What is sex therapy?

Sex therapy is a form of counselling that focusses on any problems you are having with your sex life. Sex therapy can be individual or couple-based, and a typical session lasts around an hour.

Who is sex therapy suitable for?

Sex therapists see adults of all ages with a range of issues, such as:

• pain during sex
• loss of libido (interest in sex)
• problems with having an orgasm
• premature ejaculation or delayed ejaculation
• erectile dysfunction

These issues can be a result of psychological problems, issues within a relationship, or a physical problem such as:

• ovarian, vaginal or cervical cancer
• uterine fibroids
• urinary tract infections
• endometriosis
• nerve damage after pelvic surgery such as hysterectomy
• prostate or testicular cancer
• benign prostatic hyperplasia
• arthritis
• spinal cord injury
• sexual transmitted infections, including gonorrhoea, herpes, genital warts, chlamydia, and syphilis

What does it involve?

Sex therapy is a form of counselling, so the only thing that actually happens in the session is talking.

At first you’ll have a comprehensive assessment of the issue you’re concerned with. A key task of a therapy session to distinguish to what extent your problem is physical, psychological, or a combination of the two.

The role of the therapist is to make you comfortable about discussing your problems during the session so you can be as open and honest as possible. You won’t be expected to “try out” sexual positions or exercises recommended by the therapist: any exercises that are recommended are to be tried out at home.

Depending on the issue discussed, you and the therapist might agree to further sessions, and decide on how frequently you want them.

What are the alternatives?

If you have a problem that is predominantly physical, you may benefit from visiting a gynaecologist or urologist. They specialise in the treatment of genitourinary issues and can treat certain types of sexual function or pain during intercourse.