Sexual function assessment & treatment
Sexual Function Assessment & Treatment for Desire, Arousal, Comfort, Sensation & Orgasm Concerns
Quick answer
Sexual dysfunction is an umbrella term for difficulties with desire, arousal, orgasm or sexual comfort that cause distress. It can be linked to menopause, dryness, pain, medication, stress, trauma, pelvic floor tension, relationship factors or medical conditions. We assess the full picture before recommending any treatment.
Changes in sexual function are common, but that does not mean they are unimportant. Some women describe low desire. Others feel that their mind is willing but their body is slow to respond. Some avoid intimacy because of pain, dryness, loss of sensation or fear that things will hurt.
Sexual function is rarely just a “body problem” or just a “mind problem”. Hormones, tissue comfort, pelvic floor tone, medication, stress, safety, past experiences, fatigue, relationship dynamics and body confidence can all interact.
Our role is to help identify the main drivers and explain options honestly. Depending on assessment, your plan may involve moisturisers, lubricants, hormonal support, pelvic floor therapy, psychosexual support, medication review, Laser, RF, PRP or other treatments where clinically appropriate.
Educational only. Not a diagnosis or guarantee of outcome. Sexual concerns are assessed individually. Results vary and emerging procedures are discussed with clear evidence and safety counselling.
At a glance
A clear overview of how we approach sexual function concerns without over-promising or pushing one treatment.
Common concerns
Low desire, arousal difficulty, dryness, pain, reduced sensation or orgasm difficulty.
Assessment model
Physical, hormonal, psychological, medication-related and relationship factors.
Possible pathways
GSM support, pelvic floor care, medication review, psychosexual support or hormonal discussion.
Clinic options
Laser, RF, PRP or G-shot discussion only where suitable and with clear evidence limits.
Reviews
Experiences shared by women like you
Real feedback from women who felt listened to, supported and cared for throughout their journey.
Fantastic service by everyone. I could talk openly without feeling embarrassed, and everything was explained clearly. The team made me feel so comfortable and at ease.
Finally, a place that explains everything fully. The staff put my mind at ease and I felt listened to, understood, and given sound advice.
Katy went above and beyond making me feel comfortable and making sure I understood everything that was happening and what to expect. Very nice and clean facilities.
Sexual concerns often involve more than one layer
Many women wait a long time before asking for help. These are the kinds of concerns commonly raised in sensitive consultations.
“
I still love my partner, but my desire feels lower and I do not know why.
“
My mind is interested, but my body does not respond the way it used to.
“
Pain, dryness or burning has made intimacy something I worry about.
“
I want to know whether this is hormones, stress, medication, relationship strain or something physical.
These are representative concerns commonly discussed in consultations, not individual verified patient reviews.
Treatment pathway
Assessment first, then the most relevant support pathway
Sexual function concerns may need medical treatment, pelvic floor support, hormonal discussion, psychosexual therapy, medication review or relationship support. Laser, RF, PRP and G-shot are not blanket solutions and are only discussed where the driver fits.
Indicative prices
Treatment prices from
Prices are shown as a broad guide only. Final treatment choice depends on consultation, assessment findings, symptoms, suitability and whether the concern is mainly physical, hormonal, pelvic, psychological or relationship-related.
Free telephone call
Free
Initial discussion and triage.
Nu-V / CO₂ laser
From £599
Selected GSM/tissue cases only.
RF treatment
From £699
Where tissue support is relevant.
PRP / O-Shot
From £1,110
Emerging option; suitability required.
Prices are indicative and subject to change. Treatment planning and suitability are confirmed after consultation and assessment.
Helpful videos on sexual function, intimate comfort and treatment choices
These videos support the page by explaining related symptoms, treatment choices and what to consider before deciding on a pathway.
