Direct referrals for clients

Who should be referred to this service?

Our service has been found to be very effective at helping a wide range of sexual problems, including:

• erectile dysfunction
• loss of libido
• premature ejaculation
• orgasm problems
• dyspareunia
• delayed ejaculation
• vaginismus
• impaired arousal.

Who should not be referred to this service?

Please do not refer people:

• who are severely depressed or psychotic
• with personality disorders
• involved in active substance abuse, including alcohol.
• being coerced by a partner to seek help
• needing intra-urethral or intra-cavernous Alprostadil, vacuum pump or penile implant
• with severe sexual difficulties as a result of deep-seated psychological disturbances, e.g. exhibitionists, paedophilia, sex addition, compulsive masturbation
• whose sexual difficulties are a symptom of a much wider general disturbance either as an individual or a couple
• with language difficulties (e.g. non-English speaking) or who have previous failed long-term psychotherapy may not be appropriate for this service (please discuss before referral)
• with gender dysphoria requesting sex changes (GPs can refer directly to gender identity clinics)
• with PTSD as a result of sexual trauma or assault.

Please see below for details of alternative services.

How do we work?

Psychosexual medicine clinics  will undertake:

• a full history, medical and psychosexual, to define the problem and offer clues to its origin
• identify the perceptions, concerns and expectations of the patient and (if present) their partner
• a physical and psychosomatic examination. Investigations may be requested where appropriate.
• counselling regarding various options available for treatment, which may include a brief psychodynamic interventional model for patients with stable personalities; advice in behavioural techniques and/or referral to a different specialist for management of a physical problem.

Our approach is best suited to patients whose overall adjustment is good but who are experiencing sexual problems. The patient who is most likely to benefit is one who is highly motivated, and capable of developing insight into their problems and assuming responsibility for their own actions.

Where are the clinics held?

In Blandford, Bournemouth and Poole. See our clinics page for locations and opening times.

How do I refer to the service?

Referrals can be made by any healthcare professional who has seen the patient. Please complete the referral form [link].

The psychosexual medicine service is an “opt-in” service and a mobile phone number (preferred) or other method of contact should be included in the referral. The first appointment will be made only once the patient has confirmed that they wish to attend.

Referrals should include any relevant past medical history, medication details and copies of blood test results. Referrals for patients with erectile dysfunction should be accompanied by an endocrine profile including LH, FSH, TSH, prolactin, testosterone, SHBG, cholesterol and blood glucose.

The time to first appointment will vary according to the waiting list, but we aim for this to be less than 18 weeks. On discharge the referral will be sent a letter summarising the treatment and outcome.

Useful resources

British Society for Sexual Medicine

BSSM ED guidelines

Other services

Our doctors are happy to discuss potential referrals by email – dhc.psychosexualservice@nhs.net.

Gender identity clinics

Direct referrals by healthcare professionals are accepted through our referral form. A mental health service assessment is not required before referral. The GP must be willing to collaborate with patient care.

Paraphilias and sex addiction

Paraphilias are conditions where there are sexual interests that are more unusual, e.g. voyeurism, exhibitionism, paedophilia, addiction to pornography, extreme sexual desire or extreme masturbation.

The Portman Clinic offers long term psychoanalytic psychotherapy to people who suffer from problems arising from damaging sexual behaviour experiences. Dorset ICB approval is required before sending NHS referrals

Non-NHS psychotherapy for sex addiction:

Fresh Start Psychotherapy

Beauchamp Lodge

2 Warwick Crescent

Paddington

London W2 6NE.

Tel: 0207 691 7638