Sexual Health Unit
Sexual health is an important part of overall health and well-being. When changes occur — such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, loss of libido, pain during sexual intercourse, or difficulty achieving orgasm — the impact can be felt in self-esteem, relationships, and quality of life.
At the Sexual Health Unit of the Instituto da Próstata, you will find a multidisciplinary team specialised in sexology, urology, and neuropsychology, ready to listen and guide you. In a discreet, confidential, and non-judgemental environment, we help you understand what is happening and identify the most appropriate path to care for your sexual health.
Who Is It For?
Our Sexual Health Unit is dedicated to men, women, and couples seeking evaluation or treatment for difficulties related to sexuality.
The conditions we manage include:
- Erectile dysfunction or erection problems;
- Premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, or retrograde ejaculation;
- Loss of libido or reduced sexual desire in men or women;
- Anorgasmia or difficulty achieving orgasm;
- Pain during penetration or painful intercourse;
- Vaginal dryness or sexual changes associated with menopause;
- Sexual dysfunction following illness or surgery.
You may also attend this consultation to clarify doubts about sexuality, receive sexual counselling, or address relationship difficulties and concerns related to your sexual well-being and intimate life.
How Does It Work?
Care at the Sexual Health Unit begins with a specialised clinical evaluation, designed to understand what is happening in your sexual life and identify the physical, psychological, or relationship-related factors that may be involved.
Depending on your individual situation, the process may include:
- Sexology consultation
- Psychological or neuropsychological support
- Assessment by a urologist specialised in sexology
- Referral for medical treatment when necessary
Based on this evaluation, a personalised care plan is defined to help you find the most appropriate way to care for your sexual health and well-being.
How Do We Welcome Our Patients at the Sexual Health Unit?
Care is provided through a structured approach, allowing a progressive evaluation of each clinical situation and the definition of the most appropriate treatment plan.
Clinical Assessment
During the first consultation, we assess your situation and identify possible causes for changes in sexual health, such as premature ejaculation, erectile difficulties, or loss of libido.
Definition of the Therapeutic Pathway
Based on this assessment, we define the most appropriate clinical pathway, which may include medical, therapeutic, or multidisciplinary follow-up.
Treatment or Rehabilitation
Depending on the diagnosis, medical treatments or specialised follow-up in sexology may be recommended.
Follow-Up
Over time, we monitor the progression of your condition and adjust the therapeutic plan whenever necessary.
Sexual Health Screening Consultation
The Sexual Health Screening Consultation® is an innovative consultation designed to be the first step in caring for your sexual health.
During approximately 60 minutes, in a completely confidential environment, a specialist in sexology or neuropsychology carries out a comprehensive assessment of your situation and guides you towards the most appropriate clinical pathway.
You do not need to have a previous diagnosis. Many people seek this consultation when they feel that something has changed in their sexual life, such as:
- Reduced sexual desire
- Erectile problems
- Premature ejaculation
- Difficulty achieving orgasm
- Vaginal dryness or pain during sexual intercourse
At the end of the consultation, you will receive clear guidance on the next steps and the available follow-up options.
Would you like to learn more about our services?
Sexuality After Illness
A serious illness, surgery, or accident can profoundly affect sexual life. However, these changes do not necessarily mean the end of sexuality.
At the Sexual Health Unit, we support people whose sexual life has been affected by illness or medical treatments, through specialised assessment and sexual rehabilitation strategies tailored to each clinical situation.
The conditions we manage include:
- Sexuality after prostate cancer
- Post-radical prostatectomy
- Post-pelvic radiotherapy
- Oncology patients (prostate, bladder, rectal, or gynaecological cancers)
- Patients with diabetes and neuropathy
- Patients with heart disease
- Spinal cord injuries
- Urinary incontinence affecting sexual life
- People who have experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence
Each person has a unique clinical and emotional history. For this reason, follow-up is always personalised, with the aim of supporting sexual rehabilitation and improving quality of life.
In many cases, the Sexual Health Screening Consultation® is the recommended starting point to better understand the situation and define the most appropriate therapeutic pathway.
Dr. José Santos Dias
Clinical Director of the Instituto da Próstata
- Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Lisbon
- Specialist in Urology
- Fellow of the European Board of Urology
- Author of the books "Tudo o que sempre quis saber Sobre Próstata", "Urologia fundamental na Prática Clínica", "Urologia em 10 minutos","Casos Clínicos de Urologia" and "Protocolos de Urgência em Urologia"
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a sexologist?
Where can I seek treatment for sexual health problems in Lisbon?
What happens during a Sexual Health Screening Consultation?
Can erectile dysfunction occur in young men?
Is there a solution for premature ejaculation?
Can sexual life change after illness or surgery?