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What are psychosexual issues?
What are psychosexual issues?
Psychosexual issues are sexual issues that are psychological in origin rather than physiological. They may come about as a result of stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and other causes.
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Sexual problems can vary in severity and intensity. Some can be minor and temporary whereas others may have been around for a long time.
Examples of psychosexual issues
- Loss of sexual desire
- Painful intercourse
- Difficulties with orgasm
- Arousal disorders
- Erectile dysfunction
- Premature or delayed ejaculation
- General breakdown in a couple’s sexual relationship
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Treatment for psychosexual issues
Therapy will help you understand the origins of your difficulties. Usually the focus will be on unravelling the underlying causes rather than the sexual difficulties themselves. That said, there will also be some guidance on strategies that can help you better manage the difficulties you’re experiencing.
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Following your initial assessment, we will spend some time developing a psychological formulation of your difficulties so we can create a unique treatment plan. In some cases, we may refer you to a psychosexual therapist if we think this would be helpful.
Frequently asked questions
When should I seek help?
You should seek support for psychosexual issues if you find that you are struggling with your sexual performance or you are experiencing a lot of anxiety when it comes to sex and intimacy. If this area of your life is causing you stress or concern, it’s always beneficial to seek professional help as these kinds of difficulties can become an obstacle to enjoying an intimate relationship.
What are the best treatments for psychosexual issues?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is typically the most effective therapy, as well as seeing a psychologist who has specialist training in dealing with psychosexual issues.
How do I know if my problem is psychological vs physiological?
Whilst it’s always helpful to first see your GP to exclude any physiological issues, there are some signs that could indicate that your difficulties are psychological. If, for example, you are able to achieve sexual pleasure on your own, it is unlikely that there is something physiological at play. But if you find that you have a lot of anxiety when having sex with a partner then it is more likely to be psychological.
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