To experience normality in an abnormal reality: marital intimacy during war

The article was written in collaboration with O-Med Medical Ltd

Normal sexual function – what does it really include?
Normal sexual function is related to two main aspects, the physiological and the mental. Although both are treated separately, they are interrelated. In the physiological aspect, the mechanisms of blood circulation and its capture in the organ, which are influenced in part by the man's chronological age (as well as various underlying diseases), may be damaged and weakened, and as a result the man will have difficulty achieving an erection.

But mental stress may also lead to impotence problems, and age is not a matter here: even young men may experience anxiety and stress, and consequently suffer from a decrease in sexual function. Men are trained from childhood to be tough and competitive, and these may prevent them from asking for help. The shame leads to neglect or a search for ineffective solutions, and as a result the sexual difficulties may become even worse.

Libido in wartime
How does war affect our libido? Dr. Kobi Reisman, a world-renowned urologist and expert in sexual therapy, explains that "war by definition is a state of stress, and everyone experiences it differently in the sexual aspect. Some people will avoid sex, because there is no desire, and some will actually feel an increased desire. Among them, by the way, there will be those who feel guilty because of the thought of sex during wartime."

"We are all affected by the current situation, who is more and who is less – and every reaction is normal. Sexual activity is also a way of coping, and it is important to understand that there may be differences between the couple in sexual desire during such a period. It is important not to completely lose marital intimacy – to give a hug, kiss or caress, Even if they don't ultimately lead to full sexual contact."

Let go of expectations and misconceptions
The male concept of 'what is normal sexual function' is misleading, and often harmful. 'Performance anxiety' , which afflicts many men during relationships and impairs their functioning, is in many cases due to unrealistic expectations. Unrealistic expectations regarding the frequency of intercourse or the duration of sexual contact may cause a man to be distracted during intercourse – which will cause stress and loss of erection.

In war, the routine goes wrong, and it is important that the man realizes that he is not 'expected' to do exactly everything he did in the past, including the sexual aspect. This is not the time to be 'the best' in bed, and it is more important to create an intimacy that suits both partners. Studies in the field of neuroscience have found that physical contact from a loved one floods the brain with hormones that release feelings of happiness and relaxation in the body (such as dopamine and oxytocin) – that is why physical contact, even without full sexual intercourse, is so important, especially during stressful times.

The article is courtesy of O-Med Medical Ltd., manufacturer and marketer of the Vertika device, a groundbreaking innovative device for independent home treatment of erectile dysfunction.

*The content on this channel does not constitute a professional opinion, a recommendation, a substitute for consulting an expert or receiving medical advice

The article was written in collaboration with O-Med Medical Ltd