Sex Therapy

What is sex therapy?

Sex therapy is specialized treatment for sexual problems. Sex is usually a source of great pleasure for most couples. Couples often believe that good sex always happens. However, sexual problems are very common. When a sexual problem occurs, it can cause a lot of stress.

What problems can sex therapy help?

There are many things that can interfere with a couple's sexual relationship:

• Partners may worry about their appearance, their performance, and how often they have sex.
• Levels of sexual desire may be different for each partner, and may change based on what is going on in each person's life. Stress at work, school, or home can affect sexual desire.
• There may be disagreement about what sexual practices are acceptable or enjoyable.

Other problems that may lower sexual satisfaction include:

• trouble getting and keeping an erection
• premature ejaculation
• lack of sexual desire
• lack of satisfaction from sexual activity
• trouble reaching orgasm.

Alcoholism, drug abuse, or heavy smoking can also affect sexual performance.

How does sex therapy work?

Sex therapy is based on the beliefs that sex is healthy and that relationships should be meaningful. Sex therapists believe sexual skills are learned, and that learning more about sex may help correct some sexual problems. The therapy is short, usually 6 to 12 sessions. Between sessions you may be given homework assignments. These assignments may include exercises involving communication or touching. The goal is to help couples improve their intimate relationship.

How do I find a therapist who can do this therapy?

Before seeing a sex therapist, see your healthcare provider. Your provider can check for medical problems that may be causing the sexual problem. Medical problems that interfere with sexual satisfaction include:

• diabetes
• blood pressure that is out of control
• heart disease
• chronic pain
• certain types of surgery
• certain medicines
• chronic diseases like kidney or liver failure
• hormonal imbalances.

Surgery of or near reproductive-urinary system or abdomen may damage nerves, while mastectomy may cause poor self-image. If you think you have a sexual satisfaction problem related to a surgery, talk to your provider.

Your primary care provider, gynecologist, or urologist may be able to refer you to a qualified sex therapist. The State Board of Mental Health in any state can refer you to specialists who treat sexual problems.

Most states do not have laws that regulate sex therapists. A sex therapist should be a mental healthcare provider such as a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse, social worker, marriage or family therapist, or psychologist who has special training in sexual problems.

Most sexual problems can be treated. The first step is to accept that there is a problem, and then get the needed help.