• Sharron Hinchliff, Merryn Gott, and Elisabeth Galena.
• Sheffield Institute for Studies on Ageing, University of Sheffield, Elmfield, Northumberland Road, Sheffield S10 2TU, UK. s.hinchliff@sheffield.ac.uk
• Eur J Gen Pract. 2004 Jun 1; 10 (2): 56-60.

ObjectiveThis paper explores the barriers related to gender that general practitioners (GPs) face when discussing sexual health matters in primary care consultations.MethodQualitative study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 GPs recruited from different practice types and locations across Sheffield, UK. Transcripts were analysed thematically, assisted by NUD*IST qualitative data analysis programme.ResultsGPs were virtually unanimous in believing that patients preferred to see same-sex GPs regarding sexual health, and some felt that as a consequence they became "de-skilled" in dealing with sexual matters of opposite sex patients. Discussion of sexual issues was also perceived to be hindered if the patient was male; for women, reproductive health issues provided an appropriate context to asking about sexual health.ConclusionBarriers that prevent discussion of sexual matters in consultations can not only impinge upon potential treatment for the patient, but also have an indirect affect on the patient's life, health and intimate relationships. Solutions to overcoming such barriers relate largely to the provision of training for medical students and qualified GPs.

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