Sexual Health Clinic

Female Sexual Dysfunction

Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is a common problem that can affect women of all ages. This has a substantial impact on both the individual as well as her partner’s health, relationships and quality of life. Worldwide, prevalence has been reported to vary amongst different countries and also among pre and post-menopausal women. Research has found that FSD affects 41%¹ of pre-menopausal women worldwide. Treating sexual dysfunction effectively often requires the expertise and joint effort of healthcare professionals from various disciplines.


Our Clinic

The Sexual Health Clinic in KK Women's and Children's Hospital is run by a multidisciplinary team that includes medical doctors, a psychologist and a physiotherapist. Our team works with women who present with sexual dysfunction associated with (but are not limited) to the following:

• Genito-pelvic pain (experience of pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse or medical procedures) e.g Vaginismus
  
• Arousal/desire issues
  
• Orgasm issues
  
• Couple intimacy and relationship issues
  
• Emotional difficulties
  
• Gynaecological issues/treatment e.g. post cancer, post-pregnancy
  
• Peri-menopause/Menopause issues
  
• Chronic medical conditions e.g. thyroid disease, obesity, anaemia
  

During the initial session, the patient will be seen jointly by a doctor, psychologist and a physiotherapist. An initial assessment will be done to understand the history of difficulties as well as any causative medical, physical or psychosocial factors underlying it. Following that, a team discussion is held to ensure adequate triage and advise on the follow-up care plans. Follow-up appointments with the healthcare providers from the different specialties will be given according to the patient’s needs.

The roles of each healthcare provider

Physician

The physician provides comprehensive and continuous care for patients who have sexual concerns. A detailed history will be taken and physical examination will be performed as required. Investigations may be ordered as part of screening certain conditions that can cause sexual problems. Other factors which could affect sexual function such as health issues and partner’s sexual function will also be assessed.

Psychologist

Often times, an individual’s subjective sexual experience, thoughts, emotions and behaviour play a role in contributing to their difficulties. The psychologist’s role is to work with patients to explore and manage psychological factors involved in sexual dysfunction. The goal is to help patients and their partners work through their distress, learn helpful coping strategies and change negative beliefs about sexual functioning and sexuality.

Physiotherapist

The role of the physiotherapist is to optimise the physical functions of the patient to promote better sexual function. Exercises given will increase muscular awareness, association and relaxation. Pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation is also part of physiotherapy management to improve sexual health in women. Part of this rehabilitation will involve educating patients and introducing devices to improve therapy outcome.

Couple Therapist

After initial assessment, follow up with a couple therapist will be arranged if needed as sexual problems do not only involve the physical and sexual aspects, but also the relationship aspect. The couple therapist’s role is to jointly work with patients and their partners on relationship issues and improve couple communication by facilitating their understanding of how certain relationship dynamics can contribute to sexual dysfunction. The goal of couple counselling is to help patients and their partners improve their relationship by working through the gridlocks in their relationships by identifying and breaking the cycle of negative patterns of communication, conflict resolution styles, and other issues contributing to the sexual dysfunction.

Ask your doctor* for a referral if

• You have been experiencing sexual difficulties and are not sure where to seek help.
• Your sexual difficulties have persisted, worsened or fluctuated despite having received other forms of interventions e.g. medication, counselling, therapy.
• Sexual difficulties have developed following a life event and you are not sure how to cope.
• Your sexual difficulties have prevented you from achieving an enriching, fulfilling relationship with your partner and other associated goals such as having a child together.
• Your sexual difficulties have negatively affected your emotional functioning or the way you feel about yourself. 
  

*Only intra-hospital referrals will be accepted
*Only female patients or couples who present with female sexual difficulties are accepted.

¹McCool, M.E.,Zuelke, A., Theurich, M.A., Knuettel, H., Ricci, C., & Apfelbacher, C. (2016).Prevalence of Female Sexual Dysfunction Among Premenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies, Sexual Medicine Reviews, 4(3), 197-212.