Sex Therapy – What Women Should Know

Have you ever faced trouble in the bedroom but felt too embarrassed to discuss it? Most people, especially women, are not even aware that there are experts who can help us handle these problems – using sex therapy.

Wait! Did you think that sex therapists teach you sex positions? Then it’s time to know more!

This notion is nothing but a myth – just like many other misconceptions about sex in general. Sex therapy can help you improve your intimate relationship with your partner – and it’s much more than addressing your physical pleasure or position. Let’s find out about sex therapy today.

What is Sex Therapy?

The first thing you must know about sex therapy is that it’s a particular type of psychotherapy that focuses on sex-related problems. Sexual concerns, feelings, intimacyIntimacy refers to a close bond between loved ones. It can b... More – there’s a lot that comes under this umbrella. It help identify any underlying physiological issues causing problems in your sex life.

Remember that only certified therapists, psychologists, physicians, or other social workers can offer such services. Experts must acquire advanced training in the areas of relationship and sexual healthSexual health or Sexual wellness refers to the physiological... More. The treatment and therapy options they’ll suggest will depend on your problems, causes, and goals.

Can You Opt for Solo Sex Therapy?

As a woman, it is natural to wonder if sex therapy is an option for you at all if you’re not in a relationship. The good news is, whether or not you have a partner, you can opt for therapy to improve your sex life – and find answers about your own body, mind, and relationships.

You’ll be surprised to learn that many women struggling with a lack of interest in sex or no arousal often seek therapy alone, especially if they feel uncomfortable discussing these with their partners. It’s not mandatory to have your partner join you. But doing so can encourage both partners to solve the problem.

Ideal Time for Sex Therapy

When is the best time to go to an expert and seek sex therapy? There are telltale signs that should indicate that you need professional help. Sex therapy might be the answer if you face one or more of the following:

1. Sexual Boredom: If you and/or your partner are bored with your sex life and your interest in getting intimate with each other has hit a slump, sex therapy can help both.
2. Relationship/Marital Issues: If you and your partner are going through conflicts, having communication problems, processing betrayal, etc., it can hamper your sex life.
3. Processing Sexual TraumaAny event that has interfered in a healthy, autonomous, and ... More: If you (or your partner) have had some sexual trauma like assault, abuse, rape, etc., sexual intimacy can become difficult in such a condition.
4. Difficulty in Arousal or OrgasmIt is a state of deepest sexual pleasure during which the bo... More: Many reasons can distract or stress you and can delay arousal and orgasm. This problem can also result from medical or physical issues.
5. Gender IdentityDenoting a person who does not have a fixed gender. Someone ... More and SexualityA person’s identity in relation to their sexual desires an... More Issues: Dealing with your own questions about your gender identity and sexual orientationOften synonymous with sexuality, sexual orientation is a ter... More, coupled with prejudice, can hamper your sex life.
6. Sexually Transmitted Infections: Enjoying sex during an STD is difficult. It can make intercourse painful. Revealing information to your partner can also be a challenge.
7. Sexual DysfunctionThere are many physical and psychological causes of sexual d... More: During intercourse, you may face problems like vaginal or abdominal pain or muscle contractions. Your partner may face erectile dysfunction, too.
8. Mental Health Conditions: If you have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc., you may find that the condition and its medicines are affecting your sex life.
9. Medical/Physical Problems: After developing specific health problems, exhaustion, insomnia, etc., you may face sexual problems. These may result from the medicines.
10. Compulsive Sexual Behaviour: If your sexual desire is so high that it becomes an addiction that starts affecting different aspects of your life and relationship, you need help.

It’s not just you who might be having an issue. It could also be your partner. Either way, sex therapy can help find the root cause and help choose the right course of action, including couples counselling, individual psychotherapy, medicines, treatment, etc.

What Problems Can Sex Therapy Resolve?

It takes a great deal of courage to accept that you are facing sex problems and a great deal more to make up your mind about taking those troubles to a complete stranger. Naturally, you may wonder what problems therapy will be able to solve for you. You can expect it to address the following:

1. Inhibited Sexual Desire
   Sexual disorders can range from disinterest in sex to boredom. These can result from personal, psychological, physiological, and relationship problems. Sex therapy can help you reach the bottom of the problem and handle them through various means of treatment over time.
2. Problem in Achieving Orgasm
   Did you know that 10-15% of women do not ever experience the ecstasy of orgasm? This can result from mental conditions, health or hormonal problems or simple improper technique. Sex therapy, coupled with sex coaching and required treatment, if necessary, can solve the issue.
3. Pain
   Occasional pain during sexual intercoursePenetrative sex is also called sexual intercourse which invo... More is not a matter of concern. But if you face pain every time, it’s essential to address the issue. Vaginal pain can result from dryness, chafing, or infections. Abdominal pain can be caused by serious problems like PCOS or endometriosis.
4. Involuntary Muscle Spasms
   VaginismusIt is function sexually characterized by involuntary muscle ... More, or muscle spasms in the outer muscles around the opening vaginaThe vagina is a flexible and muscular reproductive organ in ... More, can make intercourse extremely painful. It may lead to body issues and self-consciousness and might instil fear in the mind. Therapy can help you deal with it and dispel all myths regarding the problem.
5. Sex Addiction
   If your sexual desire has reached the state of obsession, it might be a psychological issue as you deal with sexual trauma, betrayal, or other issues. Even if it hasn’t become an addiction, you still need to look into an unnatural sex drive that may result from menopauseThis is a phase when women are no longer ovulating or having... More, puberty, etc.

With sex therapy, you can expect to find the solution to many problems – from dealing with your negative body issues causing distractions during sex to taking charge of your sexual health by using female condoms and OCPs.

Just throw those inhibitions out of your mind – and have an open communication with your therapist for effective sex education and improved sex life.