Role of a Psychosexual Medicine Specialist at Artemis Hospital
At Artemis Hospitals, our psychosexual wellness specialists take a holistic approach to sexual health, addressing both physical and emotional factors. During your visit, our doctors use simple questionnaires, may carry out a basic examination or recommend lab tests such as hormone levels, etc., if needed. These assessments help us understand whether your concern is medical, psychological, or a combination of both.
Once the evaluation is complete, our specialists explain the possible causes, outline suitable treatment options, and set realistic timelines for recovery, ensuring you feel informed, supported, and cared for throughout your journey. Our specialists work in collaboration with other medical experts from different specialities, including urologists, gynaecologists, endocrinologists, and psychiatrists. Here are some areas of focus catered by our psychosexual medicine specialist:
Assessment & Diagnosis
The first step in treatment is a thorough evaluation. A psychosexual specialist will conduct a detailed sexual and psychosocial history, whether for an individual or a couple. Key aspects include:
- Relationship Dynamics: It is important to understand how relationship patterns affect sexual health. Our specialists explore communication issues, mismatched sexual expectations, past traumas, and the influence of cultural or religious beliefs, helping couples gain insight into their emotional and sexual connection.
- Preliminary Assessment: The psychosexual specialist conducts in-depth evaluations to identify any underlying psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or chronic stress, pornography addiction & Dhat Syndrome. These factors often contribute significantly to sexual dysfunction and require integrated psychological support.
- Medical Evaluation: Sexual health can be influenced by medical conditions such as hormonal imbalances, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, or neurological disorders. The specialist works with other doctors to rule out or address any organic causes affecting sexual functioning.
Management of Sexual Dysfunctions
Sexual dysfunctions can occur in both men and women, and often have an emotional or psychological component. At Artemis Hospital, we address common concerns like:
In Men:
Men may experience a range of sexual issues like erectile dysfunction, premature or delayed ejaculation, low libido, or pornography addiction. Our specialists address both the emotional triggers and behavioral patterns contributing to these challenges.
- Sexual performance anxiety: Many men experience pressure to “perform,” which can lead to stress, reduced confidence, and difficulty maintaining intimacy. We provide counseling and treatment to address these psychological barriers.
- Pornography Addiction: Regular exposure can create unrealistic expectations, impacting real relationships. Our specialists guide men in developing healthier perspectives.
- Nocturnal emissions, Myths: Nightfall is a natural process. Misconceptions around nightfall emissions often cause unnecessary anxiety. We educate patients, dispel myths such as Dhat Syndrome and offer reassurance or treatment when needed.
In Women:
Women’s sexual dysfunctions often include
- Low desire
- Difficulty with arousal or orgasm
- Vaginismus
- Trauma-related sexual concerns
Treatment focuses on emotional healing, body awareness, and improving self-esteem and communication with their partners.
In Couples:
Sexual issues between partners can strain relationships, such as:
- Mismatched libido
- Infertility stress
- Postpartum
- Menopausal changes
Therapy helps couples rebuild trust, communicate more openly, and re-establish intimacy at their own pace.
Therapeutic Approaches
Our psychosexual medicine specialists use a variety of therapeutic approaches personalised to individual needs. Some of the most effective methods include:
Educating individuals or couples about normal sexual responses helps reduce anxiety and dispel common myths. This empowers patients with accurate knowledge and helps reframe unrealistic expectations around sexuality and performance.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps identify and replace negative thoughts or beliefs related to sex, such as guilt, fear of failure, or body image concerns. It is especially useful for addressing performance anxiety and enhancing sexual confidence.
This structured, touch-based therapy is designed to rebuild physical intimacy without pressure. By focusing on sensations and emotional connection, couples can reduce performance pressure and increase sexual satisfaction over time.
Relationship counselling helps partners explore emotional and sexual concerns together. Techniques include communication skills training, conflict resolution, and scheduling time for physical and emotional closeness to strengthen intimacy.
- Mindfulness-Based Sexual Therapy
Mindfulness techniques teach individuals and couples to stay present and engaged during intimacy. This approach can help reduce distractions, anxiety, and self-judgment, ultimately enhancing sexual connection and pleasure.
- Pharmacological Adjuncts: (when are drugs or medication required)
In certain cases, medications may be used to complement psychological therapies, such as for psychiatric comorbidities or erectile dysfunction.
Integrated Support for Complex Sexual Health Needs
Our psychosexual specialists also collaborate with medical experts to offer comprehensive support for various conditions:
Couples undergoing fertility treatments often experience emotional distress and strain on their intimate lives. Our specialists provide supportive counselling to manage the psychological impact and maintain a healthy sexual relationship during this time.
