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Normal and "disturbed" sexuality
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 08.07.2025
Many circumstances and situations can cause sexual disorders. In this section we consider the most common sexual problems and functional disorders, various therapeutic methods of their treatment.
- Forms of sexual functional disorders
Sexual disorders are divided into three categories.
Sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction occurs when the normal sexual cycle is blocked, which has a detrimental effect on sexual activity. For example, in this case, we can talk about a man who does not have an erection, or a woman who does not become aroused even when stimulated by her partner.
Paraphilia. This term covers a wide range of sexual behaviors that do not conform to generally accepted habits. Paraphilia, for example, includes sexual activity of adults with children or exposure of the penis in the presence of strangers.
Gender identity disorders. Manifested in the fact that a man, having a body structure corresponding to his gender, feels like a woman, or a woman feels like a man.
- Sexual activity and practice
From a mental health perspective, there is no such thing as a "normal" form of sexual behavior. Between two consenting adults, normal behavior is whatever is safe and satisfying to them.
Sexual needs and preferences vary greatly among groups and individuals. Acceptable sexual practices reflect cultural attitudes, family upbringing, religious influences, social trends, and individual preferences. What is considered normal sexual activity in one culture or family may be considered taboo and reprehensible in another setting. Norms may also change over time or in response to events.
Western culture offers a wide range of sexual behavior and sexual choices. It can range from abstaining from sex before marriage to premarital sex with one or more partners, sexual fidelity, hetero-, bi-, and homosexual relationships. Individual preferences can be reflected in sexual practices and include genital, oral, and anal sex.
In some cultures and religious groups, there is abstinence from sex during menstruation. In some circles, it is accepted that the woman initiates sex, while in other cultural or social strata, the woman expects the man to initiate sex.
As early as the beginning of the 20th century, masturbation was considered a disorder. Nowadays, science considers self-stimulation to be a normal and healthy sexual activity. In many societies, some members view people of the same sex as sexual partners. In our society, most experts do not consider homosexuality to be a sexual disorder.
Conflicting attitudes about sexual preferences and sexual practices can impact a person's ability to achieve full sexual response and to view their sexuality as normal. Sexual desires that deviate from the norm or that are socially viewed as shameful can lead to conflicts with the law, social ostracism, and emotional suffering.