Table 7.

Major themes from free text responses to Question 30: “What is your opinion regarding the role of GPs for FGCS?” Total responses 417 (n 443)

Major theme	Subtheme
GP is seen as an educator: (i)regarding FGCS (ii)genital anatomy	Source of information regarding FGCS Information regarding risks of FGCS Provides access to information regarding FGCS Provider of ‘normal anatomy advice’ Reassures women regarding their normality
GP is seen as the ‘gateway’ to referral pathway	GP should be able to assess women regarding need for surgery. GP should avoid providing referral when only for ‘cosmetic’ or ‘aesthetic’ reasons. GP should refer to gynaecologist rather than to plastic surgeon GP seen as ‘first port of call’ by patients GP should refer to psychologist psychiatrist for mental health issues
GPs request information regarding FGCS	Need more information regarding risks of FGCS Need more information regarding FGCS practices Patients expect GP to know about FGCS and genital anatomy GP issued referral in past due to lack of information about FGCS Lack of information is a cause of low confidence giving advice Need more information in order to form opinion regarding FGCS
GP examination of genital area is necessary	Provider of reassurance Routine gynaecological examination is an opportunity to educate women regarding genital normality Examination on expression of genital anatomy concern
GP screen for mental health issues is important	GP role is to provide or refer for counselling GP reassurance provides relief of minor anxiety symptoms Some serious mental health issues may present with genital anxiety concerns Relationship issues can cause genital anxiety concerns
GP role is very important	For patient education For patient reassurance regarding normality For appropriate referral GP is seen as a reliable source of information
GP performs multiple functions	GP should ‘listen, examine reassure, counsel, then if necessary refer’ This is a sociocultural trend, outside the realm of medicine