The investigators found that age had little to do with reported participation in sexual behaviors – with two exceptions. Patients who reported using sex toys were, on average, older than were those who never used them (34.3 vs. 30.7 years, P = .01). Conversely, those who used ‘hook-up’ apps were younger than were never-users (28.3 vs. 33.7 years, P = .0002).
“I found that less than 60% of my patients were regularly using condoms, and less than 50% of patients were ever asked by their provider about condom use. That was the most shocking finding that I had,” said Dr. Hart.
“The biggest thing is, patients are comfortable,” said Dr. Hart. “Around 90% of patients are comfortable discussing anything from sex toys, vaginal sex, to anal sex – but providers aren’t asking about them. And they really should,” to optimize screening for sexually transmitted diseases and cancer, and to provide thorough counseling about safe sex practices, she said.
What about the physician perspective? Maria Kon, MD, a Mount Sinai ob.gyn., and her collaborators received responses to a survey from 90 physicians, finding that most did not routinely ask about sexual orientation, sexual problems, or satisfaction. Further, one in four respondents reported disapproving of their patients’ sexual practices.