Taking care of our own:
Let's Talk About Sex
By Sallie Foley, LMSW, director, U-M Center for Sexual Health
(March/April 2009)
Look into your sexual health for a happier, healthier you
As you race through the day, juggling life at work and home, take a moment to appreciate your sexual health. What? Yes, your sexual health.
Taking care of your sexual health is part of taking care of your overall health. Sometimes health problems first present as a sexual difficulty, and sexual difficulties can rob you of satisfaction in your life.
For instance, erectile problems, which can affect men of any age, can be an early warning sign of heart problems. No interest in having sex with your partner may mean you’re depressed or feeling resentment toward your partner.
Sexual problems can be life-long or can occur quite unexpectedly. If you are experiencing difficulty, sex therapy can help you adapt to or resolve it. Sex therapists are mental health professionals with specialized training in sexuality education and psychotherapy for sexual problems.
Whether age 20, 45 or 70, your body and your sexual health deserve attention to ensure your overall health and wellness.
People often remark that they don’t know where to find answers for these very personal questions. Sex therapists at the University of Michigan Department of Social Work’s Center for Sexual Health, located at the East Ann Arbor Health and Geriatrics Center, can help evaluate and treat most sexual concerns, help people find those answers and regain sexual pleasure.