Some people spend years secretly thinking they have a problem in the bedroom when simply talking to their partner would prove they are worrying unnecessarily, according to sex and relationship counsellor Matthew Bartolo. He believes that sex should be discussed more openly in order to dispel misconceptions that often result in feelings of inadequacy and inferiority.

“In this profession we meet a lot of people who think they have a problem, and would have carried this problem with them for up to 15 or 20 years. One client believed his wife did not enjoy sex because she didn’t shout as much as the women he saw on television,” Mr Bartolo said.

Mr Bartolo, together with a group of other sexual health professionals, are working to spread the message of open communication about sex among university students through a seminar entitled ‘Sex: let’s talk about it’.

Psychology student Petra Borg said it was important to teach teenagers that what they heard their friends say was not necessarily true.

“We want to show people that this is you, and there’s nothing wrong with you,” she said adding that many did not feel comfortable debating the subject.

Pleasure will be the subject Mr Bartolo will address during the sexual health seminar organised at the University of Malta’s quadrangle from February 11 to 14, to coincide with Valentine’s Day.

Psychotherapist Ingrid Vassallo will talk about attachment and sexuality, the subject of sexuality and disability will be addressed by Claire Azzopardi Lane, a specialist in sex education and disability, while Roderick Bugeja will talk about the internet and sexuality.

The seminar is a collaboration between Willingness.com.mt, the Malta Health Students Association, the Psychology Students Association (BetaPs) and WeAre representing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.