Sexual dysfunctions and infertility

Abstract

The first National Symposium on Sexual Dysfunctions and Infertility was held in Cappadocia, Turkey from 13 to 16 November, 1996. The theme of the symposium was ‘Toward a multidisciplinary standard assessment‘. The aim was to establish minimal standard assessments and achieve better collaboration and liaison between those therapists experienced in psychologically-based treatment approaches, and those, such as urologists and gynaecologists, who provide physical treatments. It is clear that the demand for help for sexual difficulties has increased over the years in Turkey. Naturally, those people who suffer from sexual dysfunctions refer themselves to professionals from different disciplines such as psychiatry, gynaecology and urology. Unfortunately, each discipline assesses these clients only from their own point of view to allow understanding as to why the sexual problems have developed. If a cause is not found which relates directly to the discipline referred to, the individual or the couple does not know where and whom to consult in stage two, resulting in a waste of time and money, not to mention a loss of hope for successful treatment. However, the main point is not to whom and where the referral has been made, but what happens post-referrally. By providing minimal standard assessments, proper and direct treatment channels could be identified. Different disciplines need not be alternatives, but complementers, leading to access to the benefits of mutual types of approach.