The Sociocultural Aspects, Professional Characteristics, and Motivational Factors of the First Fellows of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine

Abstract Introduction After a century of development in the field of sexology and decades of attempts to establish the field of sexual medicine, the first examination that led to the qualification as Fellows of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine (FECSM) was held in December 2012. Aim This study aims to describe the first European specialists in sexual medicine, their clinical practice, motivation, and professional self-identification. Methods A web-based survey of the first FECSM on demographic data, data on the practices of their work (gender of clients, setting, and time frame), and reasons for entering the sexual medicine (five-point Likert rating of motives and open question on other reasons) was conducted. Main Outcome Measure Gender, religion, specialty, region, and their association with professional practices of the first FECSM. Results The first FECSM have a wide range of experience in the field of sexual medicine (0–30 years) and were mainly men (79%) and urologists (56%). Only 15.5% had other qualifications related to sexual medicine and 60% self-identified as sexual medicine specialists. Only a small proportion of the professional time was dedicated to the practice of sexual medicine. The primary speciality influenced the gender of their patients seen, setting of work (couple vs. individuals), and time spent with patients. Only a minority managed sexual problems in women; hypoactive sexual desire is treated by 41% of FECSM and dyspareunia by 17%. The participants were motivated by the pleasure of knowing new things and desire to understand and to help patients, whereas prestige, finances, and own sex lives are less important. Conclusions The first FECSM are very diverse in terms of age, culture, religion, and primary specialty. Their practice is strongly influenced by their primary specialty, and this needs to be taken into account in future development of the speciality. Arbanas G, Reisman Y, and Andrews S. The sociocultural aspects, professional characteristics, and motivational factors of the first Fellows of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine. J Sex Med 2015;12:1368–1374.