Introduction To Psychosexual Medicine

This authoritative text for those training in Sexual Medicine now returns in a new edition that builds on what clinicians found most useful in the previous editions - physical and psychological background knowledge and all relevant treatments, combined with psychological therapies, principles, and case examples applied to common problems.

Psychosexual Medicine introduces doctors and other health professionals to the psychological aspects of sexual problem and how these interact with physical causes. It is of particular benefit to general practitioners, gynaecologists, urologists and genitourinary physicians who meet patients with sexual problems in the course of their own work and who wish to increase their skills in treating them. The thoroughly revised and updated text reflects the changes that have occurred in psychosexual medicine during the last decade, including the advent of new treatments for male erectile dysfunction. The scope has been expanded to incorporate contributions from physicians working in a broad range of clinical settings, while retaining a consistent and practical style throughout. Other important additions to this new edition include chapters on the physical aspects of the sexual response and on disorders of sexual preference and gender identity. The relevance of past history and problems relating to life events are considered. Problems relating to ageing, disability, cultural differences and sexual abuse are also described. With a new user-friendly design and format, and the introduction of key points, boxed summaries and real case studies, the textbook feel of the book has been considerably enhanced. Recommended by the Institute of Psychosexual Medicine, this new edition will confirm the reputation of this book as the only introductory text in the field and essential reading for anyone wishing to learn more about this expanding subject.

Doctors increasingly recognize that sexual unhappiness has serious effects on the health of individuals and families. Sexual function depends on our bodies and our minds and sexual problems may present with physical symptoms. Using case histories the book describes the practice of psychosexual medicine and explores the skills used by doctors therapists and counsellors. A systematic and comprehensive examination of this field for the first time this book places psychosexual medicine in context with other therapies. For those working at all levels throughout primary care including doctors and nurses in general practice and in family planning clinics therapists and counsellors and for specialists in the fields of genito-urinary medicine gynaecology andrology and urology Blocks and Freedoms in Sexual Life is an essential reference and a tool for increasing the scope and effectiveness of their work.

The focus on this book is on helping practitioners recognize and respond appropriately to psychosexual anxiety and distress. Recent research suggests that the sexual concerns of patients still go unaddressed and that communication with patients about sexual issues is generally inadequate. Psychosexual anxiety and distress occur as the consequence of changes or threats to the sexual aspects of an individual?s self-confidence. Such changes may occur as the consequence of illness, disability, ageing, altered sexual function, relationship difficulties, loss and other psychosocial events. Sexual distress and anxieties that go unrecognized may lead to sexual and interpersonal problems which in turn create further anxiety or distress. As a consequence, a vicious circle of altered sexual self-concept, psychosexual anxiety and distress, and alterations in sexual response and satisfacction, can become quickly established. This book gives a thorough grounding in the principles of the care of patients with psychosexual problem. Psychosexual anxiety and distress ? Professional issues in psychosexual care ? Psychosexual nursing skills ? Altered sexual interest and response ? Sexual dysfunction ? Reproductive sexual health ? Sexual orientation ? Sexually transmitted infections ? Sexual assult and sexual abuse ? Sexual variations and issues relating to gender identity ? Useful addresses ? Index

Sexual problems that cannot be explained by obvious illness or disease are likely to remain untreated. The standard undergraduate medical curriculum do not usually include teaching on the subject.