What to Expect
This is a great first step!
Personal issues involving pelvic pain or intimacy are often difficult to address. No doubt you have many questions, not only about your own experiences but also about our expertise, our approach, our services and what you can expect as a result. To help, we’ve made a list of commonly asked questions, along with the answers.
We also invite you to call us at (402) 815-1770 or contact us with any questions you may have or to request additional information.
Q. How do I make an appointment?
A. Simply call the Pelvic Pain and Sexual Medicine Center at (402) 815-1770, or request an appointment online.
Q. Do I need a physician referral?
A. You do not need a physician referral to see one of our providers.
Q. How do I know if I have a problem?
A. Any type of pain between the belly button and upper thighs that has lasted longer than three months might be a reason to make an appointment. It is also a good idea to schedule an initial visit with us if there are any issues affecting your sexual activities or intimacy. This is especially true if it’s causing you concern and anxiety or if it’s impacting your relationships.
Q. How do I know which clinician I should initially see for my appointment?
A. If your symptoms are primarily related to stress, depression or relationship issues, you should first see the psychotherapist. Symptoms of pain in lower abdomen or the vaginal area or loss of desire or arousal would be evaluated first by the medical team. Our front desk can help you choose the most appropriate provider.
Q. What happens during my first consultation?
A. At your initial visit, you will spend the majority of the time talking, while we listen and ask questions. We are interested in what you’ve been experiencing. We also obtain a complete medical history that includes your past and current medical conditions, any prior procedures or diagnostic tests, a complete list of medications-prescribed and over-the-counter, and all other pertinent information.
At that time, we may perform a complete physical exam to assess your current condition. In addition, tests may be ordered to help accurately diagnose your condition before developing an individual treatment plan.
We may use questionnaires to help define some of your conditions and help us keep track of your improvement. Once you have had your initial evaluation, members of our clinical team meet to discuss treatment options and a personalized plan of care to present to you. This may involve scheduling appointments with additional team members or collaborative providers as well.
Before you arrive at your first appointment, please print and complete our New Patient Form.
Q. How long does treatment take?
A. Everyone is different. Specific recommendations will be made for your situation. Depending on your needs, it could take only a session or two or it may take longer. Your specialist will be able to develop a plan tailored to you.
Q. Does my partner need to participate?
A. Whether or not your partner participates depends on the issues you are experiencing, the recommendations of your treatment team and your own preferences. Sometimes it is desirable to have your partner participate at some point. However, even if your partner won’t come, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.
Q. Do you treat men?
A. Although we do have male patients, we typically treat men only as partners to our female patients.
Q. What is sex therapy?
A. Sex therapy is a type of talk therapy, led by a licensed and certified therapist. During the course of treatment, all suggested homework, which may or may not include touching/intimacy-building exercises, will be completed in the privacy of one’s home with or without a partner.