Sexual Dysfunction

Many people who have no difficulty visiting a doctor and seeking help when faced with a health problem may not show the same level of ease when it comes to sexual problems.

In our society, sexuality is still considered a taboo subject. Couples experiencing sexual difficulties are also affected by this prevailing attitude. Men and women may have different reasons for struggling to share their sexual problems. For men, admitting to having a sexual problem is often perceived as a sign of weakness. The discourse of power and dominance attributed to the male sexual organ—the penis—can prevent men from seeking help. In fact, the relationship between the “penis” and “power” is a product of patriarchal discourse. As long as the penis functions, there is no problem; however, when it does not, it may even become an object of ridicule. The phallus, which resembles the penis, is a symbol of power and authority; it promises the “big Other”—woman, power, status, and so on.

In the town of Tyranos in Greece, a phallus and fertility festival is celebrated once a year, during which large phallic models are used. Throughout history, and even today, it has not been easy for men to possess an organ to which so much meaning is attributed. Associating the penis with power can cause men to feel humiliated and unsuccessful in the event of a possible problem.

For women, the situation unfolds differently. Girls who are raised under pressure regarding sexual matters from childhood may grow into women who have difficulty expressing or even talking about their sexual needs. A woman who does not experience orgasm, or believes she does not, often chooses to simulate orgasm in order to please her partner rather than expressing the issue. She may fear her partner’s reaction or believe that, for moral reasons, it is inappropriate to voice such concerns. Women who have become individualized, psychologically differentiated, and who view sexuality as their own right tend to show similar confidence when it comes to seeking help.

In conclusion, sexual problems are largely issues that can be resolved even through open and clear communication between partners. Sexual energy is a life energy, and a couple’s sexual relationship is a complementary part of human life. Not hesitating to seek help when necessary for a healthy sexuality is a meaningful contribution to our life energy.