How should you prepare for a visit to a sexologist?
Michał Lew-Starowicz, MD, PhD: Preparing for a visit to a sexologist is no different from preparing for a visit to any other specialist. You should definitely bring documentation regarding your previous treatment and test results—they may be helpful in making a diagnosis or planning further diagnostics.
The conversation typically focuses on the problem itself and other aspects related to sexual life—relationships, what shapes sexual satisfaction, the patient’s expectations regarding their sexual life, their sense of functioning in gender-related roles, or expectations for changes in the sexual sphere. It is important to note that at the beginning, direct questions about sexual life may make the patient feel uncomfortable, e.g., regarding sexual preferences, masturbation, or difficulties experienced during sex.
It is important to remember that the specialist should respect the patient’s feelings, and certain topics can be saved for later discussion; it is not necessary to discuss everything during the first visit. Difficulty discussing one’s sex life is quite common, and the doctor is well aware of this; therefore, they ask questions in a way that avoids causing embarrassment for the patient while still striving to address difficult topics in a straightforward manner.
Depending on the nature of the reported problems and the need to gather more information about your health or check for medical factors, the visit may also involve a so-called physical examination —that is, a standard examination involving an assessment of body structure, typical gender-related characteristics, and an examination of the genitalia.
What is the range of issues that patients bring to a sexologist?
MLS: The issues are very diverse and include matters of so-called sexual identity—that is, the patient’s sense of well-being related to biological sex, a sense of belonging to a gender, and gender-related roles; difficulties in forming relationships, or problems directly related to the experience of sexual desire, as well as sexual responsiveness (e.g., difficulties with arousal, achieving orgasm, ejaculation, erection, and problems related to the fulfillment of sexual needs that affect the ability to achieve sexual satisfaction).
Discrepancies in sexual needs within a relationship, difficulties in satisfying sexual needs, and the presence of sexual preferences not accepted by the patient that hinder the initiation and maintenance of a sexual life consistent with the patient’s expectations—also prompt patients to visit a sexologist.
