Physical & Medical Concerns

Sex therapists routinely encounter medical and physical factors that

ntersect with clients’ sexual functioning, and a scholarly understanding of these

domains is essential for comprehensive care. Medical contributors such as

hormonal fluctuations, chronic illnesses, cardiovascular conditions, pelvic floor

dysfunction, and neurological disorders can significantly influence desire,

arousal, and sexual satisfaction. Pharmacological effects, particularly those

associated with antidepressants, antihypertensives, and hormonal treatments,

also play a substantial role in shaping sexual response.

Additionally, pain conditions, postoperative changes, and age‑related

physiological shifts may alter sexual capacity or comfort, requiring sensitive

ssessment and interdisciplinary collaboration. Within a biopsychosocial

framework, sex therapists integrate awareness of these physical determinants

with psychological and relational factors, ensuring that sexual concerns are

contextualized within the broader landscape of clients’ health while encouraging

ppropriate consultation with medical professionals for diagnosis or treatment.

The Wiley Handbook of Sex Therapy

Wiley Blackwell

edited by Zoe Peterson

The Textbook of Clinical Sexual Medicine

Springer

edited by William Ishak

Sex without Pain

A self-treatment guide to the sex life you deserve

By Heather Jeffcoat

Male Sexual Dysfunction

A Clinical Guide

Edited by Suks Minhas and John Mulhall

When Sex Hurts

Understanding and Healing Pelvis Pain

By Andrew Goldstein, Caroline Pukall, Irwin Goldstein, and Jill Krapf

Floored

A Woman’s Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage

By Sara Reardon

The Vagina Bible

The vulva and the vagina separating the myth from the medicine

By Jen Gunter

Principles and Practice of Sex Therapy

Sixth Edition

edited by Kathryn Hall and Yitzchak Binik

Come As You Are

The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life

By Emily Nagoski

The Penis Book

A Doctor’s Complete Guide to the Penis from Size to Function and Everything In Between

By Aaron Spitz

Pelvic Pain

The Ultimate Cock Block. A no-bullshit guide for men navigating through pelvic pain

By Susie Gronkski

The Penis Manual

Navigating Men’s Sexual Health and the Penis

By Justin David Duwe

The Existential Importance of the Penis

A Guide to Understanding Male Sexuality

By Daniel Watter

A Field Guide to Men’s Health

Eat Right, Stay Fit, Sleep Well, and Have Great Sex-Forever

By Jesse Mills

Estrogen Matters

Why Taking Hormones in Menopause Can Improve and Lengthen Women’s Lives – Without Raising the Risk of Breast Cancer

By Avrum Bluming and Carol Tarvis

The New Menopause

Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and Facts

By Mary Claire Haver

The New Perimenopause

And Evidence-Based Guide to Surviving the Zone of Chaos and Feeling Like Yourself Again

By Mary Claire Haver

Maximize Your Male Hormones

A guide to the effects of testosterone and all the other crucial hormones that affect your body, your behavior and your health. Symptoms, causes, and treatments of men’s most common health disorders

By Pamela Wartian Smith

Diagnosis and Treatment of Male Sexual Dysfunction

Controversies, Advances, and Future Developments

Edited by Rupin Shah, Hyun Jun Park, Ashok Agarwal

How to Regain Confidence and Enjoy Great Sex

Coping with Erectile Dysfunction

By Michael Metz and Barry McCarthy

Treating Out of Control Sexual Behavior

Rethinking Sex Addiction

By Douglas Braum-Harvey and Michael Vigorito

Flo APP

Track your periods, ovulation, and pregnancy with the Flo app. Log your cycle symptoms so you can understand your body better.

Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction

Edited by Elisabetta Costantini, Donata Villari, Maria Teresa Filocamo

Sexually Speaking

What Every Woman Needs to Know About Sexual Health

By Dr. Ruth Wetheimer

Curvy Girl Sex

101 Body-Positive Positions to Empower Your Sex Life

By Elle Chase

Women Cancer Sex

Second Edition

By Anne Katz

Sex and Cancer

Intimacy, Romance, and Love After Diagnosis and Treatment

By Saketh Guntupalli and Marann Karinch

Man Cancer Sex

By Anne Katz

Prostate Cancer and the Man You Love

Supporting and Caring for Your Loved One

Buy Anne Katz

Cancer, Sex, and Intimacy

A Couple’s Guide

By Anne Katz

Cancer, Intimacy and Sexuality

A Practical Approach

Editors: Yacov Resman, Woet Gianotten

Exploring Sexuality and Disability

A Guide for Human Service Professionals

Edited by Shanna Katz Kattari

Treating Out of Control Sexual Behavior

Rethinking Sex Addiction

By Douglas Braun-Harvey