Students in Finland increasingly open about erectile issues, says therapist Marjo Tossavainen

Students are increasingly open about their concerns regarding erectile issues. Marjo Tossavainen, a sexual therapist who has worked for nearly 20 years with the Student Health Service Foundation (YTHS), notes a clear increase in students’ willingness to discuss these topics during consultations. The YTHS provides services to students across Finland, regardless of location.

The trend is promising. According to Tossavainen, students are approaching general practitioners and sexual advisors more readily and openly with their worries. Recent interviews with students from the University of Turku reveal how the culture around discussing difficult topics has evolved.

Concerns about erectile issues were last surveyed in 2012, with about six percent of respondents reporting ongoing difficulties. Tossavainen emphasizes that clinical observations show that the prevalence of such issues remains consistent with the findings from the 2012 health study. However, precise figures on consultation numbers are difficult to ascertain since concerns are often categorized under various terms.

In Finland, there are approximately 300,000 university students, nearly half of whom are presumed to be male. Tossavainen estimates that around 7,000 to 8,000 students have experienced erectile difficulties in the past year. Many young adults seek help for specific incidents where an erection was not achieved or maintained, often stemming from psychological factors.

In addition, societal pressures and misconceptions fueled by social media and pornography contribute to unrealistic expectations regarding erections and sexual performance. The YTHS aims to reassure students that they are not alone in their concerns.

Boys, particularly under 20, frequently engage in conversations about sexual health, with the topic of the penis dominating discussions at youth support hotlines. Mikko Kuronen, an expert on adolescent health, highlights the necessity for boys to discuss their feelings and experiences openly, without fear of judgment from adults.