The initiative “Fullsense,” funded by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), represents research offering both psychological intervention to promote sexual health and overall mental well-being. This program is implemented by the Sexuality and Gender research group from the Centro de Psicologia da Universidade do Porto (CPUP) and the Human Sexuality Research Laboratory (SexLab). It is available for free to adults of all genders and sexual orientations.
Pedro Nobre explained, “This study is highly inclusive as it encompasses men, women, individuals of various sexual orientations, and diverse gender identities. Such inclusivity differentiates ‘Fullsense’ from other studies that often have exclusive criteria, thus failing to reach a broad audience.”
Nobre, the director of FPCEUP, noted the goal to engage 70 participants, with the program set to commence once volunteers are registered. Participants will begin by completing a form, followed by a personalized phone consultation. The program includes eight online modules, designed to be taken weekly, featuring informational content and exercises.
The aim of this program is to enhance sexual health and well-being for individuals experiencing sexual difficulties or dissatisfaction, fostering a more positive and fulfilling approach to sexuality. The program evaluates the effectiveness of interventions for significant emotional distress due to issues like low sexual desire, erectile and lubrication problems, rapid ejaculation, and sexual pain.
“It’s estimated that one-fifth of the Portuguese adult population suffers from sexual difficulties causing emotional distress. That’s a significant number. This accessible program offers a straightforward solution,” Nobre stated.
According to recent research by the SexLab of FPCEUP, common issues include low sexual desire among both men and women, erectile and lubrication difficulties, orgasm and pain issues in women, and ejaculation challenges in men. Notably, about half of individuals with sexual complaints face multiple issues concurrently.
Besides the online platform, ‘Fullsense’ offers remote assistance from specialized professionals, including Portuguese experts with clinical sexology and sexual therapy experience. “The ‘Fullsense’ program uses scientifically tested psychotherapeutic processes in an online format, enabling extensive reach regardless of location, socioeconomic status, or personal characteristics,” Nobre elaborated.
The research team anticipates initial results by the end of the year.
