Abstract

In Croatia there is no residency programme in sexual medicine, and there is only a small number of medical doctors (a few andrologists and psychiatrists) who are educated in the area of sexual health. The aim of this study was to identify the specialists in the Croatian health system who recognize and diagnose (and possibly treat) sexual problems and disorders. Data from the Croatian health insurance system was used: the system was retrieved to find out what sexual problems were diagnosed in a single year (2013) in Croatia and by whom (which specialists). Altogether 288 persons (239 men and 49 women) were diagnosed with sexual disorders in 2013 by secondary level specialists in Croatia. Psychiatrists diagnosed the majority of cases, followed by urologists. Gynaecologists diagnosed only a small proportion of sexual problems (or problems related to sexuality). The most commonly diagnosed disorders in men were the erectile disorder and the hypoactive sexual desire disorder. No cases of dyspareunia were recognized by medical doctors. Specialists in Croatia diagnosed more sexual problems in men in comparison to women. More care should be placed on educating medical students and medical doctors on the recognition and diagnosis of sexual problems.