Taking a sexual history and managing common sexual problems.

In spite of the multitude of sexual information sources available to the general public, much of it is incomplete or erroneous. Primary care physicians are still considered resource persons for such information. Health care providers should be comfortable with taking a sexual history, familiar with the basics of sexual problems and able to counsel patients or to make appropriate referrals. This paper outlines a method of obtaining sexual information, reviews the basics of uncomplicated sexual dysfunctions and suggests a model for managing the majority of dysfunctions with which a primary care physician will be confronted.