What is Psychosexual Therapy (sex therapy)?
A Therapeutic approach
Sex therapy is a specialised type of counselling specifically for individuals facing sexual issues/difficulties. As therapists in this area, we use evidence-based facts and information to assist in improving individual’s and couple’s intimate/sex lives. Sex therapy may help anyone wanting to improve their relationship/s with intimacy, sex and pleasure. Sex Therapy does not require both partners, though, it is recommended. Sex Therapy can assist when a person is experiencing sexual dysfunction, whether this looks like ED, premature ejaculation (PE), difficulty in arousal, low or high libido, mismatched libido (between partners), painful intercourse or inability to reach orgasm, ageing and sexuality. Other concerns that will benefit from sex therapy include relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, body image, and lack of sexual confidence, managing sexual confidence. The list is extensive.
Cancer and Sexual Function.
Cancer and its treatments can have profound effects on sexual function. The impact varies depending on the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and the specific treatments involved. Commonly reported effects include decreased libido (sexual desire), erectile dysfunction in men, and vaginal dryness or pain during intercourse in women. Cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can disrupt hormone levels, damage nerves and blood vessels, and cause tissue scarring, all of which can contribute to sexual difficulties. Additionally, the emotional and psychological toll of a cancer diagnosis and treatment can also affect sexual well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, body image issues, and relationship strain. It is crucial for individuals with cancer to openly discuss their concerns with healthcare professionals who can provide guidance, support, and potential interventions to address the specific sexual challenges they may be facing.
What is erectile dysfunction/disorder (ED)?
Erectile disorder (ED) is defined in the DSM-5 (a reference book used to diagnose specific disorders based on scientific evidence) as the recurrent inability to achieve an erection, the inability to maintain an adequate erection, and/or a noticeable decrease in erectile rigidity during partnered sexual activity.
Most men will experience ED on one or more occasions in their life. It is estimated that around one in three Australian men may experience sexual dysfunction. This can lead to both physical and psychological implications for their overall well-being. This can be intensely disturbing, and create anxiety, self-blame, and relationship distress. Data shows that by age 50, around 50% of men will complain about erectile functioning and believe that they have ED. Many factors contribute to ED. These include, but are not limited to:
Physical:
• Poor health
• Medical illness. (Treated and untreated)
• Physical injury (including to pelvic area or spinal cord)
• Personal lifestyle risks (including alcohol, smoking and recreational drugs)
• Medication side effects
• Treatment for prostate and bowel cancer, including enlarged prostate treatment.
Psychological:
• Age
• Stress
• Depression, anxiety, mental health conditions
• Relationship conflict (stress, poor communication, or other concerns)
As a result of having ED other complications can arise:
• Unsatisfactory sex life
• Stress or anxiety
• Low self-esteem/ embarrassment
• Relationship problems
• Inability to get a partner pregnant.
Medical ED treatment has limitations and is rarely effective as a stand-alone treatment. Treatment for ED is more successful when combined with psychosexual therapy integrated into a couple’s sexual style. Erectile dysfunction can be attributed to natural causes which will need to be treated to address the physiological problem. Once the physical side is addressed couples may need to heal from the distress that ED may have caused in the relationship. This is where psychosexual therapy can assist by teaching individuals and couples skills to help foster sexual intimacy and satisfaction.
Your surgeon and GP can improve biological problems when possible, however, this does not ensure sexual and relationship satisfaction. “That is Your Job”.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in Australia. The average age of diagnosis is 68 years of age. There is currently no ‘gold standard’ when it comes to treatment options for localised (cancer within the prostate capsule) prostate cancer.
Treatment options include:
• Active surveillance/Watchful Waiting
• Radical prostatectomy (Open or Robot-assisted) Removal of the prostate.
• Radiotherapy/brachytherapy
• Androgen Deprivation Therapy
Each treatment has its own side effects which can continue for years after management. Your Surgeon will discuss your options with you depending on individual results.
Given its widespread occurrence and significant negative impact on individuals' well-being, Erectile Dysfunction poses a substantial societal burden. Furthermore, it serves as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), dementia, and all-cause mortality, further emphasizing its importance as a health concern.
