Psychosexual Counselling
Human sexual behaviour beyond procreation is far from instinctive. Studies have shown that up to 45% of adult women and 30% of adult men have at least one manifest sexual dysfunction, with the prevalence increasing with age.
Risk Factors include:
- Psychological problems, e.g. depression, substance abuse
- Relationship/family problems
- Sexual stress and anxiety
- Physical ill-health of either partner
- Job and financial stress
- Endocrine causes, menopause, diabetes, etc
- Drugs, antiandrogens, antidepressants, etc
- Religious and family pressures
- Dysfunctional current and past relationship
- Sexual Desire/Arousal disorders
- Orgasmic disorder, anorgasmia/premature ejaculation
- Pain disorder, vaginismus, phimosis, dyspareunia
Assessment and Management is often complex and takes time. Patients are encouraged to attend as a couple although there is a place for either partner being seen independently.
Treatment is successful and the first important and brave step is to accept a problem exists and seek help.
The counsellor need not be medically qualified although any possible physical problem may need to be addressed before progress is made.