Post-Surgical or Post-Cancer Rehabilitation
Sexual function can be affected by surgeries or treatments for cancer. The psychosexual team supports patients through rehabilitation by addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery, including body image and partner communication.
Transgender individuals may face unique psychosexual challenges related to identity, transition, and societal acceptance. Our specialists provide affirming care to support sexual well-being through every stage of gender transition, right from the consultation. throughout the counselling
Managing Compulsive Sexual Behaviour
We offer structured therapy for individuals struggling with compulsive sexual behaviour, often rooted in emotional dysregulation or past trauma. The focus is on understanding triggers, building healthier coping strategies, and restoring balance.
When Should You See a Psychosexual Medicine Specialist?
Sexual health concerns can significantly affect your emotional well-being, relationships, and quality of life. It's important to seek medical consultation in case sexual difficulties persist or cause distress.
If the following issues persist for more than 3–6 months and/or start affecting your self-esteem, mental health, or relationships, it is important to consult a psychosexual medicine expert. We encourage individuals to reach out if they experience:
1. Persistent Problems with Sexual Function
- In Men: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection (Erectile Dysfunction), premature ejaculation, reduced sexual interest, or pain during or after sexual activity.
- In Women: Low sexual desire, difficulty with arousal or orgasm, painful intercourse (dyspareunia), or involuntary vaginal tightening (vaginismus).
2. Relationship Strain Due to Sexual Issues
It is important to address challenges to help individuals overcome psychological barriers, rebuild confidence, and develop healthier sexual relationships. Challenges such as:
- Performance anxiety
- Guilt or shame linked to sexual activity
- Recovery after trauma or abuse
- Intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviours
3. Psychological or Emotional Concerns
- Anxiety and depression
- Low self-esteem
- Emotional stress
4. Sexuality Affected by Medical Conditions
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Hormonal disorders
- Side effects of cancer treatment that impact sexual health
5. Navigating Life Transitions
Concerns during major life transitions, such as:
- Pre or post-marital counselling
- Navigating long-distance relationships
6. Role of the Psychosexual Expert in Addressing Gender Concerns
Our team at Artemis Hospitals ensures a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental approach to managing sexual health concerns. We also offer online consultation with our psychosexual experts to avoid any hassle.
Before you visit the doctor for consultation, bring:
- A list of your current medications
- Any recent medical reports
- Consider bringing your partner; while optional, their presence can be helpful.
Most importantly, keep an open mind; psychosexual concerns are common, and in most cases, we can treat them effectively with the right approach.
Do All Sexual Health Issues Require Medical Treatment?
Not all sexual health issues need medication or medical procedures. Many concerns can be effectively addressed through education, lifestyle modifications, or psychological therapy. At Artemis Hospital, we prioritise non-medical treatments first unless a physical condition is identified.
Common Concerns That Don’t Require Medical Treatment
Issue | Description/Causes | Common Solutions/Treatments |
Performance Anxiety | Often stems from anxiety and lack of confidence during sexual activity. | Sex therapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Techniques), relaxation methods, and mindfulness practices. |
Mismatched Libido | Caused by differences in sexual desire, often due to stress, fatigue, or relationship problems. | Counselling, improved communication, and lifestyle adjustments. |
Myths or Misinformation | Sexual concerns may arise from false beliefs or a lack of education. | Accurate information and guidance, usually, no medical treatment is needed. |
Nocturnal Emissions | Also known as "nightfall," a normal physiological process that can cause unnecessary worry. | Psychosexual counselling to address myths and reduce anxiety. |
Vaginismus | Involuntary tightening of vaginal muscles, often due to psychological or physical causes. | Pelvic floor physiotherapy, desensitization exercises, professional guidance, no medication. |
Postpartum Intimacy Issues | Changes in intimacy after childbirth, often due to physical recovery or emotional adjustments. | Gradual intimacy-building exercises, open communication, and supportive counselling. |
Conditions That Require Medical Treatment
Issue | Description / Causes | Common Solutions / Treatments |
Erectile Dysfunction | It may result from diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or hormonal imbalances. | Often treated with a combination of medical interventions and therapy. |
Hormone Imbalances | Involves abnormal levels of testosterone, estrogen, or prolactin, affecting sexual function. | Evaluated and treated with hormone replacement therapy when appropriate. |
Severe Pain | Ongoing pain during intercourse, possibly due to endometriosis, infections, or pelvic organ prolapse. | May require medical diagnosis, treatment, or surgical intervention. |
Sexual Dysfunction Post-Surgery | Caused by cancer treatment, pelvic surgeries, certain medications, or previous surgical trauma. | Managed with medical rehabilitation combined with psychosexual therapy. |
Structural or Nerve-Related Conditions | Includes conditions like Peyronie’s disease, nerve damage, or severe pelvic organ prolapse affecting sexual function. | Typically, medical or surgical solutions are needed based on the specific condition. |
Artemis Hospitals offers an integrated approach combining non-medical therapies and medical interventions, ensuring optimal care and long-term results.
