Clinical Review & Disclaimer
- Verified Content: Approved by the Women’s Health Clinic Clinical Team.
- Educational Use: This is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
- Clinical Assessment: Individual suitability is determined by a clinician; results may vary.
- MEDICAL EMERGENCY: If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
About the Author
Sexual Dysfunction Treatment Doctor-Led Support (UK)
Quick Answer: Sexual dysfunction includes low desire, arousal difficulties, and pain. We offer a biopsychosocial approach—assessing physical, psychological, and relationship drivers before discussing options like Laser, RF, or PRP.
Sexual dysfunction is rarely just a "body problem" or just a "mind problem." It is complex, affecting 40-45% of women. We start with a comprehensive medical assessment to understand your unique context before recommending any intervention.
Why Women Choose Our Clinic
Practitioner-Led Care
Dr Farzana Khan
Evidence-Informed
Established vs Emerging
Treatment Methods Discussed
Laser (Energy-Based)
Tissue remodelling (GSM/Atrophy)
Radio Frequency (RF)
Gentle controlled heating
PRP (Regenerative)
Biologic signalling support
G-Shot Discussion
Caution advised / Limited evidence
Educational Only
Consultation required for diagnosis
Results Vary & No Outcome is Guaranteed
High-quality sexual medicine frameworks recommend a biopsychosocial approach. We assess physical drivers (hormones, tissue), psychological drivers (stress, trauma), and relationship context before planning care.
What is Sexual Dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction is an umbrella term for difficulties with desire, arousal, orgasm, or sexual comfort that cause distress. It affects approximately 40-45% of adult women.
Low Desire & Arousal
Common ConcernYou care about intimacy, but the "spark" feels missing, or your mind is willing but your body is slow to respond.
- Persistent low interest
- Reduced genital sensation
- Body doesn't "cooperate"
Pain & Discomfort
Dyspareunia / GSMPain during intercourse or dryness can diminish desire naturally. Physical comfort is foundational to everything else.
- Burning or stinging
- Involuntary muscle tightening
- Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
Orgasmic Difficulty
Response IssuesDifficulty reaching climax, weaker sensations, or complete inability to orgasm (anorgasmia) despite stimulation.
*These symptoms only constitute dysfunction if they cause you distress.
The "Three Switches" Model
Think of satisfying intimacy like a room with three switches: the Comfort Switch (tissue health, no pain), the Response Switch (blood flow, sensation), and the Safety Switch (stress, relationship dynamics). If one switch is off, the experience can feel dim. Adding one procedure rarely fixes everything on its own.
Medical Note: We prioritise ruling out treatable medical conditions before discussing cosmetic or elective interventions.
Who Typically Benefits?
Our service is for women who have tried basic measures—lubricants, open communication, more time—but still feel stuck. We help those navigating changes in partnership dynamics, body confidence, or life circumstances.
Menopause & Perimenopause
Including GSM-related changes that affect comfort, lubrication, and response. The RCOG notes that menopause can affect desire and HRT may help.
Post-Partum & Breastfeeding
Navigating body changes, healing, fatigue, and hormonal shifts that affect desire and physical comfort.
Women Impacted by Stress
Burnout, anxiety, or overwhelming mental load can switch off the "Safety Switch," making sexual interest difficult to access.
Medication Users
Particularly women taking antidepressants (SSRIs), blood pressure medications, or hormonal contraception that may dampen response.
Relationship Transitions
Navigating changes in partnership dynamics, communication, or life circumstances like the empty nest or retirement.
History of Discomfort
Women wanting to rebuild a positive relationship with intimacy after painful experiences or lack of education.
Non-Hormonal & Regenerative Options
For women who prefer to avoid synthetic hormones or for whom they are not suitable, we discuss energy-based (Laser/RF) and biologic (PRP) approaches alongside lifestyle strategies.
Book Specialist AssessmentWe Don't Sell a "One-Shot Fix"
Authoritative guidance warns against overpromising. We assess first to understand your unique combination of physical, psychological, and relational factors.
Transparent Evidence
FDA Safety Notice
Beyond Procedures
Clinical Trust
No Hard Sales
Assess First
We understand your unique combination of physical, psychological, and relational factors before recommending any plan. We match the plan to your drivers, not a predetermined package.
