Sexual behaviour and its medicalisation: in sickness and in health

摘要

Medical authority over sexual behaviour has a long history. In the 19th century, labels distinguished "perversions" from "acceptable behaviour," and some doctors invented adverse outcomes of sexual acts to deter the practice of these acts. In the 20th century, disorders previously seen as morally inadmissible became "treatable". The late 20th century saw major changes in sexual attitudes and mores as therapeutic advances removed adverse outcomes of sexual behaviour. Our obsession with sexual gratification increases expectations and feelings of inadequacy. The medicalisation of sex has resulted in surgery and drugs being used to enhance sexual pleasure. Overly medical approaches to sex ignore the social and interpersonal dynamics of relationships.