One of many reasons why couples engage in sex is to reproduce (i.e to conceive/pregnancy). Sex is a lay-person, simple term for sexual activity and in a couple, it involves outercourse (touch, kiss, hug, etc) and intercourse (penis inside vagina, mouth or anus). For reproduction, vaginal intercourse (penetration of penis inside vagina) is an essential component of sexual activity. Many couples have no problem in performing vaginal intercourse, but some do have trouble in performing this sexual act.
There are many sexual or health problems that could prevent a person/couple from having vaginal intercourse which in turn making it difficult to conceive a baby. Below is only a shortlist of most common sexual problems
Men
– Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection firm enough for penetration.
– Not able to ejaculate inside vagina (either too quick or too late or never able to).
Women
– Pain/discomfort during vaginal intercourse.
– Fear of pain that is preventing vaginal intercourse.
Couple
– Loss of motivation to engage in partnered sexual activity.
– Lack of/absence of intimacy and pleasure in sexual activity.
– Significant and serious relationship problems.
There are many healthcare professionals who can help you with managing sexual problems. It’s totally OK to ask your trusted healthcare professionals for help. They will help to the best they can and/or refer to sex therapists who have specific tertiary qualification/training in human sexuality and fine skills in individual and couple counselling. The aim of sex therapy is to help individuals and couples understand, improve and resolve their sexual problem(s).
To read more about sex therapy and sex therapist and to find an accredited sex therapist in your region, please go to www.societyaustraliansexologists.org.au
Content written exclusively for Westmead Fertility Centre by Dr Vijayasarathi Ramanathan.
More information at Sexual Health Medicine.
