$Unique_ID{BRK01481}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Embarrassed to Talk About Sexual Problems?}
$Subject{sex problems doctors}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Embarrassed to Talk About Sexual Problems?


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QUESTION:  Why don't you ever respond to people who write to you with their
sexual problems?  I am sure you must get loads of letters like that because
most people like me are too ashamed to talk to their doctors.  Or are you just
like most the other doctors who clam up when the subject comes up, because
they are embarrassed too, so just don't want to talk about it?

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ANSWER:  In defense of myself, I have no difficulty either talking to patients
about their intimate problems, nor in writing about it in this column.
Frankly, most of the letters are either too individualized, or too intimate to
be included in a newspaper column.  When there are subjects of general
interest, I do try to include them, for it is clear to me that there is a
great deal of interest about the subject, and not a great deal of clear
thinking or easy to understand explanations.  Now in defense of my profession,
I believe that most family physicians are skilled in discussing personal
sexual matters, either because they have had special training in their
residency programs, or because their professional experience and study has
provided a good deal of valuable insight.  I realize that many patients have
difficulty in opening up on this matter to their local doctor, but if they
would only take the first step they would be well served.  If their physician
has the skills necessary, the problem, may be easily solved at this stage of
medical care.  If not, than the opportunities for care can be obtained through
referral to another doctor or agency that may possess the specialized
knowledge needed to deal with the situation.  Sometimes patients have
difficulty in finding the right words, thinking that they need to be able to
explain their condition in high faluting medical jargon.  Not thing is further
from the truth.  A sincere story, honestly told, is all you need convey to
your doctor, and there can be no shame where there is no guilt, and judging
guilt certainly is not within the scope of my profession.  Since I sense a
certain urgency in your letter, I hope you will now seek out the help you
need.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
