The Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) refers to a range of signs and symptoms that occur due to low levels of oestrogen in the vulva, vagina and urinary tract. This term replaced the previously used “vulvovaginal atrophy” in 2014, to provide a more all-encompassing description (and, more importantly, to recognise that no one likes to think of their genitals as atrophied).
People in any form of relationship structure; whether it be monogamous couples, conscious/ethical non-monogamous or any form of polyamorous relationships seek relationship therapy for whole
number of reasons, and sexual issues can be one of them.
The speech therapist works collaboratively with the individual to assess their current voice and communication skills, identify their goals and expectations, develop a personalised treatment plan, and monitor their progress and outcomes.
Kegels in layman’s language refers to the process of activating the Kegel muscles (pelvic floor muscles) to generate tension and increase strength. What are Kegel/pelvic floor muscles? Pelvic floor muscles are muscles that are located at the floor of the pelvis. You can think of your pelvis as a bowl and the pelvic floor muscles […]
The word ‘queer’ is often used in numerous ways, with the meaning changing from context to context. Something that is both rich with possibility and potential but can also feel somewhat out of reach. Consequently, in the spirit of queerness itself, I propose instead to engage in a reflective imagining about what queering sexual health does. As Julie Tilsen (2021, p.6) notes, using ‘queer’ as a verb is its “queerest elaboration”, and, let’s be honest, we all know that queers love to queer things. I would not be remotely surprised if we started seeing research queering toilet paper, isolation, and lockdown. That is, if they don’t already exist.
Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a commonly heard phrase in the South African context, and something that is widely experienced either directly or indirectly. It has become more and more crucial to not only provide support to those affected but also to the healthcare professionals who might provide services to them. Healthcare professionals, like myself, encounter people from all kinds of different backgrounds, and tools in order to ascertain risk or what kind of intervention is needed is always pivotal in the care of clients and patients.
I’ve been in several situations where I’ve seen people’s eyes grow wider and wider as I explain to them what pelvic floor physiotherapy entails. I don’t think it’s because they were scared of the treatment itself, but rather because it was totally new to them. They didn’t know what to expect, or that it even […]
Sexology, despite having been around for nearly sixty years, is still a relatively misunderstood area of health care. According to the World Association of Sexual Health (WAS), “sexologists work in a wide variety of disciplines” and they have specialist post-graduate training, but could have a background in psychology, medicine, public health, research or nursing.” In […]
My experience is that most of us don’t realise that our sexual health can have a significant impact on our overall health and wellbeing. Sex is an integral part of health and wellness which is why the WHO defines Sexual Health as a HUMAN RIGHT! Sexual Health refers to everything about you and your sexuality. […]
The question is frequently asked – What is a Sexologist? What qualifications do you need to be a Sexologist? There is further confusion between what differentiates a Sexologist to that of a Sex Therapist. The following synopsis aims to clarify these differences.