How do you address changes in sexual response, arousal, and orgasm during m... | WHC Clinical FAQ
Can the O-Shot improve sexual desire? | WHC Clinical FAQ
Does a labial puff procedure affect sexual sensation? | WHC Clinical FAQ
What sexual positions work with lichen sclerosus? | WHC Clinical FAQ
What is the role of psychosexual therapy in addressing menopausal sexual di... | WHC Clinical FAQ
Before treatment, we identify what is actually driving the change
Sexual function is rarely controlled by one switch. Desire, arousal, orgasm and comfort can be affected by hormones, dryness, pain, pelvic floor tension, medication, stress, trauma, fatigue, relationship context and confidence. Assessment helps avoid offering a procedure when another pathway is safer or more relevant.
We review whether the main concern is low desire, arousal difficulty, pain, dryness, loss of sensation, orgasm difficulty, fear of pain, medication side effects, menopause, postpartum change, pelvic floor tension or relationship stress.
Your plan may include moisturisers, lubricants, GSM treatment, hormonal discussion, pelvic floor physiotherapy, psychosexual support, medication review, Laser, RF, PRP or other options where appropriate. Treatment is matched to the driver, not chosen in advance.
Comfort switch
Dryness, pain, GSM, vulval irritation or pelvic floor tension.
Response switch
Arousal, lubrication, sensation, blood flow and orgasmic response.
Safety switch
Stress, trauma history, relationship dynamics, anxiety and emotional safety.
Medical switch
Medication, hormones, health conditions, infection or unexplained bleeding.
How we assess sexual function concerns before recommending treatment
A meaningful plan starts with understanding the pattern. Low desire linked to stress needs a different pathway from pain caused by GSM, medication-related loss of arousal, pelvic floor tension or relationship strain.
The consultation is confidential, consent-led and non-judgemental. You do not need to use perfect medical words. We help translate your experience into a safe plan.
Step 1
Symptom and distress review
We ask what has changed, whether it causes distress, and whether the concern is desire, arousal, sensation, pain, orgasm, avoidance, confidence or a combination.
Step 2
Physical and hormonal context
Menopause, perimenopause, postpartum change, breastfeeding, GSM, dryness, vulval pain, pelvic floor tension, thyroid concerns and other health factors may be relevant.
Step 3
Medication and medical review
Antidepressants, hormonal contraception, blood pressure medication, pain medication, cancer treatment, chronic illness and fatigue can all affect desire or response.
Step 4
Emotional and relationship context
Stress, anxiety, trauma history, body image, relationship changes, communication, grief, burnout and mental load can switch off interest or arousal.
Step 5
Examination where appropriate
If pain, dryness, vulval symptoms or pelvic floor concerns are present, examination may help assess tissue health, tenderness, infection, skin change or muscle tension.
Step 6
Matching support to the driver
We may discuss GSM care, pelvic floor therapy, psychosexual support, medication review, hormonal discussion, Laser, RF or PRP only where they fit the likely driver.
You do not need to know the answer before coming
The purpose of assessment is to work out which layer needs support first
Some women need tissue treatment. Some need pain support. Some need medication review. Some need relationship or psychosexual support. Many need a combination. The goal is to avoid the wrong solution for the wrong problem.
What is sexual dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction is an umbrella term for difficulties with desire, arousal, orgasm or sexual comfort that cause distress. It does not mean there is something “wrong” with you, and it does not always mean you need a medical procedure.
Desire and response vary widely. Some women naturally experience responsive desire, where interest builds once intimacy begins. The key question is whether the change is unwanted, distressing or affecting wellbeing or relationships.
Low desire or arousal difficulty
This may involve reduced sexual interest, difficulty feeling aroused, reduced lubrication, lower sensation or feeling that the body does not respond as expected.
Pain or discomfort
Pain, dryness, burning, vulval sensitivity or pelvic floor tightening can reduce desire naturally. Comfort is often the foundation of any sexual function plan.
Orgasmic difficulty
This may include difficulty reaching orgasm, weaker sensations, delayed orgasm or inability to orgasm despite stimulation. It only becomes a clinical concern if it causes distress.
