Tips for Better Communication With Your Sexual Health Provider

Do you ever walk out of a doctor’s appointment and wonder – what just happened? You’ve been eagerly waiting for this appointment because you had so much to talk about. You really need their help, and this was the perfect time to ask all your questions. But you drew a blank. How frustrating!

You’re not alone. Many of us have missed valuable opportunities or wasted precious time with our doctors because we forgot to mention something important. Or we didn’t speak up when we didn’t understand something (btw if this is you, keep an eye out for an upcoming blog on how to best prepare so you can feel empowered!).

Having clear communication with all of your healthcare providers is essential to get the most out of our treatment. This includes your Sex Therapist. 

Let’s talk about why it’s important to be on the same page and how you can prepare for next time.

Why communication with your Sex Therapist is important

Your relationship with your Sex Therapist is significant because these issues are very personal and deeply private. Unlike other health care problems, issues with our sexual health are not topics most people feel comfortable talking about with just anyone.

Think about the last time a stranger started talking about their headache or arthritis in line at the grocery store. Sure, it was random, but no one felt uncomfortable. You may even have shared some helpful tips that worked for a friend. 

It would have been a completely different experience if they started talking about problems with their sex life because it’s hard for many of us to talk about these issues. Even with people we trust, like our partner or doctor.

You must have a good relationship with your Sex Therapist to benefit from their experience and find the relief you deserve. And all good relationships start with excellent communication. 

So what should you keep in mind before your next session?

3 helpful tips before your Sex Therapy session

Know Your Medical History: If this is your first session, be ready to share your  past physical conditions or surgeries. The first thing thorough Sex Therapists do is rule out any possible medical conditions that might be causing your sexual health issues – thyroid issues could be causing depression, or certain medications can cause low sex drive, or low testosterone could cause vulvar pain or erectile issues. 

And because the mind-body connection is so powerful, you should definitely discuss your mental and emotional health – what your stress levels are like, how you feel about your job, challenges being a parent or lover, etc.

Sex therapists work well as part of your overall healthcare team. So it’s helpful for them to know what other providers you’re working with, like your gynecologist, physical therapist, urologist, psychologist, etc. Knowing what medications you take also lets them get a complete picture of your sexual health.

Make A List: Before you go, think about specific issues you want to discuss with your therapist. Write down topics you’d like to cover and questions you have. Also, make notes if there are new symptoms or a change in your previous symptoms.

Consider Your Beliefs: Take some time to think about any religious or cultural beliefs that may affect your choice of treatment plans. These beliefs shape many of our thoughts about sex and sexual identity. So talking about them with your therapist will inform the types of treatment they recommend.

Your Sex Therapist may ask you to keep a journal diary as part of your treatment plan. This helps to identify patterns and gain insight into possible triggers that can be avoided.

Improve communication in your next session

Your therapist wants you to reach your treatment goals. And having clear communication will allow you to work together effectively.

If there’s something you don’t understand or are not comfortable with – feel free to tell your therapist. Many Sex Therapists will give you things to work on at home. So understanding how to do the exercises and why they help is an integral part of the equation.

For instance, I record videos with instructions for my clients to watch so they can refer to it later. This also helps us use the time in session to apply the work to their specific needs.

When a particular piece of your treatment plan isn’t working – or is even making things worse – your therapist needs to know so they can help. Explaining how you feel calmly and respectfully  enables you to find solutions.

Giving feedback on things that are working and ways you experience symptom relief is very constructive. Your Sex Therapist will take this information and use it to shape future treatment plans for your specific needs.

How to get started

Working with a Sex Therapist is a great way to improve your sexual health. If you’re experiencing issues with sex, they have specialized training to help you find relief.

Many people work with a Sex Therapist to get more in touch with their sexuality or feel better connected to their partner. Enjoying more satisfying and pleasurable intimacy is possible. And I’d love to show you how. Check out my website to get started today.