Counseling for Sexual Health/Dysfunction

Sexuality is a vital part of being human, as it affects our health, identity, and state of mind. When issues interfere with a satisfying sexual life, dysfunction can occur. Unfortunately, a notable percentage of people have problems related to sexual dysfunction.
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Many victims are uncomfortable talking about their sexual dysfunction, so they can turn to private counseling for sexual health/dysfunction. 

What is Sexual Dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction can present in four different ways. Issues involve more than having an occasional feeling of not being in the mood. Sexual dysfunction is considered a disorder when the different presentations significantly affect sexual relations. The four dysfunctions affect desire, arousal, pain, and orgasm.

Who Can Benefit from Sexual Health Counseling?

Sexual problems can occur at any time and to anyone Young adults and older adults often experience premature ejaculation. Many also experience a lack of orgasm, pain during sex, and other performance issues.

Aging

Older adults generally experience a decline in sexual desire and activity, with the most common decline happening as women reach menopause. Men also see a change in their testosterone levels and sexual performance, but they do not have any major midlife changes similar to menopause.
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Partners in a relationship can influence each other’s sexual needs and responses, and they can adjust their sexual interests based on their physiological desires and changes.

Physical Health Concerns

Sexual dysfunction often results from chronic diseases and disabilities, but situations vary based on conditions and mindset. Same-sex couples, transgender people, and people in open relationships often have concerns about physical health concerns and sexual dysfunction. Some sexual dysfunction comes from medications and other treatments.

What to Expect at Your First Sexual Health Therapy Session

During your first visit with your sex therapist, you will talk about the problem so the therapist can assess the situation and choose an appropriate treatment plan. Your partner might be invited to attend sessions, if applicable. Sex therapists understand that the subject can be difficult to talk about, so they take time to build a rapport filled with trust, kindness, respect, and comfort.

Your first session will include an initial interview to learn about the overarching problem and your top concerns. During the assessment, the therapist will ask about your medical history as well as your psychological and physiological history. The therapist will ask about your family history, social issues, and other personal strengths and weaknesses that could affect your treatment.

The first and follow-up sessions will include questions about your sexual history. Your therapist will ask about sexual activity and dysfunction, especially related to satisfaction, pain, and orgasm. You might need to talk about partnered and unpartnered activities.

Other topics of conversation could include your history of mental health problems like anxiety and depression, sexual orientation and preferences, gender identity, trauma, and more. Your therapist will ask about your relationship with your partner and whether or not you find them attractive. You might also need to get a physical exam before meeting with your therapist.

When to See Your Doctor

Sexual problems can create rifts between partners, especially if they both suffer from anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Without help, the problems can escalate. If you find the problems aren’t improving, it’s time to see your physician for a physical exam.

After the physical exam, your physician could recommend more testing to find the cause of your sexual dysfunction. Your physicians might also recommend seeing a therapist to talk about your struggles.
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When you need to talk to someone about sexual dysfunction, call us at Elevate Rockwall to schedule a confidential and private consultation with our certified counselors.