The three-switch model
Think of satisfying intimacy as needing several switches to be on: the comfort switch, the response switch and the safety switch. If tissue pain, low arousal or emotional safety is switched off, one procedure alone is unlikely to solve the full picture.
Hormonal change
Menopause, perimenopause, postpartum change, breastfeeding or contraception may affect desire, comfort and response.
Medication effects
Some antidepressants, blood pressure medication, pain medication and hormonal treatments may affect sexual response.
Stress and fatigue
Burnout, anxiety, poor sleep, caring roles and mental load can reduce capacity for desire and arousal.
Pain and past experience
Past pain, trauma, difficult birth, surgery or negative experiences can affect safety, trust and physical response.
Why procedure-first care can miss the real issue
Laser, RF, PRP or G-shot-style treatments target physical tissue or injection-based pathways. They do not resolve relationship conflict, trauma, medication effects, psychological stress or pelvic floor guarding unless those issues are addressed as part of a wider plan.
Medical note: new pain, bleeding, discharge, lesions, infection symptoms, severe pelvic pain, trauma-related distress or sudden changes in sexual function should be assessed before elective intimate treatment.
Who may benefit from sexual function assessment and treatment planning?
This pathway is for women who want a sensitive, structured assessment of sexual concerns rather than a quick procedure-led promise.
Menopause and perimenopause
Women experiencing GSM, dryness, discomfort, low desire, reduced arousal or changes in response during midlife or menopause.
Postpartum or breastfeeding changes
Women navigating healing, fatigue, body changes, dryness, pain, birth trauma or reduced desire after pregnancy and birth.
Medication-related changes
Women who suspect antidepressants, hormonal contraception, blood pressure medication or other treatments may be affecting desire or response.
Stress, burnout or anxiety
Women whose sexual interest or arousal feels switched off during periods of high stress, mental load, anxiety or exhaustion.
Pain or history of discomfort
Women who have started avoiding intimacy because of burning, dryness, pelvic pain, vulval sensitivity or fear that sex will hurt.
Relationship transitions
Women navigating new relationships, changing partnership dynamics, empty nest, ageing, body confidence changes or communication difficulties.
Not every plan needs a procedure
The right pathway depends on what is driving the concern
If the main driver is GSM, tissue support may help. If the main driver is trauma, relationship stress or medication, a procedure alone is unlikely to be the answer. Assessment helps decide where to start.
Sexual function treatment options depend on the underlying driver
There is no single treatment that fixes every sexual concern. Low desire, painful intimacy, reduced arousal, orgasm difficulty and loss of sensation may each need a different pathway.
After assessment, options may include GSM care, moisturisers, lubricants, hormonal discussion, pelvic floor support, psychosexual therapy, medication review, Laser, RF, PRP or G-shot discussion only where clinically appropriate.
Moisturisers, lubricants and GSM support
If dryness, friction, burning or GSM is contributing, the first step may include regular moisturisers, better lubricant choices, local tissue care or hormonal discussion where appropriate.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy
If pain, guarding, muscle tightness or fear of penetration is present, pelvic floor physiotherapy may be more relevant than a device treatment. Relaxation may be as important as strengthening.
Psychosexual or relationship support
If anxiety, trauma, relationship strain, body image, stress or emotional safety are central, psychosexual therapy or counselling may be the most appropriate first step or part of a combined plan.
Medication review and hormonal discussion
Antidepressants, hormonal contraception, blood pressure medication, pain medication and menopause-related hormone changes may affect desire or arousal. Changes should be made only with the prescribing clinician.
Nu-V / fractional CO₂ laser
Laser may be discussed where GSM, dryness, tissue fragility or discomfort are important drivers. It is not a guaranteed sexual-function treatment and requires careful evidence and safety counselling.
RF, PRP and G-shot discussion
RF, PRP and G-shot-style treatments are discussed cautiously. Evidence is still emerging, and these options should not be positioned as guaranteed solutions for desire, arousal or orgasm concerns.
