Health is defined as a state of physical, mental and social well-being. When any of the three are disrupted, the others are also affected and maintaining a fulfilling life becomes difficult. Sexual health can be said to encompass all of these conditions. Sexuality is influenced by many factors – social values, public attitudes, family, etc. Although sexual problems are common in both men and women, these factors are often the reason why people do not disclose the problems and do not consult a doctor. On this occasion, we speak with Prof. Ahmet Tunç Özdemir from the University Hospital in Istanbul – Yeditepe (Yeditepe University Hospital), who leads the urology department. He received his medical education at Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, with part of his substantial urology specialization at one of Ankara’s leading hospitals, Nyumun. After that, he continued with his specialized training at the European Oncology Institute in Milan. To date, he is a member of a number of medical associations. – What are the most common sexual problems that occur? These include all kinds of psychological, social and cultural issues that prevent people from establishing and maintaining a healthy and fulfilling sex life. These range from fear and anxiety related to sex, feelings of guilt or shame, lack of sexual desire and frigidity, inability to establish sexual intimacy, pain or contractions during intercourse, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation or difficulty achieving such in men, inability to achieve arousal or orgasm in women, fears regarding masturbation and homosexuality. – One of the most frequently discussed problems is erectile dysfunction in men. How often does it occur? By far the most common sexual dysfunction in men is erectile dysfunction. Worldwide research shows that 55% of men experience mild, moderate or severe erectile dysfunction between the ages of 40 and 70. 15% of those under 50 and 30% over that age also have a complete loss of sexual desire. 30% of men suffer from premature ejaculation, and 10% have the inability to do so. – What is the frequency of sexual problems in women? The most common problems in women are lack of sexual desire, as well as difficulty or inability to reach orgasm. The frequency of these problems is similar in women. One in three women complain of a lower or complete lack of sexual desire at some point in their lives, while 30-50% experience difficulty reaching orgasm. The third most frequent problem is with the medical name of vaginismus. It is a diagnosable condition in which a panic fear or phobia of intercourse causes contractions in the muscles at the entrance of the vagina in response to physical contact or pressure.- What are the causes of sexual dysfunction? The causes can be physical conditions related to cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure or diabetes, and some are entirely psychogenic (for example – stress at work). It is difficult to make a strict categorization. Each condition can be caused by a combination of different factors. NEWS_MORE_BOX – What should a person with sexual dysfunction do? Since this condition has both physical and psychological dimensions, it is very important for men and women to know that consulting only one specialist will not be enough. Modern medical practice solves these problems through a team of experts, among whom are urologists, psychologists and gynecologists. – How is the correct course of treatment determined? The initial assessment aims to determine whether the issue is physical or psychological (or a combination of both). Consultations are held with various specialists, after which a diagnosis is confirmed and an appropriate course of treatment is started. Possible options include psychological, various sexual therapy options or, in the last resort, surgery. – Can these therapies be suitable both for couples and for each person separately? It is much easier and faster to treat a person who is in a relationship from which he receives love, support and trust. But there are also treatment methods that have been developed specifically for people who are not in a stable relationship. – How effective are the different types of treatment? Regular and long-term treatment gives results in the majority of cases – both single and committed people overcome the problem and start a happier and healthier life. Studies show that most people who take the difficult step of seeking help from qualified professionals and centers eventually make progress. Sexual problems should not be the fate of anyone’s life, and for this I recommend always seeking professional help. – What happens if problems are ignored and lived with? Dysfunction that is not given special attention can lead to psychological trauma in both sexes. If left untreated, it can lead to more complex situations, including despair, pessimism, lack of enjoyment in life, and low self-esteem. In addition, it can lead to deterioration of the relationship in general, starting with the relationship itself. More information about Istanbul University Hospital – Yeditepe (Yeditepe University Hospital) can be found here – www.yeditepehospital.comthat consultation with only one specialist will not be enough. Modern medical practice solves these problems through a team of experts, among whom are urologists, psychologists and gynecologists. – How is the correct course of treatment determined? The initial assessment aims to determine whether the issue is physical or psychological (or a combination of