2024-03-26 11:30:00
All you have to do is type the word “sexologist” into a search engine to get an idea: the number of practicing “sexologists”, particularly in large cities, continues to increase, thanks to increased awareness of disorders. which affect our intimate sphere.
An increase in supply which thus echoes a booming demand for consultations. But who are these practitioners? What type of diploma do they hold? What procedure must they follow to be authorized to install their plaque? The answers of Dr. Carol Burté, president of the French-speaking Society of Sexual Medicine (SFMS).
What diplomas are required to practice the profession of sexologist?
The title of sexologist is not protected and therefore not regulated. Anyone can, in practice, declare themselves a “sexologist”, even without prior training, or at best, as is more and more often the case, following having followed an unrecognized course of generally very long duration. short – just a few hours – often abroad, sometimes online. Which does not prevent some of these “sexologists” from displaying pompous titles such as “doctor of sexology”, a title which does not even exist!
What should we think of online consultations?
The Internet is today one of the main sources of information for people seeking help for sexual disorders. Many sites may offer consultations or treatment methods that are not scientifically validated. We must therefore be very critical of information on the Internet.
Why is it so important to be seen by a truly trained professional?
Sexual dysfunction may indicate an underlying illness, or be the result of one. Or even be linked to poor compliance with treatments prescribed for another health problem. In all cases, they are sources of personal and relational discomfort. All these aspects must be evaluated (read in box) to provide the most appropriate response, knowing that solutions exist for everyone.
We are talking regarding a boom in consultations. A reality?
Even if the number of consultations is indeed increasing, most people who turn to a professional for a sexual problem only do so following months, or even years of development, having kept silent for as long of time their difficulties; they hesitate a lot before making a first appointment, and moreover, often cancel or postpone it. We also receive people who have been disappointed, following an approach to non-competent therapists which ended in failure. It is therefore important to immediately consult a professional specializing in sexual medicine.
Does he necessarily have to be a doctor?
No. Some therapists are psychologists, nurses, physiotherapists or even midwives. They have completed university training in sexology (inter-university diploma in clinical sexology) and are therefore fully qualified to care for people suffering from sexual dysfunctions. On the other hand, not being doctors, they cannot examine or prescribe additional tests or medications. When they believe that a medical approach is required, they refer them to the doctors with whom they work in a network.
Do doctors who specialize in sexology have a specific diploma?
Absolutely. They must have an inter-university diploma (DIU) in sexology-sexual medicine (official national diploma, obtained following 3 years of post-university studies), and recognized by the order of doctors. Some of these “sexology doctors” only practice sexual medicine, others practice it in addition to another specialty such as general medicine, urology, psychiatry, gynecology or even endocrinology… Like all doctors, they come under the Order of Physicians, so there is a disciplinary body in the event of ethical breaches.
There are few doctors who are exclusively sexologists: less than 1,000 in France. For what?
The absence of official remuneration for these long and complex consultations makes this exercise unattractive from a financial point of view, in addition to being difficult.
Today you are working for better recognition of the profession…
A major referencing campaign was launched throughout the country in order to list all professionals with the inter-university diploma, create a directory and carry out actions to publicize and recognize their qualification. This would allow people affected by sexual disorders to better find their way around the offer, whereas today, I repeat, anyone can settle in and screw in their sex therapist plate.
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