Other · Treatment guide
Sexual Dysfunction
Difficulties with desire, arousal, orgasm, or pain that cause distress or relational strain.
In this guide
Overview
Sex therapy integrates psychoeducation, sensate focus, cognitive work on performance anxiety, and — when relevant — couples work. Always rule out medical contributors and medication side effects first.
First-line treatments
- CBT — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT + behavioral sex therapy (Masters & Johnson lineage); sensate focus, anti-performance work.
Also consider
Cautions
- Coordinate with medical providers — diabetes, hormones, SSRIs, and pelvic floor issues are commonly involved.
- Screen for history of sexual trauma — may require trauma-focused work first.