Sexual Health: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Sexual Health?
A primary care doctor is a good first stop for sexual health questions. You may also see a gynecologist, a doctor for the female reproductive system, or a urologist, a doctor for the urinary system and male sexual problems. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is sexual health?
Sexual health is well-being of the body, mind and social life when it comes to sexuality. It is not just the absence of disease. It needs a respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships. It also means the chance to have safe and pleasurable sexual experiences, free of pressure, unfair treatment and violence.
Sexual health covers many topics. These include sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual expression, relationships and pleasure. Problems can include HIV and other infections spread by sex. They can also include unplanned pregnancy, trouble with sexual function, and sexual violence.
Symptoms
Below, we cover sexual problems in women. For men, we cover erectile dysfunction.
Problems that can keep a woman from enjoying sex include:
- Lack of sexual desire.
- Inability to become aroused.
- Lack of orgasm, or sexual climax.
- Painful intercourse.
Men may have erectile dysfunction (ED). This means trouble getting and keeping an erection.
Causes and who gets it
In women, sexual problems may have causes in the body or the mind. Causes in the body may include diabetes, heart disease, nerve problems, or hormone problems. Some drugs can also affect desire and function. Causes in the mind may include work stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship worries. For some women, the problem results from past sexual trauma.
In men, smoking is linked to heart and blood vessel disease, which can lead to ED. Diabetes and high blood pressure can also cause ED. Sometimes a medicine for another health problem is the cause.
Sexual health also depends on good information and access to sexual health care. It also depends on knowing the risks of sex without protection.
How doctors diagnose it
Sexual problems may have causes in the body or the mind. A doctor may look at both. For ED, a health care professional may review your medicines to see if one is causing it. Do not stop taking any medicines on your own. Talk with your provider first.
Treatment
For ED, health care professionals treat the underlying cause when possible. Your provider may suggest changes to daily habits, such as:
- Quitting smoking.
- Limiting or stopping alcohol.
- Being more physically active.
- Keeping a healthy body weight and following a healthy eating plan.
Counseling may help if emotional issues are affecting ED. Counselors can help you lower anxiety and stress about sex. Some pills improve blood flow to the penis. They may help a man get and keep an erection. These medicines can have side effects. One is an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours. Another is vision or hearing loss. Most people with ED do not need surgery.
When to see a doctor
In women, occasional problems with sexual function are common. If problems last more than a few months or cause distress for you or your partner, see your health care provider. If an ED medicine causes an erection lasting over 4 hours, or vision or hearing loss, call your provider right away. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, severe belly pain, or bleeding that will not stop.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can talk through your concerns and review the medicines you take. They can also refer you to a specialist when needed.
Common questions
What does sexual health mean?
Sexual health means well-being of the body, mind and social life in relation to sexuality, not only having no disease.
Are occasional sexual problems normal?
Yes, occasional problems with sexual function are common in women. See your health care provider if they last more than a few months or cause distress for you or your partner.
Can stress or mood affect sex?
Yes, stress, anxiety and depression can affect sex in women. For men with ED, counseling can help lower anxiety and stress about sex.
Can medicines affect sexual function?
Yes, in women, some drugs can affect desire and function. For ED, a provider may check if a medicine you take is the cause. Do not stop any medicine on your own.
Can lifestyle changes help with erectile dysfunction?
Yes, lifestyle changes may help improve ED symptoms. Examples include quitting smoking, drinking less alcohol, being more active, and keeping a healthy weight.
Sources
- World Health Organization - Sexual health
- MedlinePlus - Sexual Problems in Women
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
