Perceptions and utilization of treatment services among Filipino men in uniform with sexual dysfunctions in the province of Cavite

The study describes the perception and utilization of treatment services among Filipino men in uniform with sexual dysfunction. Fifteen (15) MIU’s were invited to participate from the different military facilities. In-depth interviews was performed to describe the MIU’s perception on reproductive health and sexual dysfunction, their utilization of treatment services, benefits brought by their utilization of treatment services and challenges encountered upon utilization of treatment services. Reproductive health is composed of sets of responsibility and specific purpose/function to improve sexual performance and intimate relationships. Lack of sexual desire predominated the experienced sexual dysfunction of MIU due to the rigorous nature of military training and overloaded work schedules. Sexual dysfunction for MIU’s decreases masculinity and leads to significant effect on intimate relationships. MIU utilizes treatment services both from public and private sources. MIU utilize public sources because it is free of charge, however, majority of the MIU would seek treatment from private sources due to hesitation to talk with a military doctor in the fear of disclosure of dysfunction and treatment among their peers in the military. MIU primarily uses prescription medicines to address their sexual dysfunction. MIU would seek treatment if it would be discreet and not disclosed to anyone in the military service. MIU experiences lack of sexual desire as brought about by rigid training and overloaded work load and schedules furthermore, The intricate work schedule and rigid training decreases the frequency that they would be visiting treatment centers to utilize treatment services. Benefits derived from utilization of treatment service are enhanced sexual performance. There are challenges encountered as to the utilization of treatment services. Utilization of treatment services decreases their sense of manhood leading to non-disclosure of diagnosis and treatment and lastly, the most important challenge of all is the element of judgement and ridicule from peers in the military upon utilization of treatment service for sexual dysfunction.