Doctors are being urged to ask about their patient’s sexuality if they report having erectile problems.
Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with being gay. But does that mean if you have problems reaching or maintaining manhood that your doctor should ask questions about sexual orientation?
Believe it or not, that’s what some physicians are being asked to inquire of their patients if they report having problems in the stiffy department.
We’re not making this up.
A new report appearing in the British Society of Sexual Medicine, also known as BSSM, suggests just that. Now before continuing, it’s important to state that at some point or another, all men will experience challenges in the wood department – it happens.
More: Why men get morning wood.
That's why we found this report interesting. According to BSSM, up to 100,000 men from the UK who have difficulties with ED (apparently) may be struggling with their sexual orientation.
To be fair, the report also says only a small majority of men in relationships with females have difficulties in this area. Still, urologists are being urged to be direct and ask patients about their sexuality as a way of finding out what's up (no pun intended).
Per the report: “There can no longer be an excuse for avoiding discussions about sexual activity due to embarrassment.”
The author of the report, Dr Geoff Hackett, suggests folks wrestling with their sexuality, “Need to be pointed in the right direction. This may be your one and only chance as a doctor to do so.”
Additionally, he said:
“If a man is in a relationship with a woman and is having problems with erectile dysfunction it might be because they are in a relationship with the wrong gender. They might be able to overcome their issue if they come to terms with this. If you do not get at this problem you will waste a lot of time and ineffective treatment going down the wrong path.”
But not everyone thinks this is accurate – or the right approach.
Prof Helen Stokes-Lampard, from the Royal College of GPs, told The Sun: “There are many reasons for erectile dysfunction. It is essential patients have the safe space to discuss issues with their GP, whenever they choose to and in their own time.
But it is difficult to see how asking all patients unsolicited and impromptu questions about their sexuality is going to instill confidence and trust.”
Gay Pop Buzz spoke to psychotherapist Marcello Gonzalez about the BSSM report and the recommendations of Dr. Hackett.
“Doctors need to exercise care when asking about a patient’s sexuality. Making assumptions can be harmful, particularly if the person is already sensitive to this issue. There are a myriad of reasons why a man can’t achieve an erection. I’m not sure this is something should be asked out of the gate,” Gonzalez said.
h/t: Gay Star News
