6533b837fe1ef96bd12a1e41

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Sexology as a challenge to the health care system: the Norwegian version

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Originally published in Sexologies,Elsevier. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sexol.2005.11.009 Medical doctors and psychologist represent the largest groups of professionals working with sexological problems in Norway, with one third each. The last third consists of different health and educational professionals. Forty-three percent reported that they have undergone some training programs in sexology. This is the lowest educational level in all the countries surveyed in the context of the "Euro-Sexo" study. Seventy-one percent declared that they have had individual supervision and 49% had group supervision in sexology. 93.2% are in clinical practice, but for most of them, this is a minor part of their professional activity. Seventy-one percent reported that sexological activity represents less than 25% of their professional time. Gender differences are minor. Three percent work with sexology full time, all of these are women, and none are medical doctors. Not surprisingly, problems with orgasm (42.95) and sexual desire (60.7%) are among the most frequent problems presented among female clients, while erectile dysfunction (47.3%) is the most frequent problem among male clients. Emotional problems in the couple relationship is among the most frequent problem reported, 35% among male and 63% among female clients. The respondents also reported problems related to sexual violence or abuse, 18.1% among male and 42.9% among female clients. Thirty percent reported genital pain among their female clients. Sexological problems represent a substantial area of the clinical work for many therapists. Medical doctors represent an important part of the therapeutic field, while sexology is a less than a minor part of medical education, both pre and post graduate. Psychotherapy was reported as the most frequent treatment used by sexologists.