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11 - Sexual Issues

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 March 2023

By
Caroline F. Pukall
Edited by
Stephen Hupp  and
Cara L. Santa Maria
Stephen Hupp
Affiliation:
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Cara L. Santa Maria
Affiliation:
Fielding Graduate University, California
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Summary

This chapter describes pseudoscience and questionable ideas related to sexual interest/arousal disorder, orgasmic disorder, genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, hypoactive sexual desire disorder, erectile disorder, premature ejaculation, and delayed ejaculation. The chapter opens by discussing questionable assumptions and models such as the four-stage sexual response cycle. Diagnostic controversies are also considered. Dubious treatments include historical quack medicine cures, jade eggs, vaginal steaming, penile enlargement, and aphrodisiacs. The chapter closes by reviewing research-supported approaches.

Keywords

sexual dysfunctionthree-stage cyclefour-stage sexual response cyclehypersexualityquack medicinejade eggsvaginal steamingpenile enlargementaphrodisiacssex therapy
Type
Chapter
Information
Pseudoscience in Therapy
A Skeptical Field Guide
 , pp. 162 - 178
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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