dranupdhir@hotmail.com 
In an ideal world, talking about sexual health would be as normal as discussing diet or exercise. But in reality, it's a topic often met with silence, leading many people to feel isolated about their concerns. Here’s the most important truth: sexual health is a vital part of your overall physical and mental well-being.
Experiencing a challenge in your sex life is extremely common, and it’s not something you simply have to "live with." A sexologist is a medical specialist trained
in Sexology and Sexual Medicine , who can diagnose and treat the physical, mental and emotional factors that affect your sexual wellness.
But how do you know if your problem is "serious enough" to seek help? If you're wondering whether it's time to consult a Sexologist in Delhi , here are five key signs to look for.
1. You're Experiencing Persistent Physical Challenges
This is one of the most prevalent reasons people seek help. For men, this typically looks like:
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Erectile Dysfunction (ED):The chronic inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
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Premature Ejaculation (PE):Ejaculating on a regular basis sooner than you or your partner would like.
For women, this can look like a Chronic inability to become aroused or reach orgasm despite appropriate stimulation.
It's important to keep in mind that a one-off or "off night" is completely normal. A sexologist is most concerned with chronic patterns. These types of problems are often symptoms of an underlying medical issue, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or hormones -- again, an expert can investigate and determine whether or not that is the case.
2. Your 'Sex Drive' Has Changed Dramatically
Your libido is not a constant number; it will naturally rise and fall with inopportune stressors, your age, and experiences in your life. However, an abrupt or long-lasting change in your libido can be seen as a signal that something else is going on.
This may mean experiencing a lower than normal sex drive (Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder), or in other instances, an unmanageable uncomfortably high sex drive. A sexologist will help determine what's at play; whether it is hormonal (like low testosterone), side effects of medication, or mental health factors (like depression or stress).
3. Sex Has Become Painful or Uncomfortable
This is an obvious and non-negotiable indication that it is time to see a medical professional. Sex should not be painful. If you are experiencing pain before, during, or after sexual intercourse (a condition called dyspareunia), that is your body informing you something is wrong. For women, this can occur from vaginal dryness, infections, or a condition called Vaginismus (involuntary muscle spasms). For men, pain can be caused by an infection or other physical issues. If you do not get help for pain, it can escalate, and you may begin to fear and avoid intimacy.
4. Anxiety or Mental Blocks Are Getting in the Way
The brain is the sex organ par excellence. You can be in great physical health, but when your mind is occupied, it is nearly impossible to be present and experience intimacy. Psychological challenges include:
- Performance Anxiety: Being overly consumed with "performing" to the point you cannot. Sometimes causing a self-fulfilling prophecy.
- Body Image Issues: Feeling insecure about your body can prevent you from having an emotional or physical connection.
- Stress or Distraction: If your mind is racing through to-do lists, or worrying about work, you cannot be in the moment.
- Past Trauma: Experiencing something negative in the past can lead to deep-seated resistance to intimacy.
A mental health professional in this specialty area, usually called a sex therapist, can help manage anxiety and create a more positive connection to sex.
5. It's Causing Distress or Relationship Strain
The biggest indication might be how the situation is impacting you and your partnership—is either of you feeling upset, disconnected, or rejected? Have you or your partner adopted an avoidance strategy, avoiding connection completely to avoid possible disappointment?
Even mismatched libidos (when one person naturally has a higher/lesser sex drive than their partner) can cause significant issues in the relationship. Good sex is nearly always a prerequisite for a healthy relationship. A third party (sex or couples therapist) can remain neutral while being able to provide you and your partner a method to communicate your personal desires and develop a solution together.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
The prospect of a "sexologist" can induce anxiety, but understand that you are essentially having a private medical appointment in a confidential consultation. A good doctor will:
- Hear you out in a private, non-judgmental space.
- Take in-depth medical history to investigate your physical health, medications, and lifestyle.
- If appropriate, check hormone levels or other physical causes with tests;
- Review physically-appropriate treatment options, including medication, lifestyle changes, provision of counselling.
Remember, you do not have to take this journey alone. When you find the Best Sexologist in Delhi you will also find someone you can trust to navigate this concern with professionalism, and compassion.
Dr Anup Dhir is a specialist in men's and women's sexual health, who will provide you with professional care in a confidential and safe environment. If any of these are of concern, please contact us to arrange for your private consultation.
