"Women are more sexually curious but also more open than men," says the sexual wellness expert. What does this new field bring?
Nowadays, wellness is still synonymous with various types of relaxation programmes. But how to imagine sexual wellness, which can be quite misleading or confusing for some?
Nowadays, wellness is indeed mainly associated with relaxation, meditation and self-care programs. However, the term "sexual wellness" is far from just referring to physical satisfaction, as some might mistakenly believe. Sexual wellness involves a deep connection with ourselves and others, understanding and respecting our sexual needs and boundaries. It is an integral part of overall well-being, encompassing the emotional, psychological and physical aspects that help us feel fulfilled and satisfied in our sex lives. An interest in sexual wellness, then, means recognizing that our sexual health is as important as any other aspect of our overall health.
In a sense, SHA Wellness Clinic is a pioneer in the field of improving sexual health. How (and why) did the idea of starting a "department" focusing specifically on sexual wellnesscome about ?
Our dedicated sexual wellness unit was created to address changes or issues related to sexual well-being in a comprehensive way. We take into account that sexual health and wellness are fundamental aspects of overall health and quality of life. The creation of this unit was based on several factors: the growing need to address this topic as part of integral health; the shift in societal attitudes towards talking openly about this issue and being able to voice concerns or name problems related to sexual health; and finally, the growing interest of the population, especially women, in addressing these issues.
So, in general, could it be said that over the fifteen years of the clinic's operation, people's interest in their sexual health has increased?
Yes - and as I have already indicated, this is particularly true for women. They are now more willing to talk about concerns related to menopause and the perimenopausal phase of life. Increased education, availability of information and empowerment of women, among other factors, have stimulated their enormous curiosity and awareness about sexual health. It's not just about sex toys or how many orgasms you have, but about connection with your body, self-esteem, freedom and pleasure. But the truth is that there has been an overall shift in attitudes and more openness in society about the sexual health debate. Again, I believe this is due to better access to information.
You are focusing on sexual health at a comprehensive level. What are the most common problems people - your clients - are currently facing?
The most common reasons for consultation related to sexual health issues in men are erectile dysfunction, performance anxiety, low libido and incontinence. For women, the most common concerns are hormonal imbalances, perimenopausal symptoms, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, low libido and incontinence.
These are all quite intimate problems by nature - do clients have trouble talking about these things honestly and openly?
For many people, the conversation about their sexual health can be really complicated and perhaps even uncomfortable because of the intimate nature of the topic. Social stigma, shame or lack of sex education can cause some people not to talk about these issues at all. However, in our sexual health unit we work to create a safe space where clients can express themselves without any fear of being judged. This is crucial to addressing their concerns and effectively improving their sexual wellbeing.
You personally run a very specialised 'unit' - the aforementioned sexual health unit - but your main area of expertise is psychology. How much (and in what ways) is the human psyche connected to sexuality?
Deeply and profoundly! Our thoughts, emotions and beliefs influence how we experience and express our sexuality. Sexuality is not just a physical act, but an integral part of our identity, influenced by our experiences, self-esteem and interpersonal relationships. Factors such as stress, anxiety, past traumas, or even societal expectations can affect sexual function and our relationship to ourselves and others in a sexual context. Psychology therefore plays a key role in understanding and improving sexual health.
I've read that SHA Wellness Clinic's primary goal is to ensure that clients experience sexual satisfaction and fulfillment at all stages of life. You stress that age should not be a limitation to sexuality. It is true that sex at an older age is still generally taboo. Why do you think that is?
Sex in old age indeed remains one of the persistent taboos. This is probably due to cultural stereotypes that associate sexuality with youth and vitality, leading to the misconception that older people do not have sexual desires or needs. This taboo is problematic because it can lead older individuals to suppress their sexual desires, which affects their emotional and physical well-being. In addition, it can prevent them from seeking support or treatment for sexual problems, which negatively impacts their quality of life. Recognising and respecting sexuality at all stages of life is thus essential for healthy and fulfilling ageing.
Finally, could you elaborate on what clients who head to you for sexual wellness can expect in practice?
In the sexual health department, we have professionals who are dedicated to achieving the highest state of sexual well-being, including gynecologists, urologists and hormone specialists. We also have cutting-edge technology for specific treatments related to women's sexual health and the pelvic floor, which is crucial for both women and men and is the primary factor responsible for most sexual dysfunctions. We also offer nutritional counseling, yoga, acupuncture and many other services with comprehensive health benefits, but the fact is that it is (good) sex that can boost immune response, release oxytocin, improve sleep, reduce stress and is the real key to feeling good overall.
