There are no age limits for enjoying a full life, and that includes sexual health. WHO has defined health as the state of mental, physical, emotional, social, spiritual and sexual wellness in all areas of human activity. Inspired by this, we have announced a new unit at SHA dedicated to studying sexual function and wellness. \u2018From now on, we will proactively ask all our patients about their level of satisfaction, activity or inactivity regarding sexual health\u2019, says Cynthia Molina, a psychologist at SHA and head of the new service.<\/p>\n
Our unit will address sexual health with a multidisciplinary approach to optimise the foundations on which desire, self-esteem and sexual function are built. \u2018Hormonal balance affects various functions of human activity, not only sexual activity but also our cardiovascular and digestive systems. Our unit will work to restore balance and improve sexual wellness\u2019, explains Dr Molina.<\/p>\n
Our Sexual Health Unit relies on the experience of prestigious specialists in different medical fields. The cornerstone of the service is an initial consultation with Dr Molina, who will carry out a comprehensive assessment of the patient, including physical, emotional and mental aspects. From there, we will make an initial diagnosis in order to refer the patient to the rest of the disciplines, including Gynaecology and Urology to treat possible pathologies; Regenerative Medicine for stem-cell therapies; or Aesthetic Gynaecology to improve the vascularisation of the inner area of the vagina and to boost collagen production with cutting-edge technology and devices with non-invasive radiofrequency and fractionated lasers. Our unit also provides longitudinal shockwave treatment for erectile dysfunction in men and specialised pelvic floor physiotherapy sessions that strengthen pelvic floor muscles with different equipment using electromagnetic energy.<\/p>\n
During the Hormone Treatment consultation, Dr Rafael Navas, an expert in Integrative and Hormonal Health, will assess the patient\u2019s complete hormonal axis and determine a personalised approach primarily based on hormone precursors and bioidentical hormone therapy. \u2018Sexual wellness is a manifestation of our general state of health. Everything is interconnected: cardiovascular health, the presence of chronic low-grade inflammation and orthomolecular and metabolic balance. At SHA, we work to optimise overall health, and, thus, sexual function\u2019, explains the specialist.<\/p>\n
Our aim is for sexual wellness to be part of our patient\u2019s other health goals. In this sense, our Sexual Health Unit is a more comprehensive service than hormone replacement therapy \u2014 also known as bioidentical hormone supplementation \u2014 which is already included in SHA\u2019s range of services.<\/p>\n
Hormone replacement therapy is usually decided on in a single consultation and involves using tools, such as oral precursors and creams, to restore previous hormone levels.\u202fInstead, our new unit will take a holistic approach to all the issues that may be hindering sexual wellness, from physiological and hormonal issues to emotional and psychological ones. It is a comprehensive approach with the ultimate goal of achieving a full and satisfying sex life in a healthy body.<\/p>\n
\u2018Until a few years ago, sexual function was a concern until the age of 50 or 60, but now our average sexual lifespan is lengthening. We change partners more often throughout our lives; people are divorcing and remarrying. From the age of 40 or 50, you can start a new life, and patients want to feel well at all levels\u2019, says Dr Navas.<\/p>\n
Most patients find it challenging to approach sexual issues in a natural way, so another aim of this unit is to solve problems regarding shyness or lack of knowledge by taking a proactive approach to sexual health. \u2018We will ask about sexual satisfaction the same way as we are concerned about high blood pressure numbers because it is all part of our comprehensive approach to health that we have developed at Sha\u2019, explains Dr Molina, adding: \u2018As life expectancy increases, so do sexual expectations. If you can reach the age of 80 with a high quality of life, it makes no sense to stop sexual activity at the age of 60. Why resign yourself to living 20 years without sex?\u2019<\/p>\n
Sexual health changes with age, but with a holistic medical approach, these changes can be realistically adapted to improve sexual satisfaction and fulfilment so that wellness is part of our patients\u2019 entire lives.<\/p>\n