The Sex Matters Clinic - Q&A
What causes sexual difficulties?
Sexual difficulties may be life-long or may begin in response to certain life events such as an illness, medical treatment, or change in a relationship. Sometimes a life change such as retiring, job stress, or moving can cause changes in sexual functioning.
Do I have to have a partner to come to the Sex Matters Clinic?
No. You may make an appointment either as an individual or as a couple. You do not have to be in a permanent partnership to come to the clinic with a sexual concern.
What sexual difficulties can be treated?
- About 50% of sexual difficulties are caused by the physical and psychological symptoms of a medical condition such as:
- Absent or low sexual desire
- Painful intercourse or penetration
- Difficulties with erection or ejaculation
- Inability to have orgasm
- Problems associated with post-menopause, such as vaginal dryness
- Problems associated with an illness, accident or medical treatment
What services are available at the clinic?
- Evaluation by both a physician and sex therapist
- Recommendations for treatment
- Education and counseling about sexual functioning
- Short term or ongoing medical interventions
- Short term or ongoing sex therapy for individuals and couples
Who seeks help from the Sex Matters Clinic?
We see all sorts of people who are older adults, both women and men, heterosexual and gay, from every kind of background, and many countries. Many people we see are married or are in permanent partnerships, but others are single. Some people have had many partnerships; others have never had a partner.
Why do I see a physician and a sex therapist?
Sexual difficulties can be the result of biological problems like diabetes. Changes in feelings about one’s body, perhaps after surgery or medical treatment, can also affect sexual functioning. Sometimes difficulties are caused by feeling worried, anxious or depressed, having relationship problems, or having other stressful situations in life. A sexual problem itself can lead to lack of confidence or hurt self-esteem. Not knowing what to do about a problem increases stress.
Sexual problems usually are a combination of physical factors and psychological factors, blended with the kind of person you are and the kind of relationship that you have. Sex therapy is designed to be a healing and a growth process in combination with medical evaluation and treatment. Addressing difficulties with a team approach—of both a physician and a sex therapist—assures the most comprehensive evaluation and treatment for any sexual difficulty.
What is a sex therapist?
A sex therapist is a licensed mental health professional either a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or physician who has received special training in helping people resolve sexual difficulties through counseling. Sex therapists counsel individuals or couples. They teach sexuality education, as well as communication and stress reduction techniques. They also give specific information to help resolve sexual problems. No sexual activity is ever practiced in the therapist’s office. The sex therapist will listen and talk to you, and help you find ways to overcome or adjust to your problem. The sex therapist may suggest activities for you to try at home.
How long will I be followed by the clinic staff?
Some people have problems that can be addressed with brief education and reassurance and one or two appointments may be sufficient. Most problems are more complicated and so it will take longer to address the problems. Everyone is unique but usually the physician and sex therapist can give you a sense of about how long it may take to work on your problem.
What can I expect when I come to the clinic?
A sexual difficulty, like a medical difficulty, will require an evaluation. Sexual problems may have causes that are medical, psychological, or both. That is why you will see both a physician and sex therapist. Sex therapists are mental health professionals with special training in counseling people about sexual problems.
Since you will see the sex therapist for an hour and the physician for an hour, plan to be at the clinic for about 2 l/2 hours total. When you arrive at the clinic, you will be ‘checked in’ by our administrative assistant . You will be asked to undress for the medical part of your appointment, and the physician will complete a medical examination related to your sexual concerns. But when you meet with the sex therapist, you will be wearing your regular clothes.
At the appointment, the physician and sex therapist will meet and discuss your concerns and devise a coordinated treatment plan. They will discuss the treatment plan with you before you leave the appointment. In some cases, additional information may be needed from your regular physician.
Will I be talking about my sex life?
Yes, you will be talking about your sex life. Very few people have been brought up to talk about sex in an easy, open way. It is normal for a person to feel anxious when anticipating their first appointment to the clinic. Both your physician and your sex therapist understand this and will help you be more comfortable discussing sex. Will insurance cover the cost of the appointment?
Insurance will cover most of the cost. Specific questions about appointment costs and your insurance coverage can be answered by the administrative assistant at the time you schedule your appointment.
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