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Sexual and marital dysfunction and polypartnerism in sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic attenders

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Ethna C O'Gorman ,
Ian T. Bownes  and
Wallace W. Dinsmore
Ethna C O'Gorman*
Affiliation:
Consultant Psychiatrist, Department of Mental Health, Belfast City Hospital and Senior Lecturer, Department of Mental Health, The Queen's University of Belfast
Ian T. Bownes
Affiliation:
Registrar, Department of Mental Health, Belfast City Hospital and Tutor, Department of Mental Health, The Queen's University of Belfast
Wallace W. Dinsmore
Affiliation:
Consultant Physician, Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast
*
This paper received the Galloway Award for Research in 1989
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Abstract

Sexual dysfunctions are common in S.T.D. (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) Clinic attenders. Marital/relationship dysfunctions frequently follow specific sexual dysfunctions such as erectile, impotence and premature ejaculation. In addition concomitant marital therapy has been shown to enhance treatment for sexual dysfunction. Polypartnerism or multiple or serial sexual partners is also a common feature of S.T.D. clinic attenders. To date, no study has fully evaluated the social, psychological and medical determinants of this behaviour.

The study examined the relationship between sexual dysfunction, marital difficulties and polypartnerism in 50 heterosexual STD clinic attenders. Thirty-one per cent of the sample had pathological scores on the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS). Forty-two per cent of the sample has pathological scores on the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Marital Satisfaction (GRIMS). There was a significant relationship between sexual dysfunction and marital dysfunction. Polypartnerism was also correlated with sexual and relationship dysfunction. It was felt that by offering treatment for specific sexual dysfunctions identified at STD clinics, marital/relationship difficulties could be averted. Subsequently polypartnerism could be reduced. By altering polypartnerism in this way, an important opportunity to influence vector spread of STD, including HIV infection is afforded.

Keywords

STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)polypartnerismsexual dysfunctionmarital dysfunction
Type
Original Papers
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 7 , Issue 1 , March 1990 , pp. 32 - 35
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1990

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