The provision of psychosexual services by genitourinary medicine physicians in the United Kingdom

A postal questionnaire survey, enquiring about the provision of psychosexual services, was sent to each GUM clinic in the UK. Of the 246 questionnaires distributed, replies were received from 166 directors responsible for 171 (69.5%) clinics. Of the 140 (84%) who supported the provision of a sexual dysfunction service, 59 (42%) currently provided such a service. Doctors and psychologists were the health care professionals most commonly involved in sexual dysfunction services for patients who were referred both internally and from external sources such as general practice and diabetic clinics. Patients with a variety of dysfunctions were being treated with a broad range of therapies, a reflection probably of the multidisciplinary nature of the team providing the service. However, it appears that junior doctors are not being trained in this field at present.