The term sexual health is used conventionally to embrace both the physical and psychological aspects of sexuality. For there to be good sexual health, sexual relationships should be physically and emotionally satisfying for both partners, and also they should carry no risk of unwanted pregnancy or transmission of disease.
Sexual dysfunctions
It is increasingly recognised that sexual satisfaction does not necessarily depend on both partners experiencing all the stages of the sexual experience.
However, lack of satisfaction with sexual experience is very common. Often the problem lies in a combination of unrealistic expectations of what should happen, together with a lack of communication between the partners. For example, it may be expected that the women should always achieve orgasm during penile intercourse, when in fact this only is possible for 25% of women. Other factors which can affect sexual satisfaction include low sex-drive, performance anxiety, chronic illness, alcohol or drug abuse and prescribed medication.
There are a number of specific sexual dysfunctions which may be the result of one or more of these factors. A sex therapist is a psychiatric doctor who is skilled in the diagnosis of these dysfunctions, and who can offer a range of treatments which range from simple education and couple counselling to prescription of medication. However, because of embarrassment, most of these dysfunctions are not discussed with health professionals, and so many people do not have access to the support which might benefit them.
