Trends in Trauma Surgeons Discussing Sexual Dysfunction and Fertility in the Post-Operative Period

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Sexual dysfunction is a known consequence of pelvic ring injuries; however, the majority of these studies focus on male sexual dysfunction.1-7 The rate of female sexual dysfunction following pelvic ring injuries has been reported as high as 62%.8 Unfortunately, there are a handful of studies focused on this issue as well as issues with subsequent fertility and childbirth.9-14 Most of these studies consist of small sample sizes or patient surveys. There have been no studies looking at physician behaviors with regards to discussing the issues of sexual dysfunction, fertility, and childbirth in the postoperative period. Given their sensitive nature, patients are not likely to discuss these topics unprovoked and therefore it is on the physicians to invite the conversation and provide resources as necessary.

Target audience: Attending orthopaedic trauma surgeons who routinely treat pelvic and acetabular fractures