Have you heard of clinical sexology? Have you been referred to a clinical sexologist and aren’t quite sure what to expect? 

Dr Angela Wright, clinical sexologist at The Wilmslow Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, explains exactly what a clinical sexologist does and what to expect from your first appointment.

“At its core, as humans we want to be able to love and connect with another human, and sex is a fundamental part of that for many of us. Being able to support people with their sexuality is very rewarding; I can provide a safe, judgment-free space where people can discuss their issues and receive treatment tailored to their unique needs.”

What does a clinical sexologist do?

As a clinical sexologist I specialise in sexual function, sexuality and sexual identity. In the context of my work, ‘sexuality’ is a term used to describe the human expression of sexual behavior, as opposed to sexual orientation, like gay, lesbian, bisexual etc.

My role is to help individuals and couples navigate their sexual concerns, which can include problems like erectile dysfunction, loss of sexual desire, pain during sex, difficulty climaxing, changes in body image and performance anxiety. Beyond these more common concerns, I provide specialist support for people who are recovering from cancer and women who have recently given birth, or are in or beyond the menopause.

Is it normal to feel nervous about seeing a sexologist?

Yes, many people feel nervous or even embarrassed at the thought of discussing sexuality with a professional. However, once they take that first step, they often find it liberating. Everyone I have ever spoken to has said they didn’t realise how easy it would be to talk about this. The first time I meet a new patient I assure them that this is what I do day in and day out, and have done for a long time. There isn’t anything they can say that will shock or surprise me. It’s a cliché but I really have seen and heard it all. My goal is to make them feel comfortable and understood from the moment they walk through the door.

At some point in our lives, most human beings are going to have some sort of challenge with sex. Sexuality is a natural and important part of our lives and addressing concerns can lead to significant improvements in overall wellbeing.

What happens at the first appointment?

The first visit is about getting to know each other. We discuss what brought them in, and I explain the process and what to expect going forward. It’s a collaborative conversation and I tailor the approach based on what the person is comfortable with. There’s no one-size-fits-all method, every individual and couple is different. 

As clinical sexologists we look at things through a biopsychosocial lens. What this means in simple terms is that there can be multiple factors at play; ‘bio’ relates to what is happening in your body – your physical symptoms, ‘psycho’ is what’s happening in your mind and ‘social’ relates to what’s happening in your life, in your world and in your relationships. 

We will explore all of these different aspects together; it’s a jigsaw puzzle of all the component pieces that are causing this problem. Once the whole picture is established, we can start thinking about the best treatment approach, be that medicine, talking therapy or a combination of therapies. 

To arrange an appointment with Dr Angela Wright or to find out more about our services: 

Call: 0333 060 3706. Alternatively, you can contact us by email at Email: appointmentswilmslow@hcahealthcare.co.uk