Application of the sexual therapy combined with vacuum negative pressure hydropneumatic/pneumatic bubble massage in primary intravaginal anejaculation.

INTRODUCTION: Primary intravaginal anejaculation (PIAJ) is a relatively uncommon male sexual dysfunction characterized by an inability to achieve intravaginal ejaculation during all sexual intercourse. Effective treatment options for this condition are lacking. We aimed to explore the clinical effect of the sexual therapy combined with vacuum negative pressure hydropneumatic/pneumatic bubble massage (VNPHP/PBM) on primary intravaginal anejaculation, and its possible mechanism. METHODS: A total of 95 PIAJ patients were randomly divided into three groups, including group A with 32 patients treated with the sexual therapy combined with VNPHP/PBM, group B with 32 patients treated with the sexual therapy and group C with 31 patients treated with VNPHP/PBM. The efficacy of therapeutic regimes, latency of the somatosensory evoked potentials of dorsal nerve (DNSEP), glans penis (GPSEP) and penile shaft sensory threshold (PSST), measures of sexual behavior of patients, as well as the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) sores of patients and their partners, were compared before and after treatment among three groups. RESULTS: The total effective rate of group A (84.38%) was higher than those of groups B and C (53.13% and 41.94%), however, no differences were found between groups B and C. The ratios of patients and their partners with anxiety, frequency of observing erotic films of patients, ratios of patients with special self-masturbation and frequency of masturbation decreased significantly in the three groups after the treatment. The decrease in the ratios of patients and their partners with anxiety, frequency of observing erotic films of patients in groups A and B were higher than those of group C, however, no differences were identified between groups A and B. The decrease in the ratios of patients with special self-masturbation and frequency of masturbation in group A were higher than those of group B, however, no differences were found between groups A and C, B and C. There were no differences in the latency of DNSEP, GPSEP, and PSST among the three groups before and after treatment. CONCLUSION: The sexual therapy combined with VNPHP/PBM has good therapeutic effects on PIAJ, which might be achieved by reducing the anxiety level of patients and their partners, improving sexual behavioral patterns, rather than increasing the sensitivity of penis including dorsal nerve and glans penis.

Mindfulness in sex therapy and intimate relationships: a feasibility and randomized controlled pilot study in a cross-diagnostic group.

Background: Mindfulness facets can be trained with structured mindfulness interventions, but little is known regarding application on a broader level within sex therapy (e.g. men, partners and different sexual dysfunctions). Aim: To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an 8-week intervention-specifically, mindfulness for sex and intimacy in relationships (MSIR)-as a supplement to treatment as usual (TAU) as compared with only TAU in a clinical sample of men and women referred for sexual difficulties with or without a partner. Methods: In this randomized controlled feasibility pilot study, 34 participants were randomized to MSIR + TAU (n = 15) or TAU (n = 19). Six healthy partners were also included in the study. MSIR was administered as 2 individual evaluations and six 2-hour group sessions of mixed gender and different types of sexual dysfunction. Outcomes: The primary outcome measures were as follows: (1) feasibility, defined as the implementation of recruitment, acceptance, and attendance of intervention in daily clinical practice and the MSIR completion rate; (2) sexual functioning, as measured on a visual analog scale ("bothered by problem") and by validated questionnaires (Changes in Sexual Function Questionnaire for Females and Males, Female Sexual Function Index, Female Sexual Distress Scale, International Index of Erectile Function). Results: MSIR was feasible and well received by patients, with high rates of acceptance and intervention completion. As compared with pretreatment, the MSIR + TAU group and TAU control group were significantly less bothered by their sexual problems at the end of treatment, but the change was significantly larger in the MSIR + TAU group (P = .04). Participants in the MSIR + TAU group did not receive fewer TAU sessions than the TAU group (MSIR + TAU mean, 6 sessions; TAU mean, 8 sessions). Clinical Implications: MSIR could be effectively used in a clinical setting as an add-on to TAU in the treatment of female and male sexual dysfunction and healthy partners. Strengths and Limitations: The major strength of the study is that it is a randomized controlled study. This study is novel in the sense that it included men and women with different types of sexual dysfunction in the same mindfulness group. Limitations include the pilot nature of the study (e.g. a small sample size), and statistical conclusions should be made with caution. More accurate results may be found in a larger sample. Conclusion: Results from this study support already existing evidence that mindfulness-based interventions are feasible and effective for targeting sexual dysfunctions in men and women.

