Access, availability, and quality of service provision women and men experiencing problems related to their sexual health across Europe: Time to act in the wake of a survey on sexual and reproductive health care services by the European Board and College of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (EBCOG) and European Society of Contraception (ESC).

Background: Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (SRH) services are crucial for well-being, disease prevention, and reproductive autonomy. Despite policy changes, Europe still faces significant disparities due to financial constraints and inadequate governmental commitment, especially impacting marginalised groups.

Objective: To: (a) assess inequalities across European Countries regarding access and care for women and men with sexual dysfunctions, non-heterosexual orientation and gender incongruence, and (b) assess inequalities across European Countries regarding SRH between urban and rural regions and the access to SRH for vulnerable groups.

Methods: The assessment was performed through a questionnaire-based survey developed jointly by the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and the European Society of Contraception, which was sent to experts in sexual and reproductive health of 26 European countries. Two previous publications highlighted disparities in SRH care in the fields of contraception, abortion care and prenatal care, and prevention and care regarding sexually transmitted infections. The statistical analysis was made with Microsoft Excel.

Results: The care for women and men with sexual health problems including sexual dysfunctions, non-heterosexual orientation and gender incongruence and the care for victims of sexual violence differs largely among the countries according to the opinion of the experts of EBCOG/ESCRH. There are also inequalities regarding urban versus rural availability and quality of care and services for vulnerable groups.

Conclusions: In Europe, changes in health policies and sexual health services are needed. EBCOG/ESCRH have created curricula and exams for health care professionals to address these gaps.