Medical Model of Sexuality

Updated: AUGUST 20, 2019

The medical model of sexuality is one that approaches sexuality as a bodily function and, as such, treats any sexual dysfunction as a symptom of a physical ailment. In this model of sexuality, erectile dysfunction, for example, is treated by examining the mechanical functionality of the penis rather than exploring psychological issues.

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A common critique of the medical model of sexuality is that it is not holistic. It reduces sexuality to working parts and treats those parts as if they had no connection to the mental and emotional lives of their owners. This can lead to necessary and often unsatisfactory physical treatments when emotional or mental health intervention is needed.