Tissue Regeneration
When tissue changes (GSM/atrophy) are the driver, technologies like Laser and RF can trigger a tissue response, potentially improving collagen production and comfort.
Biologic Signalling (PRP)
A biologic approach using your own platelets to support regeneration. A 2023 review suggests PRP might improve outcomes, though evidence is still emerging.
Safety & Honesty
We never position emerging treatments (like G-shot) as guaranteed solutions. We operate with high caution and full informed consent.
Evidence & Expectations
A 2024 systematic review found RF and laser improved sexual function in observational studies but not consistently in RCTs. We ensure your expectations are realistic before proceeding.
Discuss With A Doctor Treatment Pricing
Vaginal Laser (Energy-Based)
Tissue-focused stimulation often discussed where GSM/atrophy contributes.
Session
- Doctor-led procedure
- Includes safety counselling
- Short pelvic rest guidance
Targeted Options
*Extended assessment consultations (if required) are £150.
Vaginal Laser (Course of 3)
Recommended for optimal tissue response. Payment plans available.
£1,500
Request ConsultationNot Sure What's Driving It?
Start with a free call. We can help identify if your concerns are driven by physical comfort, hormonal changes, or other factors before you commit to any cost.
Book Free Consultation Concern & Safety
We prioritize ruling out treatable medical conditions before discussing cosmetic or elective interventions.
Universal "Not Today" Reasons
Treatment cannot be performed if any of the following apply:
- Active Infection: Pelvic or vaginal infection, active herpes outbreak.
- Undiagnosed Bleeding: Any vaginal or uterine bleeding requires investigation first.
- Pregnancy: Currently pregnant or trying to conceive immediately.
- Lesions: Active skin conditions or lesions in the treatment area.
Specific Considerations
Requires individual medical review:
Regulatory Notice
The FDA warns that safety and effectiveness for "vaginal rejuvenation" and sexual function claims has not been established for energy-based devices. NICE recommends transvaginal laser for urogenital atrophy only in research. We discuss this evidence transparently.
Disclaimer: This information is educational only and does not replace individual medical advice. Every woman's situation is unique.
Results Vary & No Outcome is Guaranteed
A consultation is required to confirm diagnosis, suitability, and the safest plan.
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about sexual function and treatment options.
Is low desire "normal" or something I should get help for?
Can menopause affect sexual function?
How do I know if I need therapy, hormones, or a procedure?
Are laser/RF guaranteed to improve sexual function?
Is PRP proven to help with sexual dysfunction?
What about the G-shot?
How long before I notice improvement?
Will I need multiple treatments?
Can sexual dysfunction be cured?
Is this covered by the NHS?
Can my partner attend the consultation?
Are treatments painful?
What happens if treatments don't work?
Fact vs. Fiction
Myth: "Low desire means something is wrong."
Reality: Desire varies enormously. "Responsive desire" (arousal developing during intimacy) is completely normal.
Myth: "It's just a physical problem."
Reality: It is rarely just physical. Research shows it is multifactorial, involving psychological and relationship factors too.
Myth: "Menopause ends your sex life."
Reality: While changes occur, many women maintain satisfying intimate lives with appropriate support (like HRT).
Myth: "There's a 'normal' frequency I should have."
Reality: There is no universal standard. What matters is whether you are satisfied and if changes cause distress.
Myth: "Laser/RF/PRP will fix everything."
Reality: Procedures target tissue but don't resolve relationship conflict or psychological stress.
Myth: "If I can't orgasm, I'm broken."
Reality: Orgasmic response varies. Some require specific stimulation; difficulty is only dysfunction if it causes distress.
Myth: "It will go away on its own."
Reality: Persistent concerns rarely resolve without addressing the underlying drivers.
Myth: "It's too embarrassing to discuss."
Reality: Sexual health is a legitimate medical concern. We discuss this daily without judgement.
Have a specific question?
Our medical team is happy to discuss your specific concerns in a private setting.
Ask a Medical ProfessionalThe Science of Sexual Function
Mechanism: How Energy Treatments Work
Treatments like Radiofrequency (RF) and Laser operate on the principle of controlled thermal stimulation. By delivering precise energy to the vaginal walls, we raise the tissue temperature to 40-45°C.