both). Consultations are held with various specialists, after which a diagnosis is confirmed and an appropriate course of treatment is started. Possible options include psychological, various sexual therapy options or, in the last resort, surgery. – Can these therapies be suitable both for couples and for each person separately? It is much easier and faster to treat a person who is in a relationship from which he receives love, support and trust. But there are also treatment methods that have been developed specifically for people who are not in a stable relationship. – How effective are the different types of treatments? Regular and long-term treatment gives results in the majority of cases – both single and committed people overcome the problem and start a happier and healthier life. Studies show that most people who take the difficult step of seeking help from qualified professionals and centers eventually make progress. Sexual problems should not be the fate of anyone’s life, and for this I recommend always seeking professional help. – What happens if problems are ignored and lived with? Dysfunction that is not given special attention can lead to psychological trauma in both sexes. If left untreated, it can lead to more complex situations, including despair, pessimism, lack of enjoyment in life, and low self-esteem. In addition, it can lead to a deterioration of the relationship in general, starting with the relationship itself. More information about Istanbul University Hospital – Yeditepe (Yeditepe University Hospital) can be found here – www.yeditepehospital.comthat consultation with only one specialist will not be enough. Modern medical practice solves these problems through a team of experts, among whom are urologists, psychologists and gynecologists. – How is the correct course of treatment determined? The initial assessment aims to determine whether the issue is physical or psychological (or a combination of both). Consultations are held with various specialists, after which a diagnosis is confirmed and an appropriate course of treatment is started. Possible options include psychological, various sexual therapy options or, in the last resort, surgery. – Can these therapies be suitable both for couples and for each person separately? It is much easier and faster to treat a person who is in a relationship from which he receives love, support and trust. But there are also treatment methods that have been developed specifically for people who are not in a stable relationship. – How effective are the different types of treatment? Regular and long-term treatment gives results in the majority of cases – both single and committed people overcome the problem and start a happier and healthier life. Studies show that most people who take the difficult step of seeking help from qualified professionals and centers eventually make progress. Sexual problems should not be the fate of anyone’s life, and for this I recommend always seeking professional help. – What happens if problems are ignored and lived with? Dysfunction that is not given special attention can lead to psychological trauma in both sexes. If left untreated, it can lead to more complex situations, including despair, pessimism, lack of enjoyment in life, and low self-esteem. In addition, it can lead to a deterioration of the relationship in general, starting with the relationship itself. More information about the Istanbul University Hospital – Yeditepe (Yeditepe University Hospital) can be found here – www.yeditepehospital.com- How effective are the different types of treatments? Regular and long-term treatment gives results in the majority of cases – both single and committed people overcome the problem and start a happier and healthier life. Studies show that most people who take the difficult step of seeking help from qualified professionals and centers eventually make progress. Sexual problems should not be the fate of anyone’s life, and for this I recommend always seeking professional help. – What happens if problems are ignored and lived with? Dysfunction that is not given special attention can lead to psychological trauma in both sexes. If left untreated, it can lead to more complex situations, including despair, pessimism, lack of enjoyment in life, and low self-esteem. In addition, it can lead to a deterioration of the relationship in general, starting with the relationship itself. More information about Istanbul University Hospital – Yeditepe (Yeditepe University Hospital) can be found here – www.yeditepehospital.com- How effective are the different types of treatment? Regular and long-term treatment gives results in the majority of cases – both single and committed people overcome the problem and start a happier and healthier life. Studies show that most people who take the difficult step of seeking help from qualified professionals and centers eventually make progress. Sexual problems should not be the fate of anyone’s life, and for this I recommend always seeking professional help. – What happens if problems are ignored and lived with? Dysfunction that is not given special attention can lead to psychological trauma in both sexes. If left untreated, it can lead to more complex situations, including despair, pessimism, lack of enjoyment in life, and low self-esteem. In addition, it can lead to deterioration of the relationship in general, starting with the relationship itself. More information about Istanbul University Hospital – Yeditepe (Yeditepe University Hospital) can be found here – www.yeditepehospital.com