When to Seek Sexual Health Counselling, and How to Choose a Professional

You don't need to wait for a crisis

Sexual health counselling is appropriate for anyone with distress, questions or concerns about a relationship. You do not need severe symptoms or abnormal blood tests first.^[1]

The World Health Organization describes sexual health as physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing, not merely the absence of disease.^[1]

Why early support helps

Sexual problems left for a long time often lead to avoiding intimacy, conflict and prolonged distress. Early support can reduce both.^[1]

Many people wait years before seeking help out of embarrassment or not knowing where to go, yet many problems improve.

Who benefits?

Counselling is an approach to care, not a condition with a prevalence rate.^[1] Need depends on each person's concerns and goals. Common reasons people seek help include:

• Sexual function problems, such as erection, ejaculation, desire or orgasm.
• Pain during sex.
• Desire differences or conflict in a relationship.
• Questions about sexual identity or orientation.
• Anxiety after a risk or a diagnosis.

Sexual concerns have many dimensions

Sexual concerns usually involve several factors together: physical, emotional, relational and contextual.^[1],[2] For example, an erection problem may begin with blood vessels, then trigger anxiety, then affect the relationship.

Good care therefore often looks at several aspects, not just medicine or talking alone.

What happens in a consultation

The professional will assess^[1],[2]:

• Your distress and goals.
• Safety in your relationship.
• Medicines and health conditions that may be relevant.
• Their own scope: what they can handle and what needs referral.

You can share at your own pace; you do not need to tell everything in the first session.

Forms of care, and choosing a professional

Care may combine education, exercises, therapy and medical assessment.^[1],[2]

Choosing a professional^[1],[2]:

• Look for relevant training and a clear professional scope.
• Ask about confidentiality and its legal or safety limits.
• Ask how they work with doctors if a physical examination is needed.

A good provider is non-judgemental, respects boundaries and never crosses sexual boundaries. Sexual contact with a provider is never treatment, under any circumstances.

How we care for you at Dr. Kris Clinic

At Dr. Kris Clinic we handle the medical side of sexual concerns, looking for physical causes and treating according to standard guidance, in English or Thai. Examinations happen only for a clinical reason and with your consent.

At Kris Care Space we offer couples counselling, art therapy and activity therapy for the emotional and relational side. The two work together so your care is complete.

Frequently asked questions

Dr. Krida Uakridathikarn (Dr. Kris)

Board-certified family physician with certificate training in clinical sexology and sexual medicine. He works at Suratthani Hospital and provides sexual health, hormone and LGBTQ+ inclusive care at Dr. Kris Clinic. Profile and CV

References

1. WHO: Sexual health
2. EAU Patient Information: Counselling for ED (2026)
3. ISSWSH Process of Care for HSDD (2018). doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.11.002

Keep reading

Main guide: Kris Care Space

Different Levels of Desire in a Couple: Understanding and Finding Common GroundHow to Talk With Your Partner About SexSexual Performance Anxiety: When Worry Gets in the Way

This article is general education, not personal medical advice or a promise of results. Diagnosis and treatment require assessment by a doctor. Content reflects the cited sources as of the update date.