Assessment of the effect of mindfulness monotherapy on sexual dysfunction symptoms and sex-related quality of life in women.

Background: Mindfulness-based therapies (MBTs) are frequently used in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions. So far, there has not been sufficient evidence for the effectiveness of interventions based on mindfulness monotherapy. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of mindfulness monotherapy on the reduction of sexual dysfunction symptoms and sex-related quality of life. Methods: We conducted 4 weeks of MBT for 2 groups of heterosexual females: 1 with psychogenic sexual dysfunction (WSD) and 1 with no sexual dysfunction (NSD). Overall 93 women were recruited for the study. We collected data via an online survey regarding sexual satisfaction, sexual dysfunctions, and mindfulness-related features at baseline, 1 week after MBT, and follow-up 12 weeks after MBT. Research tools included the Female Sexual Function Index, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire. Outcomes: Participating in the mindfulness program had a positive effect on women with and without sexual dysfunction. Results: The overall risk for sexual dysfunction decreased from 90.6% at baseline to 46.7% at follow-up in the WSD group and from 32.5% at baseline to 6.9% at follow-up in the NSD group. Participants in the WSD group reported a significant increase in levels of sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm between measurements, although not in the pain domain. Participants in the NSD group reported a significant increase in the level of sexual desire between measurements but not in levels of arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and pain. A significant increase in sex-related quality of life was observed in both groups. Clinical Implications: The results of the study have a chance to translate into an introduction of a new therapeutic program for specialists and more effective help offered to women experiencing sexual dysfunctions. Strengths and Limitations: This mindfulness monotherapy research project, which included assessment of meditation "homework," is the first to verify the potential of MBT in reducing symptoms of psychogenic sexual dysfunctions among heterosexual females. Major limitations include the lack of randomization, an adequate control group, and a validated measure of sexual distress. Conclusion: The applied training was beneficial in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions in terms of increasing desire and arousal as well as the ability to reach orgasm. However, this approach needs more investigation before it can be recommended in the treatment of sexual dysfunction. The study should be replicated under a more rigorous research design, including adequate control groups and random allocation of participants to study conditions.

Propensity to Sexual Response among Adults with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

BACKGROUND: Propensity to sexual excitation and inhibition is one of the key dimensions of sexuality. Clinicians working with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) patients rarely assess this and other aspects of sexuality, since treatment targets generally symptom reduction. Literature on sexual functioning in OCD patients is scarce and no study has focused on symptom subtypes, nor investigated the psychological processes related to sexual response. OBJECTIVE: In the present short report, we describe an exploratory study investigating the association between symptom subtypes and propensity towards sexual excitation/inhibition in OCD patients, controlling for gender, age and antidepressant treatment. METHODS: Seventy-two OCD patients (mean age = 34.50 years, 37.50% women) completed the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised and the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales. RESULTS: Patients with more severe compulsive washing habit had a lower propensity towards excitation and a higher one towards inhibition due to threat of performance consequences (i.e., contamination with sexually transmitted diseases/having an unwanted pregnancy). Patients with more severe symptoms of checking showed a higher propensity towards inhibition due to the threat of performance consequences. Gender, age and antidepressant treatment were not related to sexual functioning. CONCLUSION: Specific OCD symptom subtypes may be associated with some psychological processes involved in sexual response. Sexual well-being should be carefully evaluated by practitioners and should be regarded as a treatment target. Future studies should investigate more comprehensively the processes involved in sexuality.

A Systematic Review on Mindfulness Meditation-Based Interventions for Sexual Dysfunctions.

