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SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION 

ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION?

Are you facing intimacy issues in your relationship? Do you find it difficult to achieve or maintain arousal? Are you experiencing changes in desire which are causing problems and impacting your well-being? You may be suffering from sexual dysfunction.This is a multifaceted issue rooting from physical, psychological or emotional causes. We can help. At Select Psychology, our team of professionals is experienced, qualified and trained to provide mental health support best-suited for your requirements, in a safe and confidential environment.

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WHAT IS SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION?

Sexual dysfunction is a multifaceted issue that extends beyond physical challenges, combining psychological and emotional challenges that can have a profound influence on an individual’s sexual well-being. Sexual dysfunction can manifest variously, impacting different aspects of sexual dysfunction. It can comprise issues such as changes in sexual desire, difficulties with arousal, such as achieving or maintaining an erection (in men) or arousal and lubrication (in women), pain or discomfort during intercourse, sexual dysfunction covers a vast spectrum of problems.

Careful examination of the symptoms of sexual dysfunction helps to identify underlying causes. This enables an individual to work on their issues with a professional who develops a personalised treatment based on the specific underlying causes. Creating a treatment plan with strategies tailored to meet an individual’s personal needs recognises that not only is each person’s experience unique, but also manageable and treatable with right and timely support. 

Symptoms of Sexual Dysfunction

Exploring symptoms involves a thorough assessment of both physical and psychological aspects. Some of the symptoms of sexual dysfunction are:

  • Changes in desire
  • Physical issues
  • Painful intercourse
  • Orgasmic disorders

Understanding the concerns that are leading to sexual dysfunction forms the basis for seeking appropriate help and initiating targeted interventions, recognising that each person’s experience of sexual dysfunction is different.

 

 WHEN TO SEEK THERAPY FOR SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

Therapy is recommended when:

Sexual dysfunction, whether emotional or physical, is causing serious relationship problems

You are experience constant sexual performance anxiety that is impacting your well-being

Low libido or a low sex drive

You and you sexual partners have mismatched libidos

THE BEST THERAPIES FOR TREATING SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

Psychosexual Therapy

Counselling

Medication

BENEFITS OF THERAPY FOR SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

Improves communication between partners. Open and honest communication bout desires, concerns and expectations can help create a more supportive and understanding sexual environment

Therapy helps explore and address performance anxiety, providing tools to manage stress and pressure in the bedroom

Therapy encompasses behavioural techniques to address specific concerns which enhances comfort and communication

Couples are likely to experience overall improvements in their relationship, fostering a more intimate and connected partnership

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP WITH SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

Addressing sexual dysfunction often involves a holistic approach that considers both physical and psychological aspects. If you are suffering, it is best to seek treatment as soon as you are able to, but in the meantime there are some things that can help while you are waiting for your first appointment:

Lifestyle changes 
Adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise can help improve an individual’s overall well-being, thereby helping with the causes of sexual dysfunction

Consider medical treatments 
Especially if the cause of sexual dysfunction is physical, such as a chronic illness, medications or interventions targeting specific physical causes may be recommended. 

Engage in mindfulness approaches 
Therapeutic approaches such as mindfulness can help calm stress and anxiety and make you more aware of the present. Enriching the experience of being in the present moment can help relationship problems that may be occurring due to anxiety and stress about the future or past trauma.

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HOW CAN OUR PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES HELP WITH SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION?

We offer a wide range of therapies to help with sexual dysfunction and give you the tools to cope and understand your emotions. We are a private mental health service with highly trained therapists and no waiting lists.

This is how therapy would work:

Step 1

Get in touch

The first step is recognising you have an issue and seeking help – BOOK A FREE TELEPHONE CONSULTATION and start the process by providing a space and time to share your needs with us.

Step 2

Telephone Consultation

You will be heard and understood through a confidential phone conversation. Often called the ‘triage’ this is where you can share more about your needs, and we can advise on therapy pathways and provide initial guidance where possible.

Step 3

Appointment Offer

We will match your needs with the best fit practitioner for your therapy pathway and offer you an appointment within two weeks.

Step 4

Initial Assessment

Before you begin a course of therapy, your therapist will need to conduct an assessment in order to agree a course of therapy with you that will best help you and address your goals. This is still part of the therapeutic process and will provide you with a better understanding of your difficulties and how you may start to approach them.

Step 5

Your Therapy

Following on from your assessment, you will move onto therapy. Appointments are 50 minutes – these can be anything from weekly to monthly, depending on your individual circumstances. The number of sessions required to feel better will depend on your needs and therapy plan, this can range between 8-16 sessions, but in general more time is needed to address more complex issues.

Step 6

Feeling Better

As you start to improve, you can agree on changes to the frequency of sessions as required. Ultimately, there will be a time when both you and your therapist agree that you no longer need to continue in active therapy

HELPFUL THINGS TO KNOW

Can I recover from sexual dysfunction?

Recovery from sexual dysfunction is indeed possible, with many individuals finding relief through a combination of medical and therapeutic interventions. Seeking timely and appropriate help is key to achieving positive outcomes.

Does sexual dysfunction go away or is it permanent?

With proper treatment and support, sexual dysfunction can significantly improve or be resolved. In many cases, sexual dysfunction is not permanent. Through targeted interventions, individuals can experience improvement in sexual function and overall well-being. Consistent communication with healthcare professionals and the implementation of recommended strategies contribute to positive outcomes.

What is the best treatment for sexual dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction is usually treated by treating and correcting the underlying causes of the problem that are causing dysfunction. Depending on the cause (physical, emotional or psychological), the treatment varies. In case of the cause being physical, the treatment will normally involve medication. Whereas if the cause is psychological or emotional, talking therapies, behaviour modification and education may be recommended.
What are some causes of sexual dysfunction?
The causes of sexual dysfunction can be a blend of physical, psychological and relationship factors. Physical conditions like chronic illnesses, hormonal imbalances and medication side effects can contribute to dysfunction. Psychological factors like anxiety, stress, depression or past trauma may also play a significant role. Additionally, challenges within relationships, such as communication issues or emotional distance, can impact sexual well-being. Identifying and addressing these root causes is essential for developing effective and personalised treatment plans.
How common is sexual dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction can affect individuals of all ages and genders. Seeking help and understanding that sexual dysfunction as a widespread concern is the first step towards regaining a healthy and satisfying sexual life. 

LEARN MORE OR BOOK AN APPOINTMENT