Sexual issues
At some point in time, many of us will experience a sexual problem which can make us feel awkward or even embarrassed. To complicate things, many of us do not know how to talk about sex. This can make the sexual difficulty worse, because not talking about things can make us feel alone and isolated with the problem.
This section describes some of the more common sexual difficulties that we can struggle with. In each topic, we provide some ideas for managing your sexual difficulty and improving your sexual wellbeing. We also provide a variety of self-help strategies, with links to organisations, helpful books and websites.
You may want to discuss your sexual difficulty with a medical doctor, if you believe it may be related to a physical condition. However, most sexual problems have a psychological component. Talking with a psychologist, health advisor or psychosexual counsellor may be a good first step to understanding your situation and improving your sexual wellbeing.
We have information on common sexual issues, find out more about possible causes and things that can help:
- For people with a vulva
- Sexual arousal
- Painful sex (vaginismus)
- Painful sex (vulvodynia)
- Vulval care
- For people with a penis
- Erectile difficulties
- Rapid and delayed ejaculation
- For everyone
- Low libido (sex drive)
- Adjustment to STIs
- Barriers to condom use
Why choose us
We understand that it can be difficult to talk about sexual matters as they are both personal and sensitive issues. Some people may feel embarrassed, anxious or ashamed of their sexual problems. Our psychology staff members have many years of experience with specialist training in talking about sex, sexual health and sexuality.
We aim to provide a service that is respectful of individual lifestyles and choices. We are sensitive, aware and responsive to a variety of social, religious and cultural issues that can impact on sexual health and wellbeing.
Watch our videos
We have created a number of videos describing several psychological services available at All East, and common sexual issues for people with a penis and people with a vulva.
- An introduction to the female sexual wellbeing joint clinic
- An introduction to psychological therapy at Barts Health HIV services
- Painful sex
- Menopause for Tower Hamlets
- Erectile dysfunction
- Rapid ejaculation
- Chemsex
- Difficulties in sexual response: desire, arousal and orgasms
- Negotiating the sex you want
- Sex after sexual violence
- Sharing sensitive information with a partner
- Body shame and sex
Making a referral
The service is available for residents of Tower Hamlets, Newham and Waltham Forest. You can make a self-referral by contacting us using the details below or ask for a referral through your GP, Barts Health specialist, or sexual health service clinician. Alternatively, you can make a referral by talking to a member of All East.
You can refer to us:
- By email
- By phone: 0207 377 7307
To make a referral to our female sexual wellbeing joint clinic please call 0207 377 7306 or 0207 377 7307 or you can self-refer by emailing us.
If you receive medical care at one of the Barts Health HIV services you can speak to a member of your HIV team about our psychological service or email us.
Information for professionals
Referrals from GPs based in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Waltham Forest are accepted.
We also accept referrals from other services in Barts Health NHS Trust (such as fertility, women’s health and urology).
For referrals from professionals please contact us by email so we can send you a referral form, which will assist us in reviewing your request for our service.