Sexual life begins with getting to know one's soul and body. Some physical and mental illnesses cause problems in sexual life. Stating that many psychiatric diseases, especially depression, affect sexual life, experts drew attention to the fact that one out of every 3 people has experienced sexual dysfunction at least once in a lifetime.
Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Psychiatry Specialist Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilek Meltem Taşdemir Erinç made important evaluations about sexual dysfunction.
"Sexual life begins with the individual recognizing their own spirituality and their own body. Some physical and mental diseases can affect couples as sexual life problems," said Erinç and added, "In addition to a healthy body and a healthy mental structure, a satisfying sexual life is possible in relationships that love each other and are built with mutual trust."
Diseases negatively affect sexual life
Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilek Meltem Taşdemir Erinç gave the following information about the diseases that negatively affect sexual life:
"Hypertension, high cholesterol, cardiovascular system diseases such as heart failure, chronic renal failure, liver diseases, respiratory failure, some genetic diseases (structural and congenital diseases of the penis, female genital organ diseases), diabetes, thyroid diseases, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, spinal cord injuries, tumors, some medications, previous surgeries (prostate and abdominal surgeries) and major vascular surgeries can cause sexual dysfunction.
Psychiatric illnesses cause sexual dysfunction
Many psychiatric diseases, especially depression; anxiety disorder, performance anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, personality traits, body perception disorders, phobias or avoidance, sexual deviations, marital problems, fear of pregnancy, grief and life events that may be stressful, any factor attributed to gender roles can be the cause of sexual dysfunction."
What are sexual dysfunctions?
Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilek Meltem Taşdemir Erinç listed sexual dysfunctions as follows:
1. "Desire disorders: Decreased sexual desire disorder, sexual aversion disorder,
2.Sexual arousal disorders: Sexual arousal disorder in women, erectile dysfunction in men,
3. Problems with orgasm: Orgasm disorder in women and men, premature ejaculation, pain during sexual intercourse or vaginismus can be listed as sexual dysfunctions."
1 out of every 3 people experience sexual dysfunction
"In cross-cultural studies, it can be said that sexual problems are experienced at different rates in different cultures and countries; however, it can be said that they are 'common' in common," said Erinç, stating that in the evaluation of a large number of studies, it was determined that 1 out of every 3 people experienced sexual dysfunction at least once in any period of their sexual life, and concluded his words as follows:
"Therefore, it can be said that the risky population is 'young adulthood'. Special periods of life with physiological-physical changes such as adolescence, pregnancy, maternity and menopause deserve special attention in terms of sexual functions and sexual education.
The most important source of sexual problems in Turkey: Lack of education
In a study conducted in our country, it was determined that the most important source of sexual problems is lack of education and information with 62%. Therefore, we can say that individuals of all ages and genders who lack sexual education are at risk. For example; unplanned pregnancies, issues that can be eliminated with education such as fear of sexually transmitted diseases, taking precautions in advance and having knowledge about precautions prevents possible sexual dysfunction. By correcting myths about sexuality, that is, false beliefs, misinformation and conditioning, sexual life problems can be helped to solve."