Sexual Medicine is a discipline of medicine that deals with sexual issues - physical as well as psychological. It is now established by the WHO that sexual health is an integral part of general health.
“Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.” World Health Organization, 2002.
Sexual medicine has four goals:
- promoting sexual health (increasing awareness and helping individuals have a healthy and fulfilling sex life)
- preventing sexual dysfunctions (counseling)
- treating sexual dysfunctions (clinical treatment of specific sexual disorders)
- rehabilitating sexual health (helping patients regain sexual health).