Practices and attitudes of Israeli obstetrician-gynecologists regarding female sexual health: results from a national survey

Background: Sexual health is an often-overlooked component of clinical care that has significant implications for patients’ quality of life. Aim: To evaluate the practices, attitudes, and barriers faced by Israeli obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs) in addressing female sexual health, and to identify factors that influence engagement. Methods: During April–December 2024, a cross-sectional survey was conducted that assessed Israeli OB-GYNs’ socio-demographics, frequency of initiating discussions, perceived training adequacy, and barriers to addressing sexual health. Outcomes: The primary outcomes were the frequency of initiating discussions on sexual health and the perceived adequacy of training in addressing sexual dysfunction. Results: Among 504 participants, 19.1% routinely initiated discussions on sexual health, while 45.8% rarely did. Female compared to male OB-GYNs (P = 0.002), and infertility compared to other specialists (P = 0.003) were more likely to engage in these discussions. Barriers included limited clinic time (57.5%), insufficient knowledge of treatment options (48.2%), a lack of strategies for initiating discussions (27.0%), and discomfort discussing these issues (15.9%). OB-GYNs aged 60 years and older, compared to 20–29 years, and those who graduated in Israel, rather than abroad (P < 0.001 for both), were more likely to report feeling comfortable addressing sexual health topics. OB-GYNs in central Israel and Jewish participants were more likely to feel comfortable, compared to their southern and Muslim counterparts (P < 0.001 for both). Training was rated as poor or very poor by 43.2% for discussing sexual health and 60.2% for treating sexual dysfunction. Compared to their counterparts, poor training was reported by OB-GYNs under age 60 years, with degrees from abroad, and with less experience. The respective odds ratios were 2.70 (95% CI 1.47–4.96, P = 0.001), 1.799 (95% CI 1.24–2.60, P = 0.002), and 1.72 (95% CI 1.04–2.82, P = 0.033). Most respondents supported integrating sexual health education into medical curricula (69.5%) and OB-GYN residency programs (89.1%). Clinical implications: Significant gaps in the training and practices of Israeli OB-GYNs underscore the need for enhanced education tailored to address cultural and demographic factors. Strengths and limitations: The large, diverse sample provides valuable insights. However, the self-reported data may have introduced bias, and the cultural diversity may limit generalizability. Conclusion: Substantial gaps were reported in the training and practices of Israeli OB-GYNs regarding female sexual health. These findings underscore the need for enhanced education and structured training programs, tailored also to address cultural and demographic factors, to improve patient care.