Understanding
Sexual Dysfunction
Addressing sexual health challenges and their psychological impact on individuals and relationships
Understanding
Sexual Dysfunction
Addressing sexual health challenges and their psychological impact on individuals and relationships
Understanding
Sexual Dysfunction
Addressing sexual health challenges and their psychological impact on individuals and relationships
What does sex & pornography addiction feel like?
Living with sexual dysfunction means experiencing persistent difficulties with sexual desire, arousal, or satisfaction that create distress and strain intimate relationships. Whether involving physical challenges like erectile dysfunction or pain during intercourse, or psychological barriers like low libido or difficulty reaching climax, these issues often create a cycle of anxiety, avoidance, and relationship tension.
The experience frequently involves feeling broken or inadequate, particularly when sexual difficulties seem to contradict societal expectations about "normal" sexual function. The psychological impact extends far beyond physical symptoms, affecting self-esteem, intimacy, and partnership dynamics. Many people describe feeling disconnected from their own sexuality, anxious about sexual encounters, or grieving the loss of what their sexual life used to be. The silence and shame surrounding sexual difficulties often prevent people from seeking help, creating isolation and worsening the psychological distress.
Common Symptoms
Persistent lack of sexual desire or interest
Difficulty becoming aroused or maintaining arousal
Pain or discomfort during sexual activity
Difficulty reaching orgasm or climax
Premature or delayed ejaculation
Vaginal dryness or inability to lubricate naturally
Anxiety or panic around sexual activity
Avoidance of intimacy and physical closeness
What does sex & pornography addiction feel like?
Living with sexual dysfunction means experiencing persistent difficulties with sexual desire, arousal, or satisfaction that create distress and strain intimate relationships. Whether involving physical challenges like erectile dysfunction or pain during intercourse, or psychological barriers like low libido or difficulty reaching climax, these issues often create a cycle of anxiety, avoidance, and relationship tension.
The experience frequently involves feeling broken or inadequate, particularly when sexual difficulties seem to contradict societal expectations about "normal" sexual function. The psychological impact extends far beyond physical symptoms, affecting self-esteem, intimacy, and partnership dynamics. Many people describe feeling disconnected from their own sexuality, anxious about sexual encounters, or grieving the loss of what their sexual life used to be. The silence and shame surrounding sexual difficulties often prevent people from seeking help, creating isolation and worsening the psychological distress.
Common Symptoms
Persistent lack of sexual desire or interest
Difficulty becoming aroused or maintaining arousal
Pain or discomfort during sexual activity
Difficulty reaching orgasm or climax
Premature or delayed ejaculation
Vaginal dryness or inability to lubricate naturally
Anxiety or panic around sexual activity
Avoidance of intimacy and physical closeness
What does sex & pornography addiction feel like?
Living with sexual dysfunction means experiencing persistent difficulties with sexual desire, arousal, or satisfaction that create distress and strain intimate relationships. Whether involving physical challenges like erectile dysfunction or pain during intercourse, or psychological barriers like low libido or difficulty reaching climax, these issues often create a cycle of anxiety, avoidance, and relationship tension.
The experience frequently involves feeling broken or inadequate, particularly when sexual difficulties seem to contradict societal expectations about "normal" sexual function. The psychological impact extends far beyond physical symptoms, affecting self-esteem, intimacy, and partnership dynamics. Many people describe feeling disconnected from their own sexuality, anxious about sexual encounters, or grieving the loss of what their sexual life used to be. The silence and shame surrounding sexual difficulties often prevent people from seeking help, creating isolation and worsening the psychological distress.
