The Women’s Sexual Health Services at Nottingham Road Clinic provide specialist-led assessment and management for a wide range of sexual and reproductive health concerns affecting women at different stages of life. Sexual health is closely linked to physical wellbeing, hormonal balance, pelvic health, emotional health and personal relationships. Symptoms are often multifactorial, sensitive in nature and may be under-reported or inadequately addressed within general healthcare settings.
The service is delivered by clinicians with expertise in women’s sexual and reproductive health, working within a structured, evidence-based clinical framework. Care focuses on accurate diagnosis, addressing contributing medical and psychological factors, and developing individualised management plans that prioritise safety, dignity and long-term wellbeing.
Assessment and management are supported by access to diagnostics including pelvic examination, ultrasound imaging, laboratory testing and cervical screening, alongside clear referral pathways to gynaecology, radiology, physiotherapy, mental health and pain services when required. Where appropriate, the service interfaces with NHS pathways to support continuity of care and onward treatment.
The overall approach is holistic and multidisciplinary, recognising that sexual health symptoms may reflect hormonal change, underlying gynaecological conditions, pelvic floor dysfunction, chronic pain, psychological distress or systemic illness. Care is coordinated to address symptoms comprehensively rather than in isolation.
The Women’s Sexual Health Services are suitable for adults presenting with sexual or intimate health concerns that require specialist assessment beyond routine primary care.
This includes women who experience:
Specialist input is particularly appropriate when symptoms are persistent, multifactorial, recurrent, associated with hormonal or pelvic conditions, or where initial treatments have not been effective. The service supports both self-pay and privately insured patients and provides clear clinical information for GP and referrer audiences, including guidance on investigation, management and onward referral.
The service assesses and manages a broad range of women’s sexual health conditions, incorporating physical, hormonal and psychosocial considerations.
Vulvovaginal and sexual pain conditions
These may present with pain during intercourse, persistent discomfort, burning, soreness or sensitivity. Causes can include vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, recurrent infections, dermatological conditions, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction or hormonal deficiency. Pain may significantly affect intimacy, confidence and quality of life and often requires specialist assessment to identify contributing factors.
Changes in libido, arousal and sexual response
Reduced sexual desire or arousal may be influenced by hormonal changes, stress, relationship factors, medication side effects, fatigue or underlying medical conditions. These concerns are common but frequently unaddressed. Specialist assessment helps distinguish hormonal, physical and psychological contributors and supports appropriate management.
Hormone-related sexual health concerns
Hormonal fluctuations associated with contraception, perimenopause, menopause or endocrine conditions can affect vaginal comfort, lubrication, sensitivity and libido. These symptoms may progress without treatment and respond well to targeted hormonal or non-hormonal therapies.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge
Bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause, and persistent abnormal discharge require careful assessment to exclude infection, cervical pathology or other gynaecological causes. While many causes are benign, timely investigation is clinically important.
Sexually transmitted and genital infections
The service assesses recurrent or complex infections, persistent symptoms following treatment, and sexual health concerns requiring specialist evaluation. This includes careful testing, interpretation of results and appropriate treatment planning.
Pelvic floor and associated conditions
Pelvic floor dysfunction may contribute to sexual pain, reduced sensation, urinary symptoms or difficulty with intercourse. These symptoms are often linked to childbirth, surgery, hormonal change or chronic pelvic pain and benefit from multidisciplinary assessment.
Red-flag symptoms
Urgent or priority assessment is indicated for symptoms such as post-coital or postmenopausal bleeding, unexplained pelvic pain, vulval lesions, significant pain escalation, or symptoms associated with systemic illness. Early identification supports timely investigation and referral.
Assessment begins with a detailed, sensitive clinical history, recognising the personal and sometimes distressing nature of sexual health concerns. History-taking focuses on symptom characteristics, duration, triggers, impact on daily life and relationships, and any associated gynaecological, hormonal or systemic symptoms.
Physical examination may include:
Diagnostic pathways are guided by clinical findings and may include:
All investigations align with national clinical guidance, with a focus on avoiding unnecessary testing while ensuring serious conditions are excluded or identified promptly.
Management is individualised and evidence-based, reflecting diagnosis, symptom burden, medical history and patient preference.
Treatment options may include:
Conservative approaches are prioritised where appropriate, with interventional or procedural pathways considered when clinically indicated. Follow-up arrangements ensure response to treatment is monitored, side effects are managed and care plans are adjusted as needed.
Physiotherapy at NRC is delivered within a multidisciplinary framework. The service works closely with:
This integrated approach ensures physiotherapy is aligned with broader clinical care and supports coordinated rehabilitation.
Appointments are clinician-led and structured to allow sufficient time for open discussion and assessment.
Patients can expect:
Written communication is provided to patients and referrers to support clarity and continuity of care.
Are sexual health symptoms common?
Yes. Many women experience sexual health concerns at some point, particularly during hormonal transitions or following medical or life changes.
Will I need an examination?
Examination is not always necessary. It is performed only when clinically appropriate and with informed consent.
Can sexual pain be treated effectively?
In many cases, symptoms improve significantly once underlying contributing factors are identified and addressed through tailored treatment.
Are hormonal treatments always required?
No. Many symptoms respond well to non-hormonal treatments or multidisciplinary approaches.
Can this service support menopause-related sexual health concerns?
Yes. Hormonal and non-hormonal sexual health issues associated with menopause are routinely assessed and managed.
Will my GP be informed?
With patient consent, clear correspondence is shared with primary care to support ongoing management.
Can private assessment link into NHS care?
Yes. Findings and investigations can be used to support NHS referrals or shared care where appropriate.
To book an appointment or discuss which clinician you should see first:
Phone: 01623 624137
Location: Nottingham Road Clinic, 195 Nottingham Road Mansfield NG18 4AA
