Sexology in Peru: A diffuse field

Two basic techniques were used: documentary analysis (i.e. review of documents and training curricula) and in-depth interviews focused on experiences and perceptions of Peruvian professionals.

Sexology in Peru never fully constituted as a field throughout 20 years of "official” existence. Centered in Lima, it suffered fragmentations resulting from conflicts between those endorsing bio-medical or psychiatric paradigms and those with more integrated perspectives (e.g. including sexual health/rights and sex education), gradually losing institutional strength. After those schisms, it assumed the status of a predominantly therapeutic proto-field of physicians, psychiatrists and some psychologists, with moral perspectives ranging from ‘technocratic’ to ultra-conservative, evidenced through their significant presence in the media.  At present, sexology practice in Peru still lacks cohesion, since a small group of professionals trained overseas coalesced with another of more "empirical" sex therapists.Seemingly it is led by urologists who, after the advent of Sildenafil, are promoting its transition into ‘Sexual Medicine’ and ‘Andrology’.

Sexology in Peru remains at a basic level of institutionalization, and its boundaries have become increasingly unclear. If the field is to advance, its institutional basis should be consolidated, and accredited training institutions should be established. Above all, however, a theoretical discussion is needed on the purpose of the field and its practitioners’ understanding of human sexuality and sexual health.