INTRODUCTION: Mindfulness-based therapies (MBT) are more and more frequently used in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions; therefore, it seems very important to assess evidence-based data on the clinical efficacy of these interventions. AIM: To provide a systematic review of published studies into the efficacy of MBT in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions. METHODS: The material for the analysis was obtained by searching 3 internet databases: EBSCO, PubMed, and ResearchGate. Articles describing therapeutic interventions on the basis of mindfulness and their efficiency in reducing sexual dysfunction symptoms in men and women were sought. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 15 original research articles were included to the review: 4 articles were devoted to the analysis of the efficiency of the mindfulness-based therapy in the reduction of sexual dysfunction related to pain in the genital-pelvic area, 10 to desire or sexual arousal disorders or both in women, and 1 to erectile dysfunction in men. RESULTS: Studies indicate that MBT led to improvement in subjectively evaluated arousal and desire, sexual satisfaction, and a reduction of fear linked with sexual activity, as well as improving the consistency between the subjectively perceived arousal and genital response in women. The research indicated that MBT did not make a significant change in a reduction of pain during sexual activities. Evidence-based data were found on the efficacy of MBT in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction in 1 study. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: MBT could be effectively used in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction, specifically to improve sexual arousal/desire and satisfaction and to reduce sexual dysfunction associated with anxiety and negative cognitive schemas. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The few studies available are affected by several methodologic limitations, including small numbers of participants, patient selection, application of complex therapeutic interventions, and a lack of homework assessment, which makes definite conclusions difficult to draw. CONCLUSION: The effects of MBT in female sexual dysfunctions are promising. In future studies, the mindfulness-based monotherapies should be implemented to verify their potential in reducing symptoms of sexual dysfunction. More research is needed to explore the potential of MBT in the treatment of male sexual dysfunction. Jaderek I, Lew-Starowicz M. A Systematic Review on Mindfulness Meditation-Based Interventions for Sexual Dysfunctions. J Sex Med 2019;16:1581-1596.

Psychosocial interventions for sexual dysfunction in addictive disorders.

Substance abuse and addictive disorders are very common in the community. Patients with addictive disorders frequently experience sexual dysfunctions and chronic use of substances tends to adversely affect all stages of sexual response, in both male and female abusers. An important aspect in the management of sexual dysfunction is psychosocial intervention. In addictive disorders, sexual dysfunction is of high clinical relevance, as it often leads to treatment non adherence and sexual or marital disharmony. Instead of a disease-centred approach, a couple and relationship centred approach of management is desirable. A detailed history about the sexual dysfunction, the addictive disorder and enquiry into various psychosocial aspects is mandatory for adequate management of the same. Sexual therapy, behavioural techniques, systematic sensitization and desensitization are some of the techniques used in the management of sexual dysfunction in addictive disorders. The assessment and treatment need to be tailored depending upon the various psychosocial aspects of the individual.

[The roots of sexual medicine in Germany : A personal retrospective]. / Anfänge einer Sexualmedizin in Deutschland : Ein persönlicher Rückblick.

The first steps toward an academic sexual medicine were made half a century ago in the Federal Republic of Germany. After the so-called sexual revolution, the first approaches to an academicization of the field of sexual science were located in Hamburg and Frankfurt, where independent institutes and chairs were set up. Through empirical studies, the ignorance of physicians and medical students in sexuality-related topics could be demonstrated and subsequently addressed. In the early 1970s a journal named Sexualmedizin was founded, the first education courses for physicians in sexual medicine were held and in Frankfurt the first "special" university outpatient clinic in the country was opened with a department for sexual science. During the following decades, several textbooks were published and the professional training of physicians was expanded. As a university specialty, however, sexual medicine is still one of the most threatened medical subjects, being represented in only a few German faculties.Prof. Dr. Volkmar Sigusch, a pioneer of modern sexual research, looks back on events and personal experiences and gives an overview of the actors and sexual-scientific publications of the time.

Self-management and psychological-sexological interventions in patients with endometriosis: strategies, outcomes, and integration into clinical care.

Endometriosis has a multifactorial etiology. The onset and progression of the disease are believed to be related to different pathogenic mechanisms. Among them, the environment and lifestyle may play significant roles. Diet, dietary supplements, physical exercise, osteopathy, massage, acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and Chinese herbal medicine may represent a complementary and feasible approach in the treatment of symptoms related to the disease. In this narrative review, we aimed to examine the most updated evidence on these alternative approaches implicated in the self-management of the disease. In addition, several studies have demonstrated that endometriosis may negatively impact mental health and quality of life, suggesting that affected women may have an increased risk of developing psychological suffering as well as sexual problems due to the presence of pain. In light of these findings, we discuss the importance of integrating psychological interventions (including psychotherapy) and sexual therapy in endometriosis treatment.

Sexual Therapy for Women with Multiple Sclerosis and Its Impact on Quality of Life.

