According to numerous studies , one in three people experience at least one sexual dysfunction at some point in their sexual lives. In societies where sexuality is restricted, sexual education is lacking, sexuality is perceived as a taboo, and virginity is highly valued, vaginismus, sexual desire disorders, and ejaculation disorders are seen at higher rates compared to Western societies where sexual freedom is more prevalent. Sexual problems are frequently observed in individuals or couples with healthy bodies and psychological structures due to lack of sexual education, insufficient information, inadequate sexual experience, misconceptions about sexuality, and upbringing.

Sexual therapy successfully treats many cases of vaginismus and premature ejaculation, as well as a large percentage of other sexual dysfunctions such as low libido, erectile dysfunction in men, and arousal and orgasm disorders in women.

What is Sexual Therapy?

Sexual therapy is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy conducted in an office setting by experienced psychiatrists and psychologists trained in sexual issues. It involves talking with individuals or couples experiencing sexual problems and assigning various homework assignments. Absolutely no actions other than talking occur during the session; the individual is not sedated, and no medical intervention is performed. Sexual intercourse does not occur in the presence of a psychologist or doctor of any specialty, or in their office. Scientifically, such a treatment method is not valid, and it is also contrary to medical ethics.

If a person seeking sexual therapy has a sexual partner, it is recommended that they attend treatment with their partner. This is because it significantly increases the success rate of the treatment. If there is no partner, the individual can, of course, attend alone. First, separate interviews are conducted with both partners to gather their past sexual history and the history of the sexual problem. After identifying the problem(s), treatment goals are determined together with the couple. The frequency, duration, and basic principles of the sessions are established. In the first session, the anatomy and physiology of the genital organs, the functioning of sexual responses, misconceptions about sex, and the concept of sexuality are explained. Then, sexual therapy is applied. While it varies depending on the type of sexual problem and the couple involved, sexual therapy typically lasts 2-4 months and involves 6-10 sessions. However, while some cases resolve quickly with one or two sessions, others may require treatment for one or two years.

Sexual therapy is also a special form of learning. There are feelings, thoughts, and ingrained beliefs about sexuality. It is known that many of these ingrained beliefs can often be incorrect. In psychotherapies in general, and in sexual therapy in particular, a private and safe learning environment is created to allow the individual to explore themselves, their identity, their body, and their relationships. This exploration and learning occurs at a pace and over time that varies according to the individual's characteristics. Therefore, even when treating sexual problems with medication, the relationship between the patient and the physician is important and is sometimes applied as part of psychotherapy or sexual therapy. Because sexuality is not merely a physical problem.

Sexuality is not limited to the genitals alone. Human behavior and sexuality are influenced by physical, psychological, and social conditions. The emergence of sexual problems and disorders can be influenced by a person's physical and psychological characteristics or the interactions within their relationships. Naturally, the treatment of sexual problems can vary depending on the factors that play a role in their development. Through consultation with the individual, the factors that caused and perpetuated the problem are examined together. Effective medication or psychotherapy is then selected to treat the problem.

If the sexual problem is due to a medical or biological cause, treatment will involve medication or other medical therapies. In this case, treatment is provided by urologists, gynecologists, or psychiatrists. If the sexual problem is related to psychological factors, or if psychological factors have aggravated the condition even if it has developed due to a medical cause, sexual therapy should be applied or added. Sexual therapy can be provided by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists who have received training in sexual therapy. Like all treatments, sexual therapy must be based on scientific data.