PSYCHOSEXUAL PROBLEMS IN THE CONTRACEPTIVE CONSULTATION – CHOICE OF VENUE AND DOCTOR (INTRODUCTION)
A patient who is confident about her sexuality and can be open about her sexual activity, is able to ask without embarassment for an appointment to see her own general practitioner (GP) in a clinic publicised as a ‘family planning clinic’. A person less confident may need to make an appointment for an ordinary surgery session so that no revelation of sexuality is made until in the safety of the doctor’s room. Even this may be too overwhelming – all doctors recognize patients who complain of heavy painful periods, cystitis, or even non-related symptoms such as a sore throat or a rash, when contraception or discussion of sexual matters is the real reason for the consultation. Doctors have to be sensitive to the clues and be prepared to enquire if the patient wanted to discuss anything else, or even to be more direct and ask if any advice on contraception is needed.
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