This case, as an important clinical reminder, will illustrate improvement of a patient's quality of life and care in chronic diseases through sexual history taking in the primary care setting.
The case report also includes recommended investigation for erectile dysfunction (ED). Family physicians need to maintain awareness of sexual dysfunction as part of the history taking during a general medical investigation to avoid leaving sexual issues untreated including ED. If left untreated, ED can lead to psychological trauma, frustration and lower self-esteem. Additionally, ED is associated with major comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, psychological conditions and diabetes mellitus. Thus, appropriately identifying this medical condition may lead prompt diagnoses and treatment of other major diseases.
Written by:
Hirooka N, Lapp DP. Are you the author?
University of Pittsburgh Family Medicine, Faculty Development Fellowship (UPMC Shadyside), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Reference: BMJ Case Rep. 2012 May 8;2012. pii: bcr1220115289.
doi: 10.1136/bcr.12.2011.5289
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22605862
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