Sexuality

Sexual Problems You Can Treat by Consulting a Specialist

Female sex therapist warmly talking to a patient about treatment for sexual pain and low desire.
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Female sexual function is one of the most complex and sensitive aspects of overall health. It’s influenced by physical, psychological, emotional, and social factors all at once. Desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction are not isolated experiences — they’re part of a delicate network of sensations and emotions that shift with age, hormones, past experiences, and the surrounding emotional and cultural environment.

When any part of that network is disrupted, what’s known as female sexual dysfunction or sexual difficulties can appear. These challenges are not a sign of weakness or defect — they’re a natural response of the body and mind to pressure, change, or unresolved experiences.

Despite how common they are, these issues often remain surrounded by silence and shame, as if talking about them were “taboo.” Research shows that more than half of women experience some form of sexual difficulty in their lifetime — from loss of desire, to pain during intercourse, to difficulty reaching orgasm. Yet, only a small fraction ever seek professional help.

That’s why talking about these concerns is just as important as treating them. Understanding is the first step toward freedom.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Sex

To learn more about the importance of speaking openly with your doctor about sex, watch Episode 1 of the Mech 3ayb podcast.

In this episode, we share:

  • The words you can use to describe symptoms
  • How to prepare questions before your appointment
  • What to do if your concerns are dismissed
Watch the episode here:

How Can a Sexologist Help?

If your sex life feels uncomfortable, anxious, or unsatisfying, consulting a trained specialist can make all the difference. A sexologist listens carefully, explores both psychological and physical causes, and builds a treatment plan that respects your privacy and individuality.

The goal isn’t just to treat the symptom — it’s to understand its roots, unravel the beliefs or experiences connected to it, and help you live your sexuality with peace and confidence.

The Most Common Sexual Problems in Women

Sexual difficulties can take many forms — low desire, trouble reaching orgasm, pain during sex, or vaginismus that makes penetration painful or impossible. Sometimes, the causes are physical — hormonal changes, infections, or vaginal dryness. Other times, they’re emotional or psychological — anxiety, fear, stress, or past trauma. The good news: every one of these conditions can be treated with awareness, care, and the right specialist support.

Below are the most common sexual challenges women face — and how they can be addressed with the help of a qualified professional.

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“I’ve never reached orgasm.”

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Woman sitting worried on the bed while her partner sleeps, struggling with vaginismus and intimacy fears.

1. Difficulty Reaching Orgasm

Some women find it hard to reach orgasm even when they feel desire. This can cause frustration, performance anxiety, or emotional distance during intimacy. Often, the issue stems from inner tension, negative body image, or a mind preoccupied with fear of “failing” during sex.
Treatment: Guided relaxation exercises and mindful self-exploration.

A specialist helps women learn how to relax, explore pleasure gradually, and reconnect with their bodies without guilt or comparison. They also teach techniques for focusing attention on the moment — because orgasm is a full-body sensory experience, not a mechanical one.

Discover the secrets of female orgasm and how to enhance it mindfully and comfortably

So many women stay silent about low desire and painful sex because they’re too embarrassed to bring it up with their doctors. This silence delays care.

In Episode 3 of Mech 3ayb, we explore why penetration alone isn’t enough for most women, what science tells us about female pleasure, and how couples can bridge the “orgasm gap.”

Watch the episode here:
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To reconnect with your body and understand your sexual responses better, check out our educational program Sexuality 101 Program.

Couple lying back to back in bed, showing tension and emotional distance due to sexual issues.
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“I used to feel pain every time we had intercourse.”

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2. Pain During Sex

Many women experience recurring pain during intercourse — from burning, tightness, or stabbing sensations, to discomfort that prevents enjoyment. Causes can be physical (such as infections, hormonal changes after childbirth or menopause) or psychological (like anxiety, fear, or tension). Some women even feel guilty or embarrassed to tell their partner, choosing silence instead — which only heightens stress and reduces communication.

Treatment: Medical evaluation, behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques.

After ruling out physical causes, treatment focuses on both body and mind. The woman learns pelvic floor control, breathing, and relaxation techniques to reduce fear and regain comfort. Open communication with the partner is also encouraged to relieve guilt and pressure.

Dive Deeper with Our Podcast

In the sixth episode of Mech 3ayb, Dr. Sandrine Atallah and Dr. Gaël Abou Ghannam explore sexual pain — its causes, emotional impact, and evidence-based treatments.

They discuss:

  • Why pain happens and what it means
  • How it affects desire and relationships
  • What real solutions actually work

Watch now — because understanding your body is the first step toward healing.

Watch the episode here:
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Explore our Postpartum Sexuality Program to help you regain comfort and confidence during this phase.
Woman wrapped in a white sheet, sitting thoughtfully and reflecting on sexual pain and self-image.
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“I lost my desire for him.”

