Sexual health is about more than just sex, it is also what we feel and think about intimacy, closeness, our own body and gender identity. It's about who we fall in love with and are attracted to, how we set boundaries and whether these boundaries are respected. In addition, sexual health involves how the body reacts and functions. In other words, sexual health is both physical, psychological and relational, and something we deal with throughout our lives.
Good sexual health is when sex, intimacy, one's own relationship with the body and gender are characterized by well-being and security. This gives room to explore and be curious, express boundaries and be respected when meeting others. When we have good sexual health we can feel mastery, joy and satisfaction, security in ourselves and intimate relationships. Therefore, good sexual health is also important for good mental health.
Sexual problems
Sexual problems mean physical, psychological and relational factors that negatively affect our sexual health. This can usually be about:
Several of these problems concern the body's functioning and may need medical treatment. Therefore, it is first and foremost advisable to contact a doctor or gynecologist for an examination when you experience sexual problems. For some pain conditions, such as vaginismus, it can also be useful to see a physiotherapist with relevant expertise. Dr. Dropin has both experienced doctors and physiotherapists who can help you with this.
Many people experience that psychological problems, such as anxiety, depression and stress, negatively affect their sexual health. This happens because our psyche and body are closely connected and influence each other. For example, depressive disorders can cause us to have negative thoughts about ourselves and our bodies, which can lead to intimacy and sex becoming uncomfortable or unsafe. In the same way, physical problems, such as abdominal pain or impotence, can affect our mental health. It can make us anxious, depressed and affect our self-esteem.
Sexual problems often develop in a vicious spiral of negative thoughts, bad feelings and bodily reactions that make closeness, sex and intimacy difficult. This spiral can feel stuck and difficult to break out of. We can feel lonely and alone about what we experience, feel shame or fear of intimacy. Therefore, it can quickly feel embarrassing and difficult to talk about sexual problems. The psychologists at Dr. Dropin have a duty of confidentiality, knowledge of mental and sexual health and will facilitate safe conversations. They offer both individual conversations and couples therapy. In some cases, the sexual problems are the reason why one wants help. At other times, it may be relevant to talk about sexual health even if you see a psychologist for other reasons. The psychologists have knowledge of how our thoughts and feelings affect the body, and can help with increased understanding and change for better sexual and mental health.
Dr. Dropin has psychologists who have extensive experience with physical and digital talks about sexologi. Find your psychologist here and download the app to book an appointment.
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What does it mean to be sexual?
Sexuality is a collective term for attitudes, thoughts and feelings related to gender, sex, reproduction, attraction and orientation. Our sexuality is part of us from childhood and throughout our lives, and is shaped by what we experience. "To be sexual" can therefore be an expression of having a relationship with one's own sexuality. Then you relate, for example, to your gender identity, who you are attracted to, what you like and don't like, where your boundaries are and how you express them. Being sexual differs from what we call "sexually active", which is more about sexuality in relation to others, for example sexuality with a partner.
What can affect our sexual health?
Our sexual health is affected by both our physical and mental health, i.e. how the body works, how we think, feel and what experiences we have. This means that many things can affect our sexual health both positively and negatively. Often psychological factors such as stress, mental disorders, relational problems, poor self-esteem and traumatic or frightening experiences can negatively affect our sexual health. The same applies to physical challenges such as pain, functional impairments, chronic and acute illnesses. On the other hand, we can positively influence sexual health by working for a healthy body and good physical health, security in ourselves and close relationships with others.
What does it mean to have good sexual health?
Good sexual health is when sex, intimacy, one's own relationship with the body and gender are characterized by well-being and security. This gives room to explore and be curious, express boundaries and be respected when meeting others. When we have good sexual health we can feel mastery, joy and satisfaction, security in ourselves and intimate relationships.