This thermal shock triggers the release of Heat Shock Proteins (HSP), which signal the body's fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin fibres (Neocollagenesis). This process restores the structural integrity of the lamina propria (the connective tissue layer), improving moisture retention, elasticity, and sensitivity over the course of 3-4 months.
Anatomy: The Biopsychosocial Model
Sexual function is not purely mechanical. The Biopsychosocial Model used in sexual medicine recognizes that outcomes are driven by an interplay of:
- Biology: Hormone levels (oestrogen/testosterone), vascular flow, and nerve function.
- Psychology: Anxiety, body image, and past trauma history.
- Social Context: Relationship quality, privacy, and cultural factors.
Effective treatment must address the dominant driver. For example, PRP may assist with biological sensitivity, but it cannot resolve relationship conflict.
Comparison: Laser vs. RF vs. PRP
CO2 Laser (Fractional): Best for surface-level restoration, treating atrophy, and improving pH balance. It creates microscopic channels in the tissue to trigger rapid healing.
Radio Frequency (RF): Uses bulk heating to penetrate deeper into the submucosa. It is often preferred for "tightening" or laxity concerns and typically involves no downtime.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): A biologic approach injecting your own growth factors directly into specific areas (like the O-Shot concept). It aims to rejuvenate nerve endings and vascularity rather than structural tissue.
Clinical References
- 1. NHS. Low sex drive (loss of libido). View Resource
- 2. RCOG. Treatment for symptoms of the menopause. View Resource
- 3. NICE. Transvaginal laser therapy for urogenital atrophy. View Guidance
Support Services
- Leeds Psychosexual Medicine (PSM): Regional NHS psychosexual services.
- Relate: Relationship counselling services.
- BACP: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
About Our Clinical Team
Dr Farzana Khan
BSc (Hons), MD, DFFP, RCGP
Qualifications
- MD, University of Copenhagen (2003)
- MRCGP, CCT (2013)
- Diploma of the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Health (2013)
Clinical focus
Sexual function and comfort
Lichen sclerosus
Vulval skin
Volume concerns
How she works
- Listens first. Conservative and medical options discussed before procedures
- Clear, balanced counselling on benefits, limits, risks, and alternatives
- Shared decisions, realistic expectations, written aftercare
Training & teaching
- KOL/Trainer: Neauvia, Asclepion Laser, RegenLab (since 2023)
- Ongoing CPD: IMCAS, CCR, ACE, and intimate HA/PRP/Polynucleotide training
Authored and medically reviewed by Dr Farzana Khan. Last updated: [November 2025]
Katy Pitt Allen
Clinical Director
Katy brings exceptional clinical expertise and international experience to her role as Clinical Director, with specialized knowledge in oncology, gynaecology, and palliative care developed through over a decade of nursing excellence. Her proven leadership skills, demonstrated through her progression from staff nurse to junior ward sister and her current international oncology practice, ensure our clinic maintains the highest clinical standards while delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to all patients.
Dr Kamaljit Singh
Clinical Oversight
Dr. Kamaljit Singh provides medical oversight for our clinical team, bringing over 25 years of comprehensive healthcare experience to ensure the highest standards of patient care. A graduate of Leeds Medical School with distinction, Dr. Singh holds his MRCGP qualification and served as a senior partner at Leicester Medical Group for 16 years. His expertise spans both traditional medicine and aesthetic procedures, with specialized training in cosmetic treatments and 18 years of membership with the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Singh's background includes roles as an FY2 trainer and GP assessor, demonstrating his commitment to medical education and professional standards that ensure our clinical team operates with rigorous oversight and excellence.
Jill Crowe
Director of Relationships
Jill brings over two decades of nursing excellence and exceptional relationship-building skills to her role as Relationship Manager at our women's health clinic. With her proven expertise in communication, team leadership, and inter-agency collaboration, she seamlessly coordinates between practitioners, patients, and partners to ensure the highest quality of care and service delivery.
Sexual Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
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- Patient feedback reflects personal experiences, not clinical outcomes.
- Reviews relate to overall care and service experience.
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Get in Touch and Take the First Step Today
Book your free consultation and discover how O-Shot®, G-Shot®, Exosomes, vaginal HA Fillers & Skin Boosters, can help you with your confidence. Individual experiences vary. (we offer a generic PRP approach (no brand affiliation).
We’ll listen, assess, and explain options—conservative, medical, and (if suitable) procedural.
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