Use of complementary therapies in a sexual health clinic setting

This prospective cohort study examined the health-seeking behaviour of patients diagnosed with genital warts and vulvodynia who presented to Manly Sexual Health Service from March to June 2000. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess patients' perceptions of their condition and their use of complementary therapies. Thirty-seven patients with genital warts and 26 patients with vulvodynia participated in the study. The use of at least one complementary health product or method was reported by 59% of patients with genital warts and 96% of vulvodynia patients (P <0.001). Having received conflicting information and being worried about the condition was significantly associated with visits to complementary health providers. Acknowledgement of this search for complementary therapies and open discussion can help patients make informed decisions and to avoid drug interactions, and should ultimately lead to better patient care.