Why this balanced approach matters
A tissue treatment may help if tissue change is the main driver. It will not resolve medication effects, trauma, relationship conflict or severe stress on its own. We match the support to the problem.
Sexual function treatment prices
Pricing depends on whether a clinic-based treatment is suitable. Some women need assessment, conservative support, medication review, pelvic floor therapy or psychosexual support rather than a procedure.
Prices below are indicative and subject to change. Final recommendations depend on consultation, assessment findings, symptoms, medical history, suitability and goals. Please also refer to our latest pricing page.
Before choosing treatment
The safest plan may not involve a paid procedure
If the main driver is medication, relationship distress, pelvic floor tension, trauma, untreated infection or severe stress, we will explain why a device or injection is not the right first step.
Nu-V / fractional CO₂ laser
Nu-V laser may be discussed where GSM, dryness, pain or tissue change is contributing to sexual discomfort or reduced response.
Nurse-led single session
£599
Indicative single-session price.
Doctor-led single session
£799
Indicative single-session price.
Nurse-led course of 3
£1,200
Indicative course pricing.
Doctor-led course of 3
£1,800
Indicative course pricing.
Radiofrequency treatment
£699
Single session
£2,300
Course of 4
PRP / O-Shot option
£1,110
Standalone session
£995
Per session in course of 3
G-shot discussion
Quoted after assessment only. Discussed with caution due to limited evidence and individual anatomical variation.
Prices are indicative and may be updated. Final treatment planning and suitability are confirmed after consultation and assessment. Please refer to the latest WHC pricing page for current pricing.
Sexual function treatment safety, suitability and reasons to pause
Before any elective intimate treatment, we check for medical concerns that should be assessed or treated first. Safety, consent and realistic expectations are central.
Some concerns require GP, specialist, psychosexual, pelvic floor or safeguarding support before any procedure is discussed.
When we do not proceed on the day
Active infection or outbreak
Thrush, BV, UTI, pelvic infection, active herpes or unexplained inflammation should be assessed and treated first.
Undiagnosed bleeding or new lesions
Any unexplained vaginal bleeding, ulcers, lumps, skin change or unusual discharge needs medical review before procedures.
Pregnancy or trying to conceive
Elective intimate procedures are usually deferred in pregnancy or when actively trying to conceive.
Severe distress or trauma symptoms
If the main issue is trauma, coercion, fear or severe distress, specialist support may be more appropriate than a procedure.
Situations needing individual review
Blood thinners, clotting disorders or blood conditions
Especially relevant for PRP or injection-based options.
Recent genital surgery or childbirth-related healing
Tissue healing, scarring, pelvic floor function and pain need careful review before treatment.
Autoimmune conditions or immunosuppression
Healing, infection risk and tissue response may affect suitability.
Device-specific considerations
Some implants, devices or pelvic conditions may affect whether RF or energy-based treatment is appropriate.
Evidence transparency
We do not position procedures as guaranteed sexual-function cures
Regulatory and clinical guidance cautions against over-promising outcomes for energy-based devices or sexual enhancement procedures. We explain what is known, what is uncertain, risks, alternatives and reasons not to proceed.
This list is not exhaustive. Final suitability depends on symptoms, medical history, examination findings where appropriate, medication, pregnancy status, consent, goals and the specific treatment being considered.
Frequently asked questions about sexual function assessment and treatment
These are some of the most common questions women ask when desire, arousal, comfort, orgasm or sexual confidence changes.
We answer them clearly while keeping the message medically balanced and expectation-led.
Is low desire normal or should I get help?
Can menopause affect sexual function?
How do I know if I need therapy, hormones or a procedure?
Are laser or RF guaranteed to improve sexual function?
Is PRP proven for sexual dysfunction?
What about the G-shot?
Can sexual dysfunction be cured?
Can my partner attend the consultation?
Are treatments painful?
What happens if treatment does not work?
Still unsure?
Have a question that is not covered here?
