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Traditionally, men neglected their sexual health and did not talk to each other about their sex lives in any depth. They steered away from discussing emotions and complexities of sex and relationships and, instead, focused on work, money and status. The net result was that men's image of their partners became more and more sexualized and men's relationship to sex became more and more one of insecurity cloaked in aggression, as men struggled to suppress their own sexual feelings, which they viewed as sordid, dirty, bad, wrong.
Likewise, men are now focusing more and more on their sexual health, from physical issues (prostate health, chronic illnesses), to reproductive and sexual functioning issues (infertility, erectile dysfunction), to the effects of outside influences on male sexual health (medications, aging) as well as desire and pleasure. Sexual desire is much more complex than it may appear on the surface. When desire is present, and when it is congruent with a person’s behaviors and values, it is usually accepted without too much thought. When something is amiss, however, things can become complicated. Low sexual desire can have physical causes (such as chronic illness, hormonal imbalance or medication interaction) or psychological causes (such as stress, guilt, or poor body image). Physical desire issues can lead to psychological concerns, and vice versa. Likewise, pleasure adds meaning to our lives, regardless of the source of that pleasure. Sexual pleasure is particularly powerful. Our bodies respond to sexual pleasure in ways that can be exhilarating, exciting, earth-shattering, and even healing. Shared sexual pleasure can create or enhance intimacy with partners. Creativity in sexual expression, such as trying sex toys or different sexual positions, can keep relationships sexually exciting and diverse. Sexual pleasure achieved through self-stimulation can improve body image, enhance self-appreciation, and increase understanding about the types of sexual touch one’s body prefers. This information can then be shared with a partner. While physical, reproductive and sexual functioning issues are ones, which are easier to address in the context of a doctor-patient relationship, issues such as outside influences, desire and pleasure are ones, which have a tendency of being overlooked/neglected/avoided/not discussed. TMWC helps men to examine their sexual needs and to openly discuss and deal with any issues they may have surrounding their sexual health, desires and pleasures and any feelings of inadequacy and/or shame that they may have as a result. Once again, the goal is to initiate changes, which will foster healthier, happier and more fulfilling sexual relationships and/or a greater sense of comfort vis-à-vis their own sexuality.
Overview
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Now, things are starting to change, albeit slowly. Societal attitudes towards sex have become more liberal and men are becoming the benefactors. Today, men are starting more and more to examine and question their feelings during sex; their need to explore masturbatory fantasies; their desire for erotic massage and “release”; their enjoyment of pornography; their homosexual tendencies; their fear of sexual intimacy.
