Preparing for a sexual health consultation

Sexual health is a holistic matter

Sexual health is connected with physical comfort, emotions, trust, relationships and a person’s own choices. The World Health Organization does not define this area simply as the absence of disease; it also includes experiences that are respectful, safe and free from pressure. Not everyone has the same sexual desire, form of intimacy or expectations. No particular frequency or experience can, on its own, be taken as a measure of being healthy. The focus of the consultation is the difficulty the person is experiencing and its effect on their life. Contraception, protection against infections and any necessary tests can also be discussed in the same assessment, according to need.

When the complaint began matters

A change in desire, difficulty with arousal, difficulty reaching orgasm or pain can develop for different reasons and can occur together. Life stages such as pregnancy, the postnatal period and menopause, as well as some illnesses, medicines, tiredness, stress and relationship difficulties, are part of the assessment. Desire not always arising spontaneously does not, on its own, mean there is a disorder. Describing when a new complaint began, how it relates to particular situations and the distress it causes is more informative. The assessment should not reduce the person’s experience to a single hormone result or to psychological causes alone.

You do not need perfect words for the consultation

An everyday sentence can be enough to raise the subject: saying that there is pain during intimacy, that desire has changed or that earlier comfort has been lost starts the assessment. Noting down symptoms and the medicines being taken helps. The doctor may ask questions about medical history and emotional wellbeing; any necessary investigations are chosen according to the complaint. In particular, where the pain is felt, when it occurs and how long it lasts are important. The person can say what they are ready to talk about at the consultation and can ask for the proposed assessment steps to be explained. Sharing personal expectations openly helps to set the focus of the consultation.

The care plan is shaped by personal goals

Frequent or severe sexual pain should be assessed; causes such as infection, skin problems, hormonal changes and diseases of the pelvic region may be investigated. Depending on the findings, medical treatment, a pelvic floor assessment or psychosexual support may be considered. If a link with medicines being taken is suspected, any change is discussed with the doctor. Whether a partner takes part depends on the person’s preference. Progress is not measured only by whether a particular sexual activity takes place; less pain, better communication, comfort and the person getting closer to their own goals also matter. If needed, a follow-up plan is drawn up with input from different specialists.