Sexual concerns can feel difficult to explain. A calm, confidential consultation can help identify whether the first step should be medical, pelvic, hormonal, emotional, relationship-based or tissue-focused.
Practical self-care for sexual function, comfort and confidence
Self-care does not replace assessment, pelvic floor support, medical treatment or psychosexual therapy where needed. But it can help you notice patterns, reduce avoidable discomfort and rebuild confidence gradually.
The most helpful approach is usually gentle, realistic and pressure-free. For many women, the first goal is comfort and safety, not performance.
Start with comfort, not performance
If intimacy has become linked with pressure, pain or worry, it can help to step back and focus first on comfort, trust and connection.
Remove the expectation that every intimate moment must lead to penetration or orgasm.
Notice what feels safe, neutral or pleasant before trying to “fix” the whole problem.
Pain should not be pushed through. Ongoing pain deserves assessment.
Use moisturisers and lubricants properly
If dryness or friction is present, moisturisers and lubricants can make a meaningful difference, but they are not interchangeable.
Moisturisers are used regularly to support tissue hydration, even outside intimacy.
Lubricants are used during intimacy to reduce friction and should be used early, not only once pain starts.
Avoid fragranced, warming or tingling products if tissue is sensitive.
Explore pelvic floor relaxation
Sexual pain can make pelvic floor muscles tighten defensively. If this is happening, relaxation and down-training may be more useful than strengthening at first.
A specialist pelvic floor physiotherapist can assess tension, guarding and tenderness.
Breathing, relaxation and gradual exposure may help when fear of pain has built up.
Do not continue exercises that increase pain or distress without guidance.
Track patterns without blaming yourself
Pattern tracking can help identify triggers, but it should not become another source of pressure or self-criticism.
Notice links with cycle stage, menopause symptoms, stress, sleep, medication or pain.
Track whether desire is spontaneous or responsive, and whether it improves with time, closeness or reduced pressure.
Bring notes to consultation if it helps; you do not need to explain everything perfectly.
When self-care is not enough
Ongoing sexual concerns deserve proper assessment
If desire, arousal, pain, sensation or orgasm concerns are causing distress, you do not need to keep guessing. A structured review can help identify the most relevant first step.
Common myths about sexual function
Sexual function concerns can feel deeply personal, and myths often make women feel ashamed or broken. These myth-versus-reality cards help make the conversation more balanced.
The aim is not to create worry. It is to reduce shame and help you understand that support should be matched to the cause.
“Low desire means something is wrong with me.”
Desire varies widely. Responsive desire is common, and low desire only becomes a clinical concern when it causes distress or feels unwanted.
“Sexual dysfunction is just a physical problem.”
It is often multifactorial. Hormones, pain, pelvic floor function, medication, stress, anxiety, trauma and relationship context can all interact.
“Menopause means intimacy is over.”
Menopause can change comfort, lubrication and desire, but many women continue to have satisfying intimacy with the right support.
“There is a normal frequency I should be aiming for.”
There is no universal normal. What matters is whether you feel comfortable, consenting, satisfied and not distressed by unwanted changes.
“Laser, RF or PRP will fix everything.”
Procedures may help selected physical drivers, but they do not resolve trauma, relationship conflict, medication side effects, exhaustion or emotional distress.
“If I cannot orgasm, I am broken.”
Orgasmic response varies widely and often depends on stimulation type, comfort, safety, medication, arousal, stress and relationship context.
Need clarity?
Sexual health is a legitimate medical concern
You do not have to wait until the problem feels severe. A sensitive consultation can help clarify what is physical, hormonal, pelvic, emotional or relational.
More about sexual function, treatment options and realistic expectations
Sexual function is influenced by the body, the nervous system, hormones, relationship context, past experiences and emotional safety. Understanding the main driver helps avoid the wrong intervention.
These expandable sections give extra context for women who want to understand the science and treatment choices before consultation.
