Sexual health is an important part of a person’s well-being and their relationship with a partner.

An open and honest discussion with a trusted healthcare professional is the first step to improved sexual health.

A healthcare professional will begin by asking questions about:

• .Sexual problems
• Symptoms, including pain.
• Other health problems which may be impacting sexual activity, e.g., urine or fecal incontinence.
• Previous bad sexual experiences, such as rape or child abuse.
• Medical conditions.
• Medications, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter (non-prescription) medicines, and herbal or alternative products.

Tests that may include:

• Physical examination such as a pelvic exam for women, and a prostate exam for men.
• Neurological tests to check how well nerves work.
• Lab tests. These can include urine tests to check for infections and blood tests to check for diabetes and hormone levels.

A healthcare professional will need to know if sexual problems involve:

• Decreased sexual interest, difficulty in reaching orgasm, problems with ejaculation, or other trouble.
• A clear change from previous activity
• Sudden or gradual onset 
• How long has the problem been going on?
• Whether a man has an erection during sleep or when they wake up in the morning.
• Stress
• A sexual partner who is interested in and able to have sex

Last Updated May 2023