Objective: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease with a detrimental effect on functional status. The present study investigated the effect of a sexual therapy program on the quality of life (QOL) of women with multiple sclerosis. Method: Women with multiple sclerosis and sexual dysfunction (n = 30) were selected, and were randomly assigned into the treatment (n = 15), or the control groups (n = 15). Participants of the treatment group (n = 15) received 12 weekly sessions of sexual therapy. Participants in both groups completed the Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) and the MS Quality of Life- 54 (MSQOL-54) in the onset of the program and at the end of the program. Results: ANCOVA(s) using pre-test scores as covariate(s) revealed that in comparison to the control condition, MS patients within the treatment group showed a significant improvement in their sexual desire (0.0001), arousal (0.022), lubrication (0.001), orgasm (0.001), satisfaction (0.0001), overall quality of life (0.001), energy (0.023), cognitive function (0.005), and social function (0.001) at the end of the program. In addition, they were less limited in their roles due to the emotional and health problems. Conclusion: The present study revealed that addressing sexual dysfunction in MS patients could improve their quality of life. In the future, this research can extend its results, and apply the same method to men with MS to find whether sexual therapy enhances their quality of life.

Sexual health after breast cancer: Recommendations from the Spanish Menopause Society, Federación Española de Sociedades de Sexología, Sociedad Española de Médicos de Atención Primaria and Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. As survival rates are increasing, the long-term health problems of survivors now need attention. Many survivors develop sexual disorders as a consequence of either the side-effects of treatment or induced menopause. A panel of experts from various Spanish scientific societies (Spanish Menopause Society, SMS; Federación Española de Sociedades de Sexología, FESS; Sociedad Española de Médicos de Atención Primaria, SEMERGEN; and Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica) met to develop recommendations for the management of sexual health in breast cancer survivors based on the best evidence available. The main recommendation is that sexuality must be considered by a multidisciplinary team as an integral part of treatment, to improve the quality of life of breast cancer survivors.

The sociocultural aspects, professional characteristics, and motivational factors of the first fellows of the European committee of sexual medicine.

INTRODUCTION: After a century of development in the field of sexology and decades of attempts to establish the field of sexual medicine, the first examination that led to the qualification as Fellows of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine (FECSM) was held in December 2012. AIM: This study aims to describe the first European specialists in sexual medicine, their clinical practice, motivation, and professional self-identification. METHODS: A web-based survey of the first FECSM on demographic data, data on the practices of their work (gender of clients, setting, and time frame), and reasons for entering the sexual medicine (five-point Likert rating of motives and open question on other reasons) was conducted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Gender, religion, specialty, region, and their association with professional practices of the first FECSM. RESULTS: The first FECSM have a wide range of experience in the field of sexual medicine (0-30 years) and were mainly men (79%) and urologists (56%). Only 15.5% had other qualifications related to sexual medicine and 60% self-identified as sexual medicine specialists. Only a small proportion of the professional time was dedicated to the practice of sexual medicine. The primary speciality influenced the gender of their patients seen, setting of work (couple vs. individuals), and time spent with patients. Only a minority managed sexual problems in women; hypoactive sexual desire is treated by 41% of FECSM and dyspareunia by 17%. The participants were motivated by the pleasure of knowing new things and desire to understand and to help patients, whereas prestige, finances, and own sex lives are less important. CONCLUSIONS: The first FECSM are very diverse in terms of age, culture, religion, and primary specialty. Their practice is strongly influenced by their primary specialty, and this needs to be taken into account in future development of the speciality.

[Sexological intervention on premature ejaculation]. / Intervención sexológica en eyaculación precoz.

Strategies, recommendations and techniques proposed by sex therapy for intervention on premature ejaculation, have represented for nearly four decades the most effective model of intervention in this sexual dysfunction, which currently is complemented by the efficacy of dapoxetine drug treatment. Clinical experience and recent studies support that combined intervention offers the best therapeutic results. In addition in sex therapy, etiologic diagnosis is obtained from the analysis of the interrelationship of the couple. Diagnostic and therapeutic intervention has to be always centered in the relationship, so the techniques and resources must be applied with the expectation of being implemented in the sexual interaction. It will therefore be the relationship that receive treatment, even if medication is used for one of the members of the couple. On the other hand, this model of intervention can be implemented by a professional with training, although not necessarily a specialist.

