For many, sexuality partly determines the quality of life. Sexual problems are more common than most people think. Causes for these problems can be physical, psychological, relational and social in nature. Often it is a combination. Sexuality can be disturbed by the consequences of illness or physical disability. Sexual concerns or problems are also common in people without medical conditions.
Sexual complaints can cause insecurity, fear, sadness, tension or guilt, which in turn amplifies the sexual problem. This makes making love less and less fun, so that sex can be avoided. Within the relationship there can be irritations or reproaches about it. People who have questions about sexuality or complaints in this area can contact a sexologist.
Often patients or their partner do not realize that their illness or treatment is (partly) related to changes in sexuality. Or do they think there is nothing that can be done about it. Research shows that treating sexual complaints helps. This prevents your complaints from getting worse. Gaining insight into your complaints and the causes can already help. Don’t get stuck with it, we are happy to help you.
Causes
Sexology in our hospital is intended for anyone who has complaints or questions in the field of sexuality and where this is related to a physical cause, such as a (chronic) illness or medical treatment.
Diseases that can cause sexual problems
Sexual complaints are common with the following conditions:
- heart and vascular disease;
- cancer;
- diabetes;
- cerebral infarction, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, neuropathies;
- ulcerative colitis;
- shortness of breath due to COPD or other lung diseases;
- rheumatism and / or joint complaints;
- incontinence complaints;
- vaginal or vulvar pain, for example with atrophy or lichen sclerosis;
- kidney diseases.
The sexologist
The sexologists at Rijnstate are registered sexologists at NVVS at the Dutch scientific Association for Sexology. A sexologist NVVS is a doctor or psychologist who has followed training to become a sexologist. There is a male and a female sexologist present in Rijnstate. You can indicate your preference when making your first appointment. If you notice that it does not click, it is possible to continue the treatment with the other sexologist.
Confidentiality
Dr. Sudhir Bhola has a duty of confidentiality. After each interview, relevant information is included in the medical file. In mutual consultation, highly confidential information can be noted in a separate section, which only the sexologist has access to.
Referral required
Your general practitioner, medical specialist or specialist nurse is the first point of contact for sexual problems. If you decide together that sexological assistance is required, they will refer you to the sexologist at the Gynecology outpatient clinic (if you are a woman) or to the Urology outpatient clinic (if you are male). When referred via urology, you will first be seen by the urologist.
Compensation
Medical sexology comes under gynecological or urological care. This is covered by the basic insurance. You do need a referral from your general practitioner or medical specialist. The deductible is charged by the health insurer. The rest will be reimbursed if your health insurer has a contract. We advise you to read your policy conditions.
