Our Comprehensive Evaluation

What to Expect During a Sexual Health Evaluation

Here’s what you can expect in an evaluation:

1. Open Conversation: We start with simply listening. You’ll be encouraged to describe, in your own words, the specific nature of the sexual problem(s) you’re facing – whether it’s trouble maintaining an erection, lack of desire, painful intercourse, premature ejaculation, difficulty orgasming, etc. We’ll ask about the onset, duration, and frequency of the issue and any circumstances that make it better or worse. We’ll also discuss your sexual history, past experiences, and current relationship dynamics, since context matters. This discussion is at your pace – our goal is to understand your situation fully, while making you feel heard and supported.
2. Medical & Psychosocial History: Next, we’ll review your overall health history. Certain medical conditions (like diabetes, heart disease, neurological disorders), past surgeries, or medications (including antidepressants, blood pressure meds, etc.) can cause or contribute to sexual dysfunction. We’ll also inquire about lifestyle factors – for instance, your exercise habits, nutrition, alcohol or substance use, and sleep patterns – as these can impact sexual health. Mental health is another key piece: conditions such as depression, anxiety, or history of trauma can be intertwined with sexual function, so we approach those with care and link you to resources as needed.
3. Physical Examination: A general physical exam may be performed, with focus on any anatomical or physiological factors. For men, this could include a genital exam to check penile structure, testes, prostate (if relevant), and vascular health. For women, we can coordinate a gynecological exam if pain or anatomical concerns are present (or refer to a gynecologist). We might also assess things like blood pressure, weight, or signs of hormonal imbalance (like hair patterns or skin changes). The exam helps identify underlying issues (for example, undiagnosed Peyronie’s plaques, pelvic floor muscle spasm, vaginal atrophy, etc.) that we can target in treatment.
4. Laboratory Testing: In many cases, we will evaluate hormone levels or other labs to get a complete picture. For instance, checking testosterone levels in men with low libido or ED is important, as low testosterone could be a root cause (and is treatable) – similarly, checking estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid levels in women can be illuminating. We might also test for conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, or deficiencies that affect sexual health. (If you are already a hormone therapy patient with us, some of these labs might be included in your existing plan; otherwise, we’ll discuss any additional lab fees for specialized testing.)
5. Personalized Discussion & Plan: After gathering information, we collaborate with you to form a treatment gameplan. We’ll explain our findings, educate you on any diagnosed conditions (in plain language), and outline recommended steps to address the issue. This is a two-way discussion – your goals and comfort levels are paramount in crafting the plan. Often, a combination of approaches yields the best outcome.