[Sexuality of women with neurologic disorders]. / Sexualité de la patiente neurologique.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in spinal cord injured (SCI) women is high. METHODS: Medical literature on sexuality in women with SCI was reviewed and combined with expert opinion of the authors. RESULTS: The physiology of the female sexual response including vasocongestion and muscular contractions occurring during sexual arousal and orgasm, and their innervation through somatosensory and autonomic pathways (pudendal, pelvic, hypogastric, vagus nerves) is described. Studies on women with SCI demonstrate the presence of a sacral reflex vasocongestion and/or thoracolumbar psychogenic vasocongestion. Fifty percent of women with SCI report orgasm, most often with genital stimulation, suggesting that an autonomic reflex response, but which can be perceived by vagus nerve transmission. Studies on sexual experience show that the frequency of sexual activities decreases, but interest for intercourse remains. More emphasis is placed on oral-genital stimulation, kisses, cuddling, caresses, fantasies, and erogenous stimulation above the lesion level. Sixty-nine percent of women with SCI report sexual satisfaction. Limitations concern positions during intercourse, spasticity, incontinence and autonomic dysreflexia. Alteration of the sexual sense of self and body image are also reported. Facilitating factors include education level, having a stable partner, occurrence of the lesion in adulthood, and increased posttraumatic delay. Treatment should emphasize neurological assessment of thoracolumbar sensitivity and presence of sacral reflexes. Sexual education should be encouraged during rehabilitation and cover the female sexual response, procreation and pregnancy (risks, prevention), along with precautions concerning various contraceptives. Treatment should include a refined assessment of perineal sensitivity to allow a mental image of the vulva, and trials with vibrostimulation and medication (PDEI5, midodrine) to maximize sexual responses and facilitate perception of sexual pleasure and orgasm. CONCLUSION: Management of sexual dysfunction in SCI women must be holistic and biopsychosocial.

Perturbação do desejo sexual hipoativo: prevalência, diagnóstico e tratamento / Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: prevalence, diagnosis and treatment / Trastorno del Deseo Sexual Hipoactivo: predominio, diagnóstico y tratamiento

A perturbação do Desejo Sexual Hipoativo caracteriza-se pela ausência ou diminuição do desejo sexual, bem como de fantasias eróticas. É a disfunção mais prevalente em mulheres, podendo também verificar-se na população masculina. Apesar de acarretar diversos problemas para o próprio ou para o casal, e tendo por base os critérios de diagnóstico do DSM-IV-TR (Manual Diagnóstico e Estatístico de Transtornos Mentais), esta disfunção apenas pode ser diagnosticada quando é geradora de mal-estar. É uma impossibilidade referir um método de tratamento eficaz, já que cada caso é diferente do outro, mas pode-se referir entre outros o Modelo PLISSIT, bem como a terapia sexual através da leitura erótica. (AU)

The Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder is characterized by the absence or reduction of the sexual desire as well asof erotic fantasies. It is the most prevalent dysfunction in women but can also be present among men. Although itcan bring several problems to the individual or the couple – and having in consideration the diagnostics criteria ofthe Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) – this dysfunction can only diagnosed whenit generates uneasiness. It is impossible to refer to an effective treatment method since every case is different from others, but it is possible to mention among others the PLISSIT model as well as sexual therapy by erotic reading. (AU)

El Trastorno del Deseo Sexual Hipoactivo se caracteriza por la ausencia o disminución del deseo sexual y de fantasías eróticas. Es la disfunción más predominante en las mujeres, pero se pude también verificar entre los hombres. A pesar de provocar diversos problemas para el individuo o para la pareja – y teniendo por base los criterios de diagnóstico del DSM-IV-TR (Manual Diagnóstico y Estadístico de Trastornos Mentales) – esta disfunción solo puede ser diagnosticada cuando es generadora de malestar. Es imposible referir a un método de tratamiento eficaz, pues que cada caso es distinto de los otros, pero se puede mencionar entre otros el Modelo PLISSIT y la terapia sexual por medio de la lectura erótica. (AU)

Perturbação do desejo sexual hipoativo: prevalência, diagnóstico e tratamento / Hypoactive sexual desire disorder: prevalence, diagnosis and treatment / Trastorno del Deseo Sexual Hipoactivo: predominio, diagnóstico y tratamiento

A perturbação do Desejo Sexual Hipoativo caracteriza-se pela ausência ou diminuição do desejo sexual, bem como de fantasias eróticas. É a disfunção mais prevalente em mulheres, podendo também verificar-se na população masculina. Apesar de acarretar diversos problemas para o próprio ou para o casal, e tendo por base os critérios de diagnóstico do DSM-IV-TR (Manual Diagnóstico e Estatístico de Transtornos Mentais), esta disfunção apenas pode ser diagnosticada quando é geradora de mal-estar. É uma impossibilidade referir um método de tratamento eficaz, já que cada caso é diferente do outro, mas pode-se referir entre outros o Modelo PLISSIT, bem como a terapia sexual através da leitura erótica.

The Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder is characterized by the absence or reduction of the sexual desire as well asof erotic fantasies. It is the most prevalent dysfunction in women but can also be present among men. Although itcan bring several problems to the individual or the couple – and having in consideration the diagnostics criteria ofthe Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) – this dysfunction can only diagnosed whenit generates uneasiness. It is impossible to refer to an effective treatment method since every case is different from others, but it is possible to mention among others the PLISSIT model as well as sexual therapy by erotic reading.

El Trastorno del Deseo Sexual Hipoactivo se caracteriza por la ausencia o disminución del deseo sexual y de fantasías eróticas. Es la disfunción más predominante en las mujeres, pero se pude también verificar entre los hombres. A pesar de provocar diversos problemas para el individuo o para la pareja – y teniendo por base los criterios de diagnóstico del DSM-IV-TR (Manual Diagnóstico y Estadístico de Trastornos Mentales) – esta disfunción solo puede ser diagnosticada cuando es generadora de malestar. Es imposible referir a un método de tratamiento eficaz, pues que cada caso es distinto de los otros, pero se puede mencionar entre otros el Modelo PLISSIT y la terapia sexual por medio de la lectura erótica.

Terapia sexual y normalización: significados del malestar sexual en mujeres y hombres diagnosticados con disfunción sexual / Sexual therapy and normalization: meanings of sexual discontent in women and men diagnosed with sexual dysfunction

En los últimos veinticinco años, instituciones y profesionales interesados en brindar terapia sexual se han establecido en las áreas urbanas de México. El tratamiento de las disfunciones sexuales es tanto farmacéutico como conductual. Estudios sociohistóricos han señalado las particularidades y limitaciones de las aproximaciones biomédicas a los malestares sexuales. En este estudio presentamos una serie de reflexiones en torno a la noción de disfunción sexual y los presupuestos bioconductuales que sostienen su tratamiento en terapia sexual. El objetivo del estudio fue comprender los significados del malestar sexual en un grupo abierto y mixto de terapia sexual, que se llevó a cabo en la ciudad de México en sesiones semanales de dos horas. Aunque se realizaron observaciones de las sesiones durante un año, para un análisis detallado se seleccionaron veinte de ellas. En esas sesiones participaron intermitentemente tres mujeres terapeutas sexuales, y quince mujeres y diez hombres diagnosticados con algún tipo de disfunción sexual. Un análisis cualitativo de los diálogos demostró que los significados de malestar sexual están fuertemente ligados al establecimiento de un modelo ideal de normalidad sexual. Este modelo se refiere a un estándar de desempeño sexual al cual las personas debían adaptarse con el objetivo de cumplir con los estándares de normalidad. El género es un elemento constitutivo de dicho modelo, inequidades y relaciones significantes de poder son reguladas, reproducidas y reafirmadas a través del modelo que sostiene la terapia sexual.

In the last 25 years, professionals and institutions who are interested in spreading sexual therapy have become firmly established in urban areas of Mexico. The treatment of sexual dysfunctions includes both pharmaceutical treatment and sexual training. Sociohistorical studies have indicated the particularities and limitations of biomedical approaches to sexual difficulties. In this paper, we present some reflections around the concept of sexual dysfunction and the bio-behavioral procedures that support their treatment in sexual therapy. This paper intends to understand the meanings of sexual discontent in a group of sexual therapy that took place in Mexico City. The group, defined as open and mixed, had a two-hour session once a week. Although we carried out non-participant observation for a one year period, we selected 20 sessions for a final analysis. Three sexual therapists, 15 female and 10 male patients participated in the sessions selected for the analysis. Qualitative analysis of dialogues carried out in sexual therapy group demonstrated that in sexual therapy the meanings of sexual discontent are closely linked to an ideal model of sexual normality. This model refers to a standard of sexual performance to which people should adapt in order to comply with normality standards. Gender is constitutive of said model supported by sexual therapy, and thus inequalities and significant power relations are regulated, reproduced and reaffirmed through it.