Unlike many previous periods of war, the current conflict with Gazan terrorists
is not likely to bring about a baby boom in nine months, predicted Tel Aviv
Sourasky Medical Center sexologist Idan Militscher on Monday.
He
explained that the short periods in fortified rooms and shelters will not lead
to procreation, but love can and should be expressed between partners in other
ways in order to release tension and anxiety.
Militscher, who runs the
hospital’s sexology clinic for men, said that during types of military conflicts
that cause high levels of anxiety, people go into survival mode rather than seek
to procreate.
He explained that there is a great deal of hormonal
activity during war that reduces sexual urges and sexual functioning.
The
sexologist does not think a baby boom will result this time, because “the size
of the conflict is relatively small and has not required a general call-up of
reservists. If a large number of soldiers are needed, there is a natural
tendency for them to have sex with their partners before leaving for the
battlefield for the innate intent of leaving progeny.”
In addition,
reservists are not knowingly going to fight at this point, but for training and
various tasks.
Baby booms in war occur after most of the young men are
deployed, when they go on leave or after the fighting is over; soldiers have sex
to strengthen the feeling of closeness with their partners and relieve tension,
said Militscher.
But Operation Pillar of Defense is
different.
While there is not much privacy in reinforced rooms or
shelters, he advised couples to nevertheless share warmth, contact and nonsexual
intimacy in order to strengthen the family and the couple’s bond. Physical
contact helps to relieve aggressive urges resulting from terror attacks and the
disruption of regular life. Research shows the importance of touch to our
physical and mental health, he said.
“A hug, a caress and kisses – with
the children as well – are very important in these times. It’s important to plan
what you will do in the fortified room, including family games that give a
feeling of control, and later, when the all-clear is sounded, couples will feel
better,” Militscher said.