Sex and gender identity

Sexual difficulties, low libido, gender identity and coming out.

• Coming outComing out is the process of understanding your sexual orientation or gender identity and choosing whether, when and how to share it with others. It is personal, and there is no right timeline. Coming out can bring relief and connection, but it can also be stressful, and affirming support can make a real difference.
• Gender dysphoriaGender dysphoria describes the distress some people feel when their gender identity, their internal sense of their own gender, doesn't match the sex they were assigned at birth. Being transgender or nonbinary is not a mental illness, but the distress, along with stigma and lack of support, can affect wellbeing, and support is available.
• Low libidoLow libido means having less interest in sexual activity than you usually do or would like to have. A low sex drive is common at different points in life and is not a problem in itself. It becomes a concern when it causes you personal distress or creates tension in your relationship. Physical, psychological and relationship factors can all play a part, and most of them can be addressed.
• Psychological erectile dysfunctionPsychological erectile dysfunction, also called psychogenic ED, is difficulty getting or keeping an erection that's mainly driven by mental or emotional factors such as performance anxiety, stress, depression or relationship problems. It's common, especially in younger men, and highly treatable. A medical checkup and therapy with a sex therapist or psychologist can help.