Sexual Function and Wellbeing Resources

Online:

Bishuk   Sexual health information and education resource for all but specifically for young people. (this link may not open an NHS computers)

Brook  A UK charity providing sexual health services and education for young people.

NHS Inform  Official Scottish health resource offering advice and services on sexual health and wellbeing.

Psychology Today  Expert blog exploring signs and strategies to improve sexual wellbeing and mental health.

Online:

Sexual wellbeing in adolescence | Good Measure Project  This site provides resources and research insights on sexual wellbeing, focusing on measurement, promotion, and public health impact.

Papers:

What is sexual wellbeing and why does it matter for public health? Mitchell, K.R. et al., 2021. The Lancet Public Health, 6(8), pp.e608–e613
- Read this to learn how sexual wellbeing is a holistic measure of sexual health and satisfaction, and supporting it is crucial for public health outcomes and societal wellbeing.

Development and validation of a brief measure of sexual wellbeing for population surveys: The Natsal Sexual Wellbeing Measure (Natsal-SW).  Mitchell, K.R., Palmer, M.J., Lewis, R., Bosó Pérez, R., Maxwell, K.J. et al., 2025. The Journal of Sex Research, 62(1), pp.1–11.
- Read this to learn how the Natsal Sexual Wellbeing Measure (Natsal-SW), a brief tool for assessing sexual wellbeing in population surveys, developed and validated.

Conceptualizing sexual wellbeing: a qualitative investigation to inform development of a measure (Natsal-SW). Lewis, R., Bosó Pérez, R., Maxwell, K.J., Reid, D., Macdowall, W. et al., 2025. The Journal of Sex Research, 62(5), pp.693–711.
- Read this to learn how people understand sexual wellbeing through qualitative research to guide the development of the Natsal-SW measurement tool.

Online:

Your Sex Drive Is Normal -  New York Magazine, The Science of Us Short Animation
- This animated episode from The Science of Us reassures viewers that variations in sex drive are normal and explores the science behind sexual desire.

Couples and Sexual Health Research Laboratory CASHLAB videos - particularly for couples post partum
- CASHLAB videos provide research-based guidance for couples on maintaining sexual health and intimacy, especially during the postpartum period.

The surprising truth about desire everyone needs to know Dr Karen Gurney
- This TEDx talk reveals common myths about sexual desire and shares insights to help people understand and nurture their own sexual wellbeing.

Books:

Mind The Gap: the truth about desire and how to futureproof your sex life Dr Karen Gurney
- Explores sexual desire, offering practical guidance to understand, maintain, and futureproof a fulfilling sex life.

Come as you are: the surprising new science that will transform your sex life Emily Nagowski. 
- Explains the science of sexual response and provides evidence-based strategies to enhance sexual satisfaction and wellbeing.

Better Sex Through Mindfulness by Lori Brotto
- This book teaches mindfulness techniques to enhance sexual satisfaction, intimacy, and overall sexual wellbeing.

Papers - Open access:

Motivation when desire is low: Associations between sexual motivation and sexual intimacy, sexual satisfaction, and sexual distress for men with hypoactive sexual desire disorder and their partners. Archives of Sexual Behavior. McClung, E., Rosen, N.O., Dubé, J., Wang, G.A. & Corsini-Munt, S., 2024.
- Read this to learn how sexual motivation in men with hypoactive sexual desire disorder relates to intimacy, satisfaction, and distress for both them and their partners.

Sexual desire emerges from subjective sexual arousal, but the connection depends on desire type and relationship satisfaction. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, Blumenstock, S.M., Suschinsky, K., Brotto, L.A. & Chivers, M.L., 2024. 50(2), pp.252–271.
- Read this to learn about the link between sexual arousal and desire varies based on the type of desire and the quality of relationship satisfaction.

The heteronormativity theory of low sexual desire in women partnered with men.  van Anders, S.N., Herbenick, D., Brotto, L.A., Harris, E.A. & Chadwick, S.B., 2022. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 51(1), pp.391–415.
- Read this to learn how low sexual desire in women partnered with men may be influenced by heteronormative social and relational expectations.

The hormonal regulation of men’s sexual desire, arousal, and penile erection: recommendations from the fifth international consultation on sexual medicine Rastrelli, G., Antonio, L., Carrier, S., Isidori, A. & Maggi, M., 2025. (ICSM 2024). Sexual Medicine Reviews, 13(4), pp.433–455.
- Read this to learn how hormones regulate men’s sexual desire, arousal, and erections, offering evidence-based recommendations from the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine.

Evaluation and management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women: Recommendations from the 5th International Consultation on Sexual Medicine Rowen, T.S., Abdo, C., el Kak, F., Maseroli, E., Pope, R., Prasad, P., Velten, J. & Vignozzi, L., 2025. (ICSM 2024). Sexual Medicine Reviews
- Read this to learn about evidence-based guidelines from the 5th ICSM for evaluating and managing hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women.