Common Symptoms
Persistent lack of sexual desire or interest
Difficulty becoming aroused or maintaining arousal
Pain or discomfort during sexual activity
Difficulty reaching orgasm or climax
Premature or delayed ejaculation
Vaginal dryness or inability to lubricate naturally
Anxiety or panic around sexual activity
Avoidance of intimacy and physical closeness
History of Sexual Dysfunction
From taboo subject to integrated medical and psychological treatment approach
Mid 1900s
Sexual difficulties largely considered moral or character failings, with limited medical understanding and significant social stigma preventing open discussion or treatment
1960s-70s
Pioneering research by Masters and Johnson revolutionises understanding of sexual response cycles and introduces behavioural therapy approaches for treating sexual dysfunction
1990s-2000s
Development of medical treatments like Viagra transforms approach to sexual dysfunction, whilst psychological research expands understanding of trauma, anxiety, and relationship factors
Present
Modern understanding recognises sex and pornography addiction as serious behavioural addictions, with evidence-based treatments combining therapy, support groups, and sometimes medication for underlying conditions
History of Sexual Dysfunction
From taboo subject to integrated medical and psychological treatment approach
Mid 1900s
Sexual difficulties largely considered moral or character failings, with limited medical understanding and significant social stigma preventing open discussion or treatment
1960s-70s
Pioneering research by Masters and Johnson revolutionises understanding of sexual response cycles and introduces behavioural therapy approaches for treating sexual dysfunction
1990s-2000s
Development of medical treatments like Viagra transforms approach to sexual dysfunction, whilst psychological research expands understanding of trauma, anxiety, and relationship factors
Present
Modern understanding recognises sex and pornography addiction as serious behavioural addictions, with evidence-based treatments combining therapy, support groups, and sometimes medication for underlying conditions
History of Sexual Dysfunction
From taboo subject to integrated medical and psychological treatment approach
Mid 1900s
Sexual difficulties largely considered moral or character failings, with limited medical understanding and significant social stigma preventing open discussion or treatment
1960s-70s
Pioneering research by Masters and Johnson revolutionises understanding of sexual response cycles and introduces behavioural therapy approaches for treating sexual dysfunction
1990s-2000s
Development of medical treatments like Viagra transforms approach to sexual dysfunction, whilst psychological research expands understanding of trauma, anxiety, and relationship factors
Present
Modern understanding recognises sex and pornography addiction as serious behavioural addictions, with evidence-based treatments combining therapy, support groups, and sometimes medication for underlying conditions
Take our free self-test
Take our free self-test
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
How therapy can help
Therapy for sexual dysfunction uses approaches like psychosexual therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based treatments to address both psychological and relational aspects of sexual difficulties. Treatment often combines individual therapy to explore anxiety, trauma, or body image issues with couples therapy to improve communication and intimacy. Therapists work collaboratively with medical professionals when physical factors are involved, ensuring comprehensive care that addresses all contributing elements.
Treatment emphasises reducing performance anxiety, improving body awareness and acceptance, and developing healthy communication about sexual needs and preferences. Many people experience significant improvements within months of beginning therapy, particularly when treatment addresses underlying psychological factors whilst supporting couples in rebuilding intimate connection and sexual confidence.
Benefits of Therapy
Reducing performance anxiety and sexual stress
Addressing underlying trauma or psychological blocks
Improving body image and sexual self-confidence
Enhancing communication about sexual needs and desires
Developing mindfulness and body awareness techniques
Strengthening intimate connection between partners
Learning techniques for managing pain or physical difficulties
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding sexual health and the path to improvement
Are sexual problems common, and should I be worried?
Is sexual dysfunction always psychological, or can it be medical?
How can couples therapy help with sexual dysfunction?
Will I need medical treatment as well as therapy?
How therapy can help
Therapy for sexual dysfunction uses approaches like psychosexual therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based treatments to address both psychological and relational aspects of sexual difficulties. Treatment often combines individual therapy to explore anxiety, trauma, or body image issues with couples therapy to improve communication and intimacy. Therapists work collaboratively with medical professionals when physical factors are involved, ensuring comprehensive care that addresses all contributing elements.
Treatment emphasises reducing performance anxiety, improving body awareness and acceptance, and developing healthy communication about sexual needs and preferences. Many people experience significant improvements within months of beginning therapy, particularly when treatment addresses underlying psychological factors whilst supporting couples in rebuilding intimate connection and sexual confidence.
Benefits of Therapy
Reducing performance anxiety and sexual stress
Addressing underlying trauma or psychological blocks
Improving body image and sexual self-confidence
Enhancing communication about sexual needs and desires
Developing mindfulness and body awareness techniques
Strengthening intimate connection between partners
Learning techniques for managing pain or physical difficulties
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding sexual health and the path to improvement
Are sexual problems common, and should I be worried?
Is sexual dysfunction always psychological, or can it be medical?
How can couples therapy help with sexual dysfunction?
Will I need medical treatment as well as therapy?
How therapy can help
Therapy for sexual dysfunction uses approaches like psychosexual therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based treatments to address both psychological and relational aspects of sexual difficulties. Treatment often combines individual therapy to explore anxiety, trauma, or body image issues with couples therapy to improve communication and intimacy. Therapists work collaboratively with medical professionals when physical factors are involved, ensuring comprehensive care that addresses all contributing elements.
Treatment emphasises reducing performance anxiety, improving body awareness and acceptance, and developing healthy communication about sexual needs and preferences. Many people experience significant improvements within months of beginning therapy, particularly when treatment addresses underlying psychological factors whilst supporting couples in rebuilding intimate connection and sexual confidence.
Benefits of Therapy
Reducing performance anxiety and sexual stress
Addressing underlying trauma or psychological blocks
Improving body image and sexual self-confidence
Enhancing communication about sexual needs and desires
Developing mindfulness and body awareness techniques
Strengthening intimate connection between partners
Learning techniques for managing pain or physical difficulties
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding sexual health and the path to improvement
Are sexual problems common, and should I be worried?
Is sexual dysfunction always psychological, or can it be medical?
How can couples therapy help with sexual dysfunction?
Will I need medical treatment as well as therapy?
Meet our Therapists
Meet our Therapists
Meet our specialists who can help guide your recovery
