Sexual wellbeing

Men and women can both experience problems that affect their sexual health and their sex life. Many sexual problems are temporary, please see the CNWL website for information on the support that they provide.

Common sexual health problems

• lack of interest in sex
• pain or difficulty in experiencing penetrative sex
• being unable to get or keep an erection
• premature ejaculation (coming too soon)
• loss of desire
• difficulty in reaching orgasm

Sexual health problems can be due to a physical or psychological cause, and often a combination of both.

Physical reasons include:

• illness or infection
• skin conditions
• side effects from medications.

Psychological reasons include:

• stress
• anxiety, depression or low self esteem
• relationship difficulties
• uncertainty about your sexuality
• previous sexual experiences.

NHS Choices has more infomation on the following:

• premature ejaculation
• erectile dysfunction
• female sexual dysfunction

Getting the right advice

Please see the CNWL website for further information on support for sexual wellbeing.

Your GP may also be able to refer you to a counsellor on the NHS.

If you require medication for erectile dysfunction, there are circumstances in which you may have to pay for your prescription as there are special rules about the prescribing of this medication. Your doctor will explain this to you.