The table below describes common sexual concerns that you may experience, along with possible causes, solutions, and the types of providers who can help.

We have laid out these concerns based on whether you have a vagina/vulva or penis. We do this because the treatments, resources, and the types of providers who respond to these concerns are typically recommended based on gender and/or anatomy. For each concern, you can click on the hyperlink which will direct you to more detailed information and resources. You can visit the "Resources to Learn More" and "Glossary of Terms" sections under the "To Learn More" tab to get more detailed resources or learn more about terms you may be unfamiliar with.

Concern: Decreased Desire and Sex Drive

Possible Causes

  • Miscommunication with partner(s)
  • Mismatched sex drives, boredom with sex life
  • Relationship problems
  • Anxiety, depression, and stress
  • Certain medications
  • Fatigue 
  • Past or present trauma
  • Lifestyle factors such as alcohol use and drug use
  • Low testosterone
  • Medical diseases and conditions
  • Surgery

Possible Solutions

  • Improved communication with Partner(s)
  • Self-exploration and masturbation
  • Trying new sexual activities with partner(s)
  • Various types of therapy
  • Hormone therapy

Types of Providers

  • Sex Therapist
  • Primary Care Provider
  • Urologist
  • Other Therapist or Counselor
  • Substance Abuse Specialist

Concern: Erectile Dysfunction

Possible Causes

  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Anxiety, stress, and depression
  • Certain medications
  • Past or present trauma
  • Neurological disorders
  • Vascular disease

Possible Solutions

  • Oral medications (Adcrica, Cialis, Levitra, Staxyn, Stendra, or Viagra)
  • Penile implant
  • Penile injections (Caverject, Edex, or Prostin VR)
  • Therapy
  • Vacuum devices

Types of Providers

  • Primary Care Provider
  • Urologist
  • Sex Therapist
  • General Therapist

 

Concern: Premature Ejaculation

Possible Causes

  • Relationship problems
  • Anxiety, stress, and depression
  • Extra-sensitive penis
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Performance anxiety 
  • Underlying ED diagnosis

Possible Solutions

Types of Providers

  • Primary Care Provider
  • Urologist
  • Sex Therapist

 

Concern: Delayed or Inhibited Ejaculation

Possible Causes

  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Anxiety, depression, and stress
  • Certain medications
  • Fatigue
  • Hormone-related conditions
  • Lack of sexual desire
  • Performance anxiety

Possible Solutions

*there are no specific medications that are used to address delayed ejaculation, but some anti-anxiety medications, such as Buspirone, have shown some success in addressing the concern.

Types of Providers

  • Sex Therapist
  • Other Therapist
  • Urologist
  • Primary Care Provider (for medicated assistance)