This archive report was first published on 29 June 2019.
On a typical day at the Sexology Clinic, Dr. Osur encountered a case that would leave a lasting impression. Antony, a 38-year-old architect, walked into the consultation room, expressing his distress over his lack of interest in sex with his wife, Joyce.
Antony had been married to Joyce, a 36-year-old pharmacist, for nine years and had two children. However, they had not had sex for two years, and Antony was struggling to cope with the situation.
Dr. Osur examined Antony and ordered a battery of tests, but the results were normal. Despite this, Antony was anxious and agitated, and Dr. Osur decided to take a different approach. He invited Antony for lunch, hoping to understand him better in a more informal setting.
During their meal, Antony's anxiety was palpable, and Dr. Osur realized that he was dealing with a man who was scared of his wife to the bone. Antony explained that his wife, Joyce, was a 'drama queen' and that he did not want to mess with her.
Further questioning revealed that Antony had lost self-confidence and had become timid. He had abandoned his ambitions and hobbies to avoid disagreements with Joyce. Dr. Osur informed Antony that low self-confidence could affect one's sex life, leading to issues such as erectile dysfunction and painful sex.
Dr. Osur booked Antony and his wife for a couple therapy session, which proved to be a turning point for the couple. Through the sessions, they learned how to care for each other's emotional needs and how to navigate their personality differences.
On their last visit to the clinic, Antony reported that they no longer had a problem with sex. In fact, they were now discussing contraceptives, as they felt it was not the right time to have a baby. Antony had regained his confidence and was able to negotiate his needs in the marriage.
Published on June 29, 2019, Dr. Osur's case study highlights the importance of addressing the root cause of relationship issues, rather than just treating the symptoms.