Dhat Syndrome and Its Impact on Psychosexual Wellness
Dhat Syndrome is a condition where men, particularly in South Asian cultures, experience anxiety over the perceived loss of semen, often seen as a vital energy. This belief leads to feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-worth, which can interfere with sexual health and intimacy.
The fear of semen loss may cause men to avoid sexual activity or become preoccupied with their performance, increasing stress and potentially leading to sexual dysfunction. Treatment typically involves psychosexual therapy and education to address misconceptions, reduce anxiety, and promote healthier sexual attitudes.
Psychological Impact of Stress and Mental Health on Sexual Health
Doctors often associate stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions with sexual dysfunction. Stress can trigger the body's "fight or flight" response, which affects sexual arousal and performance.
Stress disrupts sexual wellness through both body and mind. It alters blood flow, hormones, and sleep, while also amplifying psychological challenges like anxiety, depression, and trauma. Psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, and trauma can further worsen these issues. Effective psychosexual care addresses both these dimensions to restore intimacy and confidence.
How Stress Affects Sexual Function?
Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, reducing testosterone in men and disrupting estrogen and progesterone levels in women.
Conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD can create a negative feedback loop, where worry about performance leads to increased stress and further dysfunction.
Constantly worrying about sexual performance leads to overthinking and self-monitoring, which interrupts natural arousal. This cycle of stress often reduces pleasure and creates avoidance of intimacy.
Low mood, fatigue, and loss of motivation can directly impact sexual desire. People with depression may struggle to feel pleasure, leading to reduced intimacy and emotional connection.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Persistent worry and hypervigilance make it hard to relax during intimacy. This constant tension interferes with arousal and can weaken sexual satisfaction.
Negative self-perception about one’s body often causes shame or insecurity. This may lead to avoiding sexual activity, reducing confidence, and straining relationships.
Obsessive Compulsive Tendencies
Obsessive-compulsive tendencies can significantly impact psychosexual wellness, leading to an over-focus on sexual "performance" and a loss of spontaneity. Therapy, especially cognitive-behavioural approaches, can help manage these compulsive thoughts and reduce their negative impact on relationships.
Past traumatic experiences can trigger flashbacks or fear during intimacy. Survivors may emotionally withdraw, making it difficult to feel safe and connected in sexual relationships.
Treatment Strategies For Sexual Dysfunction at Artemis Hospital
- Mindfulness & Relaxation: We use mindfulness techniques and guided relaxation to help reduce anxiety, improve focus, and enhance presence during intimate moments.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns, self-doubt, and performance-related fears that interfere with healthy sexual function.
- Couple Communication: Strengthening communication between partners is essential for rebuilding trust, resolving conflict, and improving overall intimacy in the relationship.
Our patients experience improved sexual health simply by addressing the mental health aspects of their condition, often without the need for medication.
Comprehensive Care for Men and Women
Artemis Hospitals provides personalised care for both men and women by recognising sexual dysfunction, which can arise from physical, emotional, or relational causes. Our psychosexual specialists work in an interdisciplinary team with gynaecologists, urologists, endocrinologists, and mental health experts to deliver holistic treatment tailored to each individual’s needs.
Specialised Treatments for Men
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Treatments: We offer a combination of lifestyle counselling, psychological therapy & medications (such as PDE5 inhibitors), if required to address both physical and emotional causes of ED.
- Premature Ejaculation (PE): PE is managed using cognitive therapy, relaxation techniques, and behavioural strategies to improve ejaculatory control and reduce anxiety.
Specialized Treatments for Women
- Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD): This condition is treated through a blend of counselling, hormonal evaluations, and cognitive therapy to restore sexual interest and emotional intimacy.
- Arousal Disorders & Orgasmic Difficulties: Treatment includes sensate focus therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and lifestyle changes to enhance arousal and sexual satisfaction.
Couples Therapy
Many sexual health concerns arise within the context of a relationship. Our specialists guide couples through challenges such as mismatched libido, intimacy issues after childbirth, and sexual stress related to infertility, helping them reconnect both emotionally and physically.
What to Expect During Your First Visit with a Psychosexual Specialist?
