Locations:

Does sex seem more unappealing than satisfying lately? Do you find yourself avoiding it? Or worrying about it more than usual?

There are many reasons why you may not be in the mood. Low libido (low sex drive). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Painful intercourse. These are just some examples of the sexual health concerns that can affect your sex drive. They can make you feel unwell and stress you out. But these common (and treatable) things don’t have to get in the way of your sex life and well-being.

Cleveland Clinic’s healthcare providers can help you get things back on track. We listen carefully, answer your questions and find the best treatment path. We want to help you start feeling good about yourself — and sex — again.

Why Choose Cleveland Clinic for Sexual Health Care?

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Patient-centered care:

We care for everyone, no matter your biological sex or affirmed gender. We listen to your story, answer questions and consider every possible cause for your sexual health concerns. And then we craft a personalized treatment plan that may include medications, lifestyle changes or counseling.

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Skilled collaborative providers:

Sexual health concerns may have many different causes. So, when you come to Cleveland Clinic, you’ll benefit from our team-based approach to care. Your care team of providers from different specialties works together to meet your needs. Meet our team.

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Caring approach:

We know it can be hard to openly talk about your sex life and your sexual health concerns. That’s why we’re here. Our experienced, caring team is here to listen carefully (and confidentially) to your story. We’ll help you get answers and find the best treatment for your needs.

Diagnosing Sexual Health Concerns at Cleveland Clinic

Both people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) can have sexual health concerns for many reasons. Some are emotional. And some are physical.

Many things can affect your sex drive and performance, like:

The good news? These and other sexual health concerns are usually treatable. And our team is here to help.

What to expect at your first visit

It can be difficult to talk openly with others about your sex life. But our expert providers are here to listen. Hearing your story is the first step in helping you start enjoying sex again. They’ll want to know:

  • When did you first start having concerns?
  • What type of concerns do you have?
  • How are these concerns affecting your life?
  • Have you been diagnosed with any health conditions?
  • What medications are you taking?

They’ll likely also talk with you about your feelings about sex. And they may ask some sensitive questions about your fears, anxiety, past traumas or abuse, relationship concerns and problems with drug or alcohol use. Don’t worry. Your care team is here to listen carefully — and guide you through hard conversations in a safe space. It’s all confidential.

While you’re here, your provider will also do a physical examination and order some tests. You may have a complete blood count and other blood tests to check hormone levels or rule out other health conditions. If we think you may have an STI, your provider may test for that, too.

All of this can help us better understand what’s causing your sexual health concerns, so we can make a correct diagnosis and get you on the right treatment path.

Meet Our Sexual Health Concerns Team

Cleveland Clinic is home to expert providers from different specialties who are experienced in treating sexual health concerns, like:

Your care team works together to find out what’s going on — and plan care based on your unique needs and goals.

Locations

Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio.

Treating Sexual Health Concerns at Cleveland Clinic

Your treatment plan depends on your sexual health concerns — and what’s causing them. Your provider will work with you to build a highly personalized treatment plan that considers your diagnosis, concerns and goals.

Lifestyle changes

Diet, smoking, alcohol and drug use can affect sexual health. Your provider will help you make lifestyle changes that may improve your sex life and your emotional well-being. They may have you:

  • Quit smoking.
  • Cut back on alcohol.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet.
  • Get regular exercise.

Sexually transmitted disease and infection treatment

You may need to take antibiotics to treat any existing infections. We may also recommend preventive therapies such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) antiviral drugs if you face a higher risk of future issues, like HIV infections.

Sexual dysfunction therapies

We may recommend hormone therapy if we discover you have a hormonal imbalance. Mechanical aids like vacuum constriction devices and penile implants can help with physical sexual dysfunction. You and your partner can also use special techniques and aids at home to enhance arousal. If you’re taking medications that cause problems, we may have you stop taking those drugs and try something new.

Counseling and sex therapy

Sometimes, sexual health concerns stem from mental health conditions. Talking with a therapist may help. Our team will connect with you through psychotherapy and sex therapy. And they’ll share suggestions for creating a safe, supportive atmosphere for sex. One that helps you feel more comfortable about getting intimate.

Taking the Next Step

No one is always “in the mood.” But when you feel that way more often than not — or pain or other problems make it hard to have sex — it’s time to get help. Cleveland Clinic has experts who specialize in diagnosing and treating sexual health concerns. Our caring, confidential approach can help you feel more confident about your sex life.

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