The 4 Types of Sexologists (and their main functions)

A summary of the main types of sexologists and the functions they perform.

Sexology is a relatively recent discipline, which is still trying to establish itself properly as a scientific knowledge within the branches of health. Many sexologists come from other disciplines, especially psychology, medicine and other health professions.

Although in essence all sexologists have the same competencies, it can be said that, depending on what university degree they have completed, they will have a more organicist or more psychological view of sexuality and the physiological and mental processes involved.

In the following we will find out what the main types of sexologists are.We will also highlight the main characteristics of sexology as a discipline, what it does and how it can help.

The main types of sexologists

Although there is no standard classification as to what the main types of sexologists are, we can differentiate between them based on what particular field they work in when conducting their therapy. Likewise, to further understand the types of sexologists, let's first understand what sexology is.

In essence, sexology is the science that studies everything that has to do with sex.. Sex is not simply two people having sex. It involves a whole series of physiological and mental processes that must be studied scientifically and in depth, such as sexual identities, the types of relationships and interactions during the process, the degree of intimacy between lovers, and any other sexual aspect that may come to mind.

Sexology studies both functional and healthy sexual relations and those in which there is some kind of dysfunction, as may be the case of couple problems in which sex is affected or problems such as vaginismus or impotence.This can be the case of couple problems in which sex is affected or problems such as vaginismus or impotence. There are infinite ways of experiencing sexuality, and that is why the work of sexologists is very broad, even though we must always continue to advance to understand sexuality in its entirety.

What kind of profession is it?

Sexology, to date, is still not a university degree, but a postgraduate or master's degree specialization. Sexologists come from different disciplines, being especially common the figure of the sexologist who has studied medicine, clinical psychology or some other health career.

It is normal that, depending on where one comes from, sexual problems are approached either from a more organicist perspective or from a more psychological one, although it is normal that sexology training tries to reduce this type of bias.

It must be said that within the sexology community, not all are physicians or clinical psychologists.. There are also educators, sex workers and researchers who try to have a better understanding of sexuality as well as raise awareness of what healthy sexual relations are and what behaviors should not be avoided.

Likewise, regardless of where one comes from, it should be understood that sexology is a discipline in itself, and that the figure of the sexologist does not tie him/her to what he/she has studied before.

What are the functions of the sexologist?

Among the main functions performed by sexologists we have:

• Assess and treat sexual problems within a clinical context.
• Program and implement sex education projects.
• Research on sexual behavior.
• Disseminate scientific knowledge about sexuality.

Although in most cases where the sexologist has medical and/or psychological training, they do not necessarily have to perform all of these functions. Depending on the type of previous university training and what specific sexological training he/she has acquired, the sexologist will focus on one or the other..

In most cases, sexologists who assess and treat sexual problems have a health background, while those who disseminate knowledge are usually educators and social workers.

What are the types of sexologists?

As mentioned above, sexology is a relatively recent discipline and in many respects its theoretical foundations are based on medicine and clinical psychology. Although more or less independent, much of its knowledge means that it cannot avoid acquiring an overly organicist and psychologistic view of sexuality. Likewise, as there are non-health sexologists, we can speak of a more or less broad repertoire of specialization, although not officially.

1. Sexologist specializing in sexual disorders

This sexologist is the one who has studied clinical psychology. He/she tries to evaluate, diagnose and treat the psychological problems that have hindered the sexual life of the individual or couple who have come to him/her. or couple who have come for consultation.

Erection and vaginismus problems are becoming more and more frequent, becoming the most common reason for consultation in the field of sexology. It is common for men and women suffering from such problems to begin to avoid sexual relations with their partners..

All of these problems, although they may have physical causes, the most common are psychological, especially among young adults. Whether out of fear, anxiety or fear of not meeting sexual expectations, many people suffer problems in bed because of purely psychological problems.

In the long run, many other aspects of the person, such as security, self-esteem and self-confidence, are damaged. All this is increasing, making sexual problems become chronic and move to other spheres of the individual's life..

This is why sex therapy is so important, since detecting these problems can help to avoid a greater evil, psychological problems of other types and various relational difficulties.

Among the main sexual disorders with a possible psychological basis are: erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, lack of sexual desire, anorgasm, dyspaurenia, vaginismus, delayed ejaculation and sexual dissatisfaction.

2. Sexologist specialized in organic lesions

The sexologist specializing in organic lesions has medical training.. Although without taking into account the psychological aspects involved in sexual behavior it is very difficult to have an adequate vision of sexual problems, it is true that any type of physiological problem involved in these processes must be ruled out.

Either by checking for any type of infection in the genitals infection of the genitals, erection problems, medical illnesses underlying the main sexual problem, or any other medical reason, this type of sexologist will try to find out if there is an underlying medical problem.These types of sexologists try to improve the sexual health of their patients.

The person may not have any psychological problem that negatively influences his or her sexuality, but the fact that he or she cannot "pull out" puts his or her long-term psychological health at risk. For this reason, it is very important to make sure that there is no medical problem and, if there is, to treat it appropriately.

Some problems can be treated with medication, while others may require surgical intervention or psychoeducation (e.g., more frequent arousal).

3. Sex educators

Sex educators have received sex education training to help the population become more aware of sexually transmitted diseases, sexual identities and orientations, sexual intercourse, and sexual response.

In a sex education session, topics such as transsexuality, femininity, masculinity, contraceptive methods, emotional dependency, etc., are discussed.. The objective is to make the population have no fear or taboos regarding sex, with the intention that they do not miss out on a vital and very important aspect of their lives.

These sex educators address fathers, mothers, boys, girls and older people so that they understand that sex, as long as it is agreed and respectful, is healthy, necessary and there is nothing wrong with it.

Another fundamental aspect of this group of sexologists is to fight against the stereotypes that still exist in relation to sex. that still exist in relation to sexuality, since they accentuate sexual problems even more.

4. Sexologist specialized in couple therapy

It may be that the sexuality problems suffered do not have such a serious component as a mental disorder of sexual type. Even so, they can have serious repercussions in the couple's relationship, creating tensions between the lovers and, sometimes, being a factor that causes the rupture..

The sexologist specialized in couple therapy tries to detect what problems occur in the intimacy of the couple, see how to improve sexual relations between them and initiate a whole therapy and psychoeducation plan to awaken the flame of love and sex between lovers.

Conclusion

Sexuality is a relatively recent discipline, which is still in the process of creating fields of specialization within it. Even so, it is possible to find different types of sexologists, more focused on one or another type of sexual problem depending on their previous training. A sexologist focused on mental disorders with a sexual character is not the same as one who focuses on medical problems, nor is one who aims to raise public awareness about healthy sexuality.

Bibliographical references:

• Bullough, V. L. (1989). The society for the scientific study of sex: A brief history. Mt. Vernon, Iowa: The Foundation for the Scientific Study of Sexuality.
• Haeberle, E. J. (1983). The birth of sexology: A brief history in documents. World Association for Sexology.
• Ortiz G (2003). Human Sexual Response. In ¡Hablemos de Salud Sexual!. p. 111-116.
• Bianco, F.; Montiel, C. (1988): Sexología. Aproximación a su Concepto. Presented at the Taller Teórico Metodológico. Centro de Investigaciones Psiquiátricas, Psicológicas y Sexológicas de Venezuela. Caracas.