Papers - Access via institution login only:

The DSM diagnostic criteria for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women. Brotto, L.A., 2010. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 39, pp.221–239.
- Read this to learn about the DSM criteria for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in women, and how it is defined as a persistently low sexual desire causing personal distress.

Online:

News - ISSM - The ISSM website provides updates, research, and resources on sexual medicine and sexual health worldwide.

ESSM Webinars - ESSM - The ESSM website offers resources, research updates, and webinars on sexual medicine and sexual health across Europe.

Books:

Better Sex Through Mindfulness by Lori Brotto
- This book teaches mindfulness techniques to enhance sexual satisfaction, intimacy, and overall sexual wellbeing.

Trans Sex by Lucie Fielding
- Lucie Fielding writes about the experiences, challenges, and sexual wellbeing of transgender and non-binary people.

Online:

Vaginismusworkbook - Information and workbook aimed at people with vaginismus created by Dr J Gaddie, Consultant in Sexual Health & HIV.

NHS Lothian  - This NHS Lothian guidance provides self-help strategies for managing vaginismus and pain during penetrative sex.

#ABtalks Untold Stories with Amirah Zaky - Recorded interview with a person with vaginismus.

The Vaginismus Network - Community for people with vaginismus, with some useful blog posts.

Pelvic Pain - From this link you can navigate to a resource offering simple pelvic stretches designed to relieve tension and reduce pelvic pain called ‘Easy Stretches to Relax the Pelvis’. **These resources can be helpful for AMAB people who experience pain.

Full body relaxation - Body scan meditation with the founder of Mindfulness Jon Kabat-Zinn

Make Birth Better - Information and support following birth trauma which can lead to painful sex / GPPPD.

Planned Parenthood - Information about genital anatomy from an American Planned Parenthood.

The Vulva Gallery - Drawn images of vulvas and people's stories about their relationship to their vulva, which can be helpful to normalise any concern or anxieties about the vulva and labia.

 Brits PAG  - Resource from the British Society for Paediatric & adolescent Gynaecology about using dilators

Books:

Come as You Are, Nagoski, E., 2015.
- Explains the science of sexual response and offers evidence-based strategies to improve sexual satisfaction and wellbeing.

The Come as You Are Workbook, Nagoski, E., 2015.
- Provides practical exercises and strategies to apply the principles from Come as You Are to enhance sexual wellbeing.

Heal Pelvic Pain, Stein, A., 2010.
- Offers exercises, lifestyle strategies, and education to relieve chronic pelvic pain and improve sexual and pelvic health.

My Broken Vagina, Bushe, F., 2019.
- Explores the physical and emotional impact of pelvic and sexual trauma, offering insight and guidance for recovery and sexual wellbeing.

7 Steps to Pain-Free Sex: A Complete Self-Help Guide to Overcome Vaginismus, Dyspareunia, Vulvodynia & Other Penetration Disorders, Amherd, C., 2018.
- This book provides step-by-step self-help strategies to manage and overcome vaginismus, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, and related penetration disorders.

Overcoming Sexual Problems, Ford, V., 2008.
- Offers practical guidance and therapeutic strategies for addressing a range of sexual difficulties and improving sexual wellbeing.

A Headache in the Pelvis, Wise, D. & Anderson, R., 2003. Boulder, CO: White Mountain Press.
- This book explains chronic pelvic pain in men and women, offering strategies for understanding, managing, and reducing pelvic pain

Papers - Open access:

Understanding vaginismus: a biopsychosocial perspective. McEvoy, M., McElvaney, R. & Glover, R., 2024. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 39(3), pp.680–701.
- Read this to understand vaginismus through a biopsychosocial lens, highlighting the interplay of physical, psychological, and relational factors in its development and treatment.

Female Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder: Review of the Related Factors and Overall Approach. Dias-Amaral, A. & Marques-Pinto, A., 2018. Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, 40(12), pp.787–793.
- Read this to have an overview of the factors contributing to Female Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder and gain a comprehensive approach to assessment and management.

Treatment of vulvodynia: pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Rosen, N.O., Dawson, S.J., Brooks, M. & Kellogg-Spadt, S., 2019. Drugs, 79(5), pp.483–493. 
- Read this to learn about both drug-based and non-drug approaches for managing vulvodynia, highlighting evidence-based treatment options.

Patients’ recommendations to improve help-seeking for vaginismus: a qualitative study. Pithavadian, R., Dune, T. & Chalmers, J., 2024. BMC Women's Health, 24(1), p.203.
- Read this to learn about a qualitative study which presents patient recommendations to enhance support and encourage help-seeking for women experiencing vaginismus.

Papers - Access via institution:

Guidelines for the management of vulvodynia. Mandal, D., Nunns, D., Byrne, M., McLelland, J., Rani, R., Cullimore, J., Bansal, D., Brackenbury, F., Kirtschig, G., Wier, M. & British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease (BSSVD) Guideline Group, 2010. British Journal of Dermatology, 162(6), pp.1180–1185.
- Read this to review evidence-based recommendations for the assessment and management of vulvodynia in clinical practice.

