FAQ
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.
What sexual difficulties can be treated?
- We treat difficulties related to low sexual desire or absent sexual desire, desire discrepancies in couples, difficulties in getting aroused, difficulties in having orgasms, pain during sexual activity. 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 of problems or concerns
- 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 kinds of people, young and old adults, both women and men, heterosexual, gay, and lesbian, 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.
At the Sex Matters Clinic for older adults, why do I see both 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 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 begin with the evaluation with the sex therapist. Sex therapists are mental health professionals with special training in evaluating and counseling people about sexual problems.
The first time you see a sex therapist, you should plan to come a little early if you have never been registered at the Univeristy of Michigan Hospitals before. When you arrive at the clinic, you will be ‘checked in’ by a receptionist. Your appointment will occur in an office and you wll have privacy while discussing your concerns. At the end of the evaluation, your sex therapist will discuss treatment plans with you before you leave the appointment. In some cases, additional information may be needed from your regular physician. Your sex therapist will discuss this with you as well.
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. Your sex therapist understands this and will help you be more comfortable discussing sex.
Making an appointment
You may call 734-763.4963 for outpatient counseling in the Sexual Health Counseling Services Program (general sex therapy for individuals and couples or call 734-936-0714 for the Sex Matters Clinic for Older Adults (sex therapy counseling for individuals and couples over the age of 60) for more information or to arrange an appointment. A doctor’s referral is not necessary. However, your doctor can make the referral for you to these clinics by faxing 734-647-6499.
When you call for an appointment, you will reach our administrative assistant or a confidential voice mail and you will need to leave a message. You wll be called back to schedule your appointment. You can also ask this person questions about the costs of appointments, billing, insurances, and locating the clinic. When scheduling your first appointment, you will need to give some initial information about your sexual concerns over the telephone.
As in all areas of the medical center, services within the clinic are confidential.
Will insurance cover the cost of the appointment?
Sex therapy is a form of mental health counseling. Some insurances will cover the cost. However, you can also ask about costs 'out of pocket' if your insurance doesn't cover or if you have a co-pay. Questions about appointment costs and your insurance coverage can be answered by the administrative assistant at the time you schedule your appointment.
