Female sexual dysfunction: Indian perspective and role of Indian gynecologists

Background: One rarely finds Indian women talking about their sexuality like this due to sex taboo in our society. This does not mean that sexual dysfunction is uncommon in Indian women. Female sexual dysfunction is widely prevalent. Aim and Objective: Indian women seek less assistance for them, despite undergoing physical and marital problems. Data of prevalence of such problems was collected to understand the scope of these problems and how Indian women deal with it.The objective was to understand prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women attending Gynaecology OPD and their perception about sex. Material and Methods: A questionnaire based prevalence study comprising of 520 patients from January, 2018 to June, 2018 was done. The questionnaire was designed on the basis of prior used ones in various studies and modified according to current patient scenario at the tertiary centre where study was conducted. Results: The data collected showed that sexual problems are not reported even when they were widely prevalent. 64% of women can't talk regarding this to their partners too. 82% patients had some sort of sexual problem. Only 18% patients said that they have no sexual problem and were satisfied with their sexual life. However, none of them consulted or took any form of assistance from any medical personnel. Conclusion: Indian women are reluctant and shy to discuss sexual problem unlike westerners who are more open and demanding when it comes to their needs. Gynecologists need to discuss with the patients about their sexuality and pertaining issues with utmost warmth, care and respect. They need to pull out the problem from within their patients and handle it effectively.