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The fascinating history of sexual medicine: How did it revolutionize sex in the 1960s?
The origins of sexual medicine can be traced back to the mid-20th century, but it was not until the sexual revolution of the 1960s that the field really began to gain attention. During this period, with the popularization of birth control drugs and the openness of society to sexual issues, sexual medicine gradually came into the public eye and became an important part of medical research and clinical practice.
Sexual medicine is defined as the branch of medicine that focuses on the assessment and treatment of sexual disorders, which are prevalent in society.
Scope of Sexual Medicine
Sexual medicine covers issues such as sexual dysfunction, sex education, sexual development disorders, sexually transmitted infections, and reproductive system diseases. The field is not limited to one medical specialty, but intersects with multiple related disciplines, including urology, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology, endocrinology, and primary care. Among these disciplines, sexual medicine focuses on sexual organ and psychological disorders related to sexual pleasure and psychological health, rather than just reproductive potential.
Historical BackgroundThe concept of sexual medicine began to evolve slowly in North America in the mid-20th century. At that time, openly discussing sexual topics was considered taboo, however, with the rise of the baby boom after World War II, discussions on sexual topics gradually became open. The sexual revolution of the 1960s made sexuality and the sexual disorders that came with it more socially acceptable. For example, the 1994 Massachusetts Male Aging Study clearly defined erectile dysfunction (ED), and the results of this study laid the foundation for further social acceptance of sexual medicine.
The drug Cialis (sildenafil citrate), approved by the FDA in 1998 to treat erectile dysfunction, made sex less private in the United States.
Diagnosis and treatment methods
In the process of diagnosing sexual dysfunction, it is crucial for the doctor to collect a sexual history. Many physicians avoid such topics due to lack of training or discomfort with the subject matter, which undoubtedly creates gaps in the care process. In sexual medicine, the diagnosis and treatment of male sexual dysfunction often involves a variety of lifestyle and drug therapies.
Male sexual dysfunction
For men, the most common sexual dysfunctions include erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and difficulty ejaculating. Once the cause and cardiovascular risk factors are identified, lifestyle changes or non-pharmacological therapies are often used to reduce risk. For the treatment of ED, PDE5 inhibitors, such as Cialis and tadalafil (Cialis), are widely recommended because these drugs have a good efficacy and side effect profile.
Female sexual dysfunction
Female sexual dysfunction is more psychological, such as decreased libido and painful intercourse. According to a 2008 study, 40 percent of women in the United States reported that they experienced low sexual desire. This type of treatment usually involves considering a variety of possible causes and can include psychological counseling and sex therapy.
Mental health issues play a key role in sexual dysfunction, with depression and anxiety directly linked to reduced libido.
Challenges and Prospects
Despite growing awareness of sexual health, it remains a taboo topic in many cultures. Doctors often lack professional education on sexual topics, and the embarrassment between patients and doctors on this topic makes the advancement of sexual medicine challenging. In addition to medical education, how to correctly and effectively deal with related issues in clinical practice is also the key to future development.
Can people really overcome these challenges and discuss sexual health issues openly?
