Aim To demonstrate an improvement in the management of sexual health promotion and problems by health professionals in general practice after they had participated in learning about sexual health. Objectives 1. To establish if the literature suggests that promotion of sexual health is appropriate in pnmary care 2. To determine from health professionals in general practices: a) the current management of sexual health b) the amount and perceived usefulness of training in sexual health c) current knowledge, attitudes and skills in sexual health by self-assessment d) what further training was desired e) their response to learning activities in sexual health promotion f) perceived barriers to learning activities among the responders who did not access them.Method Following the literature search, a postal questionnaire was sent to health professionals in general practices in North Staffordshire. Learning opportunities were offered and audit outcomes recorded. Those who wanted further learning, but did not take up the activities offered, were surveyed. Results Few health professionals had received more than five days pre-qualification training in sexual health and nearly all would like to learn more. One third took up the activities offered during a twelve-month period and showed improvement in their management of sexual health. Lack of protected time for learning was given as a common reason for non-participation. Conclusions The literature survey suggested that clinical staff competency to manage sexual health promotion and problems would benefit patient health. Learning of varied types, together with audit activities, needs further investigation for efficacy in improving the abilities of health professionals to promote sexual health and manage sexual health problems. Without protected time for learning, it seems likely that only a minority of health professionals will be willing or able to fill the gaps in their knowledge and skills.