The biopsychosocial model
Biology
Hormones, tissue health, blood flow, nerve sensitivity, medication and pelvic floor function.
Psychology
Stress, anxiety, body image, trauma history, grief, confidence and fear of pain.
Social context
Relationship quality, communication, privacy, cultural background, responsibilities and life stage.
Laser, RF and PRP: what they can and cannot do
Why expectations matter
Laser and RF act locally on tissue. PRP is a biologic option aimed at local tissue response. These may be relevant when tissue quality, dryness, discomfort or local sensitivity are part of the problem.
They cannot directly resolve relationship distress, trauma, medication side effects, chronic exhaustion, low emotional safety or lack of privacy. That is why assessment is essential.
Medication and hormone-related sexual changes
Medication effects
Some medicines can affect libido, arousal, orgasm or sensation. Do not stop prescribed medication without advice from the prescribing clinician.
Hormonal shifts
Menopause, perimenopause, breastfeeding and hormonal contraception can all influence lubrication, tissue comfort, desire and arousal.
When referral may be the best option
Psychosexual therapy
Often helpful where anxiety, trauma, avoidance, relationship difficulty, shame or fear of pain is central.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy
Useful where pain, guarding, muscle overactivity, vaginismus-type symptoms or postpartum pelvic floor issues are present.
Ready to ask better questions?
Understanding the layers can make consultation clearer
You do not need to decide in advance whether you need therapy, hormones, pelvic floor care or a procedure. The consultation helps work that out.
Further support and helpful next steps
Sexual concerns can affect confidence, relationships and identity. They are also common, legitimate and often manageable with the right kind of support.
These suggestions are here to support informed conversations — not to replace individual medical, psychological or relationship advice.
Useful topics to read about
Vaginal dryness and GSM
Helpful if pain, dryness, burning or tissue sensitivity are reducing desire or arousal.
Painful intimacy and dyspareunia
Helpful if discomfort, fear of pain or pelvic floor tension is part of the concern.
Menopause and hormone support
Helpful if symptoms started around perimenopause or menopause, or if HRT/local oestrogen questions are relevant.
What to bring to consultation
Main concern
Whether the biggest issue is desire, arousal, pain, dryness, sensation, orgasm, avoidance, confidence or relationship strain.
Medical and medication history
Menopause status, postpartum status, medications, contraception, HRT, cancer treatment, pain conditions, mental health and relevant surgeries.
What you have already tried
Lubricants, moisturisers, HRT, pelvic floor support, counselling, medication changes, prior procedures or anything that helped or made things worse.
Reference themes
What our page is broadly guided by
Sexual function is multifactorial and should be assessed using physical, psychological and relationship context.
Menopause, GSM, medication and pain can affect libido, arousal, comfort and sexual confidence.
Energy-based and injection-based treatments require cautious counselling, evidence transparency and realistic expectations.
Next step
You do not need to decide the pathway alone
If sexual concerns are affecting comfort, confidence or your relationship, the most useful next step is a structured assessment that respects both your body and your wider life context.
Educational only. This page is designed to support informed discussion and does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, prescribing, psychological support, relationship counselling or urgent care. Suitability and treatment planning depend on symptoms, history, examination findings where appropriate and the specific treatment being considered.
Clinical references and further reading
This page is informed by clinical resources relevant to low libido, menopause-related sexual changes, GSM, energy-based device guidance and sexual medicine support.
2. RCOG
Treatment for symptoms of the menopause, including sexual symptoms and hormone-related support.
View source3. NICE IPG697
Transvaginal laser therapy for urogenital atrophy: interventional procedure guidance.
View source4. FDA
Safety communication on energy-based devices marketed for vaginal rejuvenation or sexual function claims.
View source5. Professional support directories
Psychosexual therapy, counselling and pelvic floor physiotherapy may be relevant where emotional safety, relationship context or pelvic floor factors are central.
View sourceEducational only. These references are provided for transparency and further reading. They do not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, prescribing, therapy or personalised treatment planning.
