By Wang Ru (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-06-17 10:44

"The opening of the adult shop could suggest to the public that sex was a natural thing instead of a dirty taboo," recalls Du, now 72.

"The opening and reform should be a two-way process involving both the government and the people," he adds.

In 1968, when Du was a young doctor at the hospital, a couple went to him for help. The wife said if the doctor couldn't solve their problem and help them to achieve mutually fulfilling sex, they would divorce.

Du was caught by surprise - he had only previously read a Russian book on the issue. All he could do was give them psychological suggestions to alleviate their pressure.

"I knew there were many couples who had such problems, not only due to psychological reasons," says Du.

Du says that Puyi, the last emperor of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), once sought Du's help on his personal problem, but Du had little to suggest.

Under Du's efforts, the hospital founded a urology department. In the 1980s, Du sent some students to the United States for further study in the field.

"People who have sexual problems need help, but hospitals could not give them all the help they needed. I believed the business sector could be more efficient," Du says.

Wen also received help starting his business from others.

Wu Jieping, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of National People's Congress, encouraged the young man by writing the name of his store, "Beijing Adam & Eve Health Center".

"Mr Wu also talked about masturbation and homosexuality. The old man's wisdom penetrated the darkness, giving me confidence to carry on," Wen recounts in his book.

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