Guidelines:

Assessment and management of vulval pain. Nunns, D. & Murphy, R., 2012. BMJ, 344, pp.1–6.
- Read this to understand guidance on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of vulval pain in clinical practice.

European Association of Urology guidelines on chronic pelvic pain. Engeler, D., Baranowski, A.P. & Elneil, S., 2012. European Association of Urology, [online].
- Read this to understand evidence-based approaches for diagnosing and managing chronic pelvic pain.

Online:

Erectile Dysfunction Leaflet (PDF) - This BAUS leaflet provides clear, patient-focused information on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for erectile dysfunction.

Erectile Dysfunction Overview - This NHS resource explains erectile dysfunction, including its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and when to seek medical advice.

Erectile Dysfunction - This peer-reviewed Patient info resource provides comprehensive, evidence-based information on erectile dysfunction, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for men.

Worried About Staying Hard - For men and their partners, this resource offers practical guidance for men and their partners on coping with concerns about maintaining erections and improving sexual confidence.

Books:

Coping with Erectile Dysfunction. Metz, M.E. & McCarthy, B.W., 2000. New Harbinger.
- Provides practical strategies and psychological guidance to help men manage erectile dysfunction and improve sexual confidence and satisfaction.

The New Male Sexuality.  Zilbergeld, B., 1999. Bantam.
- This book, though now rather old, explores male sexual development, desires, and challenges, offering insights into healthy sexual functioning and relationships.

Overcome Psychological Erectile Dysfunction. Daly, T.P., 2011. Daly Claremont Publishing.
- This book provides strategies and therapeutic approaches to address psychological causes of erectile dysfunction and restore sexual confidence.

Reclaiming Sex. Kleinplatz, P.J. & Ménard, A.D., 2003. Routledge.
- Explores how couples can overcome sexual difficulties and enhance intimacy, focusing on communication, desire, and sexual fulfillment.

Overcoming Sexual Problems. Ford, V., 2008. Sheldon Press.
- Offers practical guidance and strategies for addressing a range of sexual difficulties and improving sexual wellbeing.

Sex Without Stress. Zimmerman, J., 2007. Rowman & Littlefield.
- Provides techniques and advice for reducing anxiety around sex and improving sexual confidence and enjoyment.

Educational videos:

Erectile Dysfunction Explained - This Mayo Clinic video offers a clear, calm overview of erectile dysfunction, explaining its causes, assessment, and available treatment options.

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction - This Johns Hopkins Medicine video provides an evidence-based explanation of erectile dysfunction, covering both physical and psychological contributing factors.

Erectile Dysfunction Health Talk - This Cleveland Clinic video discusses erectile dysfunction, focusing on treatment options, lifestyle influences, and practical strategies for management.

Erectile Dysfunction and Heart Health - This UW Medicine video explains the connection between erectile function and cardiovascular health, highlighting the role of blood flow in erections.

How Erections Work - This Rhesus Medicine video provides a simple, clear explanation of the physiological processes involved in achieving and maintaining an erection.

Papers- Open Access:

Erectile dysfunction. Yafi, F.A. et al., 2016. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 2, p.16003.
- Read this to gain a comprehensive overview of erectile dysfunction, including its epidemiology, underlying mechanisms, and current therapeutic approaches.

Papers - Access via institution:

Psychological and interpersonal dimensions of sexual dysfunction. McCabe, M.P. et al., 2016. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 13(4), pp.538–571. 
- Read this to examine the psychological and relational factors that contribute to sexual dysfunction and their impact on sexual wellbeing.

Erectile dysfunction. Shamloul, R. & Ghanem, H., 2013. The Lancet, 381(9861), pp.153–165.
- Read this to review the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for erectile dysfunction, highlighting its multifactorial nature and clinical management strategies.

Guidelines

Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline. Burnett, A.L. et al., 2018. Journal of Urology, 200(3), pp.633–641.
- This guideline from the American Urological Association outlines evidence-based recommendations for the evaluation and management of erectile dysfunction.

Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health – Erectile Dysfunction. Wespes, E. et al., 2023. EAU, European Association of Urology.
- These European Association of Urology guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of erectile dysfunction and related sexual health issues.

Institute of Psychosexual Medicine (IPM) - Contains advice on introductory course, diploma and membership training.

European/ International Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM/ ISSM)  - Information related to ESSM School and Advanced Course.

College of Sex and Relationship Therapists (COSRT)  – Access to online self-learning and seminars. CORST has Clinical and Thematic Training modules available online for CPD in sexual wellbeing.

International Society for Sexual Medicine - links to online webinars and training events

There may be research opportunities available via the following routes:

Masters

PhDs (many British/ European/ International institutions)

Look at websites e.g., NATSAL (National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles)