A positive approach towards sex and a healthy sexual functioning is an important contributor to a woman’s sense of well-being, especially in a relationship. But in a country like India, where sex especially among women is a “hush-hush” subject, women (and often their doctors) often avoid discussions on this topic.

OoWomaniya reached out to Dr. Ajith Chakravarthy, Consultant in Reproductive and Sexual Medicine/ Sexologist who has been actively consulting individuals and couples for their Sexual Health issues and asked him about the scenario in India when it comes to approach towards Sexual health and issues faced especially by Women.

What was your motivation, Dr. Ajith,  behind choosing Sexual Medicine as a field of Expertise?

Dr. Ajith – Sexual Medicine is a neglected specialty of Medical field even though everybody considers sex as very important factor in a person’s life. Even today, Doctors do not dare to take this specialty due to social stigma. Often quacks (doctors of questionable reputation and authority) take up this as an opportunity to leverage the non-availability of trained doctors in Sexology and thus mould the apprehensions and ignorance of common man with respect to sex to their advantage.

So, I wanted to take up this challenge to help people to get rid of their sexual problems, ignorance and to promote positive sexual health and practices.

Why do Sex related issues need attention, counseling & consultation?
Dr. Ajith – In India, sex is considered as a taboo subject and even educated people are ashamed of talking about sex. Our educational system lack scientific Sex Education in schools and colleges which in turn had resulted in harbouring lot of myths and misconceptions.

Also, sex is the biggest factor which enhances the intimacy and happiness between partners. Many a times, sexually dissatisfied couples are living a mechanical life for society’s or family’s sake. Often lack of sexual happiness is the foremost cause of marital disharmony or even divorce. Very few people are aware that almost all sexual problems can be cured. Hence, people need to take an initiative to seek medical assistance to understand their problems and get it treated.

What are 5 major issues or concerns Women have and approach you for consultation related to Sexual health?

Dr. Ajith – The major compelling issues with which women / couples approach me with are:

1. Non Consummation – Inability to have complete penetrative sex
2. Painful Sex
3. Not getting pleasure from intercourse
4. Partner’s disinterest in Sex
5. Marital discord owing to sexual problems

What is your approach while counseling them?
Dr. Ajith – My approach basically is being non-judgmental, entirely based on their needs and being realistic to my patients. I do not prescribe medicines to those for whom it is unnecessary. My approach is to erase all the misconceptions of the couple regarding sexual health and provide the treatment options for their sexual problems. The treatment options differ with sexual problems and it includes medicines, counselling and sex therapy.

There are lot of taboo and socio-cultural barriers in society to talk and discuss about sex. What is your take?
Dr. Ajith – We need to create awareness regarding positive sexual health; sexual problems and the focus should be more on scientific and evidence based sex education for adolescents, youth, couples, esp. parents and teachers.

It is very important to make teachers and parents aware about the importance of sex education and they should be well equipped with adequate knowledge about sexual health then only they shall be able to give authentic information regarding sexual health and practices to their students and children.

Society often perceives that males alone are responsible for sexual problems and females alone are responsible for infertility. But in reality, it can be that either males or females or both can be responsible for both infertility and sexual problems. So, in both scenarios, online health platforms like OoWomaniya can throw light to create awareness and thus mopping away the misconceptions prevailing in the society.

Another hindrance in treatment of sexual problems is the thinking and perception of women towards sex, the feeling of shyness or embarrassment they feel while seeking consultation and which is why only one of the partner and not both the partners come to me while seeking consultation. As a result, the outcome will be failure in treating the sexual problem completely because, for a proper diagnosis and complete treatment, it is essential that proper history of both partners should be taken.

How a health platform like, OoWomaniya can be a catalyst in this process?
Dr. Ajith – OoWomaniya can help to sensitize women about sexual health problems and concerns. The ‘anonymity’ option OoWomaniya provides on their platform can help women in seeking help for their sexual issues, while still keeping their identities private.

Also, to promote the speciality, sexual medicine, a branch of modern medicine which deals with prevention and treatment of sexual problems using drugs and procedures along with psychotherapy. Other objective of sexual medicine is to promote sexual rights and positive sexual health.