A recent poll of 500 Americans over age 25 reveals that 85% would be willing to discuss sexual problems with their physicians, but 68% are afraid that their physician would be embarrassed. The Columbia University study, entitled “Adult Attitudes Towards Sexual Problems,” was recently presented at the Gender and Human Sexuality Conference in Washington, DC. Women, especially younger women, were more reluctant than men to discuss sexual matters.
Overwhelmingly, nine out of 10 participants recognized the impact that sexual problems have on depression, emotional stress, poor self-image , and extramarital affairs and marriage breakups, but three-fourths were concerned that there would be no medical treatment available for their sexual problems.
When we cannot communicate fully with our health care providers, they can’t give the full benefit of their expertise. Yet, even in 1999, too many people still will not be forthright with their physicians about potential exposure to HIV because it involves talk about sex. America’s confusing sex-negative environment strikes again.
— Sandy Bartlett, Community Information/Education Coordinator
AIDS Services of Austin
ASA Info Line: 458-AIDS, E-mail: ASA@fc.net
This article appears in May 28 • 1999 and May 28 • 1999 (Cover).