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3. Low Sexual Desire

Low libido is one of the most common sexual issues among women. It can develop gradually due to fatigue, depression, stress, lack of emotional connection, or hormonal fluctuations — and is often accompanied by guilt or emotional detachment.

These changes are normal at certain points in life (like postpartum or during prolonged stress), but ignoring them can lead to both emotional and physical distance in a relationship.

Treatment: Comprehensive evaluation and individual or couple therapy to reignite sexual imagination and emotional intimacy.

A specialist evaluates hormonal and psychological factors, then guides the woman through reconnecting with her erotic imagination and emotional needs. Through therapeutic exercises and mindful communication, she learns to rekindle desire through closeness — not performance.

Want to learn more?

Listen to Episode 5 of Mech 3ayb to understand why women’s desire doesn’t always appear spontaneously — and why that doesn’t mean it’s gone.

Watch the episode here:
Woman lying in bed under soft light, feeling emotional distance and low sexual desire.
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“I couldn’t allow penetration.”

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4. Vaginismus

Vaginismus is an involuntary tightening of the vaginal muscles that makes penetration painful or even impossible. It’s a condition many women silently struggle with, often caused by fear of penetration, strict cultural beliefs, or past traumatic experiences.

Many discover the issue only after marriage or their first attempt at intercourse. Shame or fear of judgment can make them wait years before seeking help — yet vaginismus is common and entirely treatable with proper care.

Treatment: Cognitive-behavioral therapy and progressive relaxation exercises.

Treatment focuses on teaching pelvic muscle control, gradual desensitization, and body-awareness exercises. The specialist also helps the woman redefine sex as a space of connection and pleasure — not fear or performance.

Want to learn more?

Listen to Episode 7 of Mech 3ayb o hear real stories of women who overcame vaginismus and reconnected with their bodies through trust and awareness.

Watch the episode here:
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Discover our Vaginismus Program to break free from impossible or painful intercouse

Woman with long brown hair looking serious, reflecting on her sexual health and intimacy concerns.
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“I sometimes feel desire, but my body doesn’t respond.”

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4. Arousal Disorders

Sometimes, the issue isn’t about lacking desire — it’s that the body doesn’t respond to it. A woman may feel emotionally or mentally attracted to her partner, yet notice that her body doesn’t react as it once did: there’s little to no natural lubrication, reduced sensitivity, or difficulty feeling physically aroused.

This condition is known as female sexual arousal disorder, and it often arises from hormonal changes (such as menopause or certain medications), anxiety or stress, or past painful experiences. It can also be influenced by the relationship itself — when communication or emotional safety is missing.

Treatment: Hormonal and psychological assessment, combined with body-awareness and arousal-enhancing exercises.

A sex therapist helps the woman understand the deep connection between mind and body, teaching techniques that gradually reignite arousal. Through guided sessions and physical-mindful exercises, she learns to stimulate her

Is Sex Therapy a Long Process?

Sex therapy is usually short-term — anywhere from one to ten sessions. Some issues can be resolved in a few weeks, while others like vaginismus or orgasmic difficulties may take longer. Consistency and trust are key: improvement depends on openness, practice, and honest dialogue between the woman and her therapist.

Who Is a Sexologist?

A sexologist may be a medical doctor or a psychologist with specialized training in psychosexual therapy. They address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of sexuality in a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space.

Before booking your appointment, make sure your specialist holds a recognized certification in sexual medicine or psychosexual therapy.

Tips Before Your First Appointment

  • Before visiting your therapist, write down your main concerns and questions.
  • Remember, comfort and clarity are the foundations of effective therapy.
  • Being open and honest helps your therapist guide you more efficiently.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask about anything — pleasure, pain, fear — every detail matters.
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can vaginismus be fully treated?
Yes, vaginismus can be completely treated through behavioral and cognitive therapy combined with relaxation exercises. With the right support, women can regain comfort and confidence in intimacy.
2. When should I see a sexologist?
You should consider a consultation if you experience ongoing difficulty reaching orgasm, pain during sex, or loss of desire for an extended period. Early diagnosis makes treatment easier.
3. Does sex therapy require medication?
Not always. It depends on the cause. Some cases only need therapeutic exercises and counseling, while others may require medical tests or prescribed medication.
4. Is a sexologist a doctor or a psychologist?
They can be either. Doctors may prescribe medication, while psychologists focus on the emotional and behavioral aspects of sexual function. Both work toward the same goal — restoring healthy, enjoyable sexuality.

Conclusion: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Issues like orgasmic difficulties, pain, vaginismus, or low desire are not shameful — they’re your body’s way of asking for care. Seeing a qualified professional is a step toward a balanced, confident, and fulfilling sex life.

At Metle Metlik, we’re here to guide you with evidence-based programs, compassionate community, and open conversations.

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