Sexual Health

For most of us, sexuality is one of the great joys of life. Sexuality bonds us with our partner(s) and allows us to feel vibrant and alive. In fact, during sex, a bonding hormone called Oxytocin is released, which leads to feelings of calm and connection. Sex can be a source of pleasure and a great stress reliever. Scientists have discovered that a satisfying sex life may account for a 15-20% boost in the health and happiness of a relationship. Furthermore, an unhealthy sexual relationship can account for 60-80% of the negativity in a relationship.

Sexual problems may reflect other challenges in the relationship such as miscommunication or difficulties with intimacy. For some couples, these other factors may need to be addressed before or in conjunction with working on the sexual relationship.

Sexual problems are very common for both men and women. Roughly 35% of men and 50% of women reports some type of sexual complaint.

We can help you:

• Regain healthy sexual function
• Recover your sexuality after a sexual trauma
• Spice up your sex life
• Recover your sexual relationship after an infidelity
• Explore alternative expressions of sexuality
• Maintain a vibrant sex life throughout the lifespan
• Rediscover sex after cancer, diabetes, prostatectomy or infertility

Many different factors impact sexual functioning for men and women. The physical, psychological, interpersonal and cultural aspects of sexuality are inter-connected. Pain, stress, substance use, anxiety, childcare, decreased quality time, feeling pressured, depression, hormones, relationship strain, chronic disease, and many other things can cause or contribute to sexual dysfunction. For many individuals coping with a sexual problem, sexual encounters can become a significant source of stress rather than pleasure. When sex becomes stressful, it can be easier to avoid sexual contact which can create distance from our partners and various problems in our relationships.

Our experts can help with a range of problems including:

 

• Low sexual desire
• Sexual performance anxiety while dating or in a relationship
• Discrepant sexual desire (having higher or lower desire than your sexual partner)
• Sexual boredom
• Difficulty becoming physically or mentally aroused
• Sexual pain
• Sex after infertility
• Sex after cancer
• Delayed orgasm
• Inability to orgasm
• Erectile dysfunction
• Vaginismus (involuntary vaginal constriction)
• Painful intercourse
• Sexual aversion
• Early ejaculation
• Compulsive or impulsive sexual behaviors
• Lack of sexual skill
• Desire to explore or deepen erotic connection
• Desire to explore sexual kinks or fetishes
• Consensually non-monogamous relationships

Fortunately, there are brief and effective treatment options for many sexual problems. Treatment can be done individually or with a partner. The Clinic has providers who specialize in sexual medicine and will work to help you and your partner enjoy a healthy, passionate and vibrant sex life.

Treatment for sexual problems is goal-oriented and time-limited. You and your provider will work closely together to identify your treatment goals, and interventions will be tailored to create a specific treatment plan. Your treatment plan may involve evidence-based sex therapy, combined sex and couple therapy, hormone therapy and/or medication evaluation, if desired.

Our team of sexual health experts are experienced in treating a diverse range of patients including those who identify with the LGBT, kink and/or queer communities. We are also experienced working with couples who are wanting to explore alternative sexual lifestyles.

You and your provider will work together to identify your treatment goals. He/she will take a detailed medical and sexual health history and may request that you see your primary care physician, ob/gyn, urologist or endocrinologist to address any potential biological contributors to sexual problems. All treatment interventions will then be tailored for your symptoms and experience allowing you and your treatment team to stay on track in meeting your treatment goals.

While you may be given exercises to do in the comfort and safety of your own home, treatment for sexual problems will never involve any form of physical contact between you and your doctor or between you and your partner during your appointment. While sex and sexuality are often difficult topics to explore, your expert provider will do their absolute best to make you and/or your partner feel comfortable.

Our goal is to give you the tools and support you need to have an intimate, fulfilling and passionate sex life. This may include helping you to increase desire, eroticism, pleasure, and satisfaction. Your provider will work closely with you to make sure all treatment interventions are respectful and sensitive to your cultural and religious values.