At Artemis Hospital, we understand how sensitive sexual health concerns can be. All consultations with our specialists are confidential and conducted in a non-judgmental, supportive environment. Here is what to expect during your first visit:
○ List of current medications
○ Recent medical reports (if available)
○ Your partner (optional, but can be helpful)
○ An open mind that sexual health is treatable in most cases
○ We explain possible causes of your sexual health concern.
○ We discuss medical, psychological, or combined treatment options.
○ We set realistic timelines for improvement so you know what to expect.
Confidential and Comfortable Setting
Your visit will be conducted in a private, comfortable environment. You may choose to attend alone or bring your partner.
Comprehensive History Taking
We will take a detailed medical, sexual, and psychological history to understand the root cause of your concerns.
Assessment and Treatment Plan
Based on your concerns, we may conduct a physical examination, lab tests, and discuss potential treatment options, whether medical, psychological, or a combination of both.
A personalised treatment plan will be designed, which may include counselling, lifestyle changes, medications, or referrals to other specialists.
Artemis Hospitals Offers Private Consultations By Experienced Doctors For All Psychosexual Concerns
Artemis Hospitals understands that the concerns related to sexual health and intimacy are deeply personal and often sensitive to discuss. That’s why we offer private, online as well as one-on-one consultations with highly experienced doctors who specialise in psychosexual medicine.
Our team is trained to handle a wide range of issues, whether they stem from emotional, psychological, medical, or relationship-related factors. From concerns like erectile dysfunction, low libido, and orgasmic difficulties, to complex challenges such as vaginismus, sexual trauma, or intimacy issues after childbirth, we ensure that every patient receives confidential, respectful, and non-judgmental care.
All the consultations are conducted in a safe and secure environment, with complete discretion. Our goal is to help individuals and couples restore healthy sexual function and emotional connection through a combination of counselling, therapy, lifestyle guidance, and medical treatment where needed.
If you're struggling with a psychosexual concern, you don’t have to face it alone. Book a private consultation at Artemis Hospitals and take the first step toward improved sexual well-being and relationship health.
Reviewed By Dr. Sarabpreet Singh
Head - Clinical Embryology & Andrology
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is psychosexual medicine?
Psychosexual medicine is a medical speciality that addresses the psychological, emotional, and physical aspects of sexual health. It focuses on treating sexual dysfunctions through counselling, therapy, and, when needed, medical interventions.
When should I see a psychosexual medicine specialist?
You should consider seeing a specialist if you're experiencing ongoing sexual difficulties such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, painful intercourse, or intimacy issues that affect your well-being or relationships.
Where can I find treatment for sexual dysfunction near me?
Artemis Hospitals provides a dedicated team of experts in sexual dysfunctions, including therapy for individuals and couples. Our team includes experts in psychosexual medicine, urology, gynecology and endocrinology. We help manage sexual dysfunction with a treatment modality such as counselling.
Can I get treatment for relationship and intimacy issues near me?
Yes, at Artemis Hospital, our psychosexual specialists work with couples to address relationship-based sexual concerns such as mismatched libido, communication barriers, or post-childbirth intimacy issues.
Can sexual problems be treated without medication?
Yes, many sexual health issues can be managed through psychological therapies, education, and lifestyle changes. Medication is only recommended when a physical or hormonal cause is identified.
How is erectile dysfunction (ED) treated in psychosexual medicine?
Treatment may involve counselling for performance anxiety, medication like PDE5 inhibitors, and lifestyle changes such as managing stress, improving sleep, and reducing addictions such as alcohol intake that can exacerbate erectile dysfunction.
What causes low sexual desire in women?
Low sexual desire can be caused by stress, hormonal changes, relationship issues, trauma, or mental health concerns. A psychosexual specialist will assess the root cause and customise the treatment accordingly.
Can sexual dysfunctions due to relationship issues be cured?
Yes, sexual dysfunctions caused by relationship issues can often be improved or resolved with proper communication, counselling, and therapy. Addressing emotional and relational conflicts is key to restoring intimacy and sexual function.
Is psychosexual medicine only for people with medical conditions?
No, psychosexual medicine is for anyone facing sexual or intimacy-related challenges, regardless of physical health status. Many concerns are rooted in emotional or relationship factors and can be resolved without medication.
Is there a psychosexual medicine specialist near me in Gurgaon?
Yes, Artemis Hospital in Gurgaon offers psychosexual medicine services through a team of trained specialists. We provide confidential, evidence-based treatment customised to your needs.
Can psychosexual therapy help after cancer treatment or surgery?
Yes, psychosexual therapy can support individuals in regaining sexual confidence and function after treatments like chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Emotional support and physical rehabilitation are part of the process.
