Psychological Problems That Have An Impact on Sex

Up until now, we have only considered the physical side of sex. However, by far the greatest number of sexual problems is psychological.

Sexual knowledge is much more openly available to young people nowadays, and adult discussion of sexual matters is rather more relaxed than once was the case. Nevertheless, in spite of this, many of the old problems remain for some people

Virtually every case concerning sexual problems or feelings of inadequacy is caused by anxiety, and that anxiety can arise for a number of reasons:

Religious views

Strict religious beliefs taught in childhood may interfere with a person’s sexual happiness, even if he or she has ceased to regard those beliefs as “gospel truth”. Most religious texts contain guides to moral behaviour, but it is very easy for these to be carried to the extreme by the religiously zealous person. Some beliefs can make sexual happiness extremely difficult, either by preventing sexual activity directly or by producing enormous sexual guilt if the taboos implied are broken.

Sexual Shock

Very strong fears of sex lasting for many years can be produced by some frightening or degrading sexual experience in early life. Child assault, rape and unexpectedly catching venereal disease are all examples of experiences, which can affect a person’s sex activity, and beliefs later in live.

Poor Sex Education

Although sex education is now easily available to those who seek it, the taboos that surround the subject still exist. Many parents still find it difficult to discuss sexual matters with their children. Surveys have shown that in adolescence children would rather talk to an older friend than to their parents.

Alcohol

Although too much alcohol can, produce a temporary inability to climax in men, the real danger occurs because of what the man may think is going on. If he does not realize that the alcohol is the real reason for his temporary incapacity, he broods over his ‘weakness’; anger and fear build up, and after a number of such failures he may become psychologically impotent.

Parental Models

Parents inevitably transmit to their children not only facts but also attitudes about sex. They do this not only directly, but also by their own behaviour, and if parents show negative or fearful attitudes, these attitudes are likely to be reflected by that children and can produce difficulties when those children grow up.