic, or just support the patient in simple methods to (re-) establish healthy sexuality and intimacy.

In this talk, your health professionals will be introduced to very simple conversational techniques, and based on the current research, get acquainted with the crucial importance of addressing intimacy with their patients.