Dr. Krychman on the Awareness of Sexual Health Concerns

Michael L. Krychman, MD, the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine, discusses the disconnect that exists between the number of women with breast cancer who desire treatment for sexual health concerns and those who actually receive treatment.

Krychman describes newer studies showing that nearly 50% of women desire a treatment for sexual health concerns; however, less than 10% are actually receiving treatment. This is due primarily to the fact that both women and physicians are not openly discussing sexual health issues.

In general, patients may feel embarrassed or concerned that discussing sexual health will embarrass their healthcare provider, or they may feel that a treatment is not available. Similarly, healthcare providers are also embarrassed, poorly trained, and are also unaware of treatments that are available.