Relationships
When should a couple see a doctor, not only a counsellor?
Couples counselling is valuable for communication, conflict and rebuilding trust. But some relationship problems have a medical or psychiatric part that talking alone won't resolve.
Signs a medical assessment would help
- A sexual problem sits at the centre. Erectile difficulty, premature ejaculation, pain during sex, or no sex at all since marriage.
- Desire is very mismatched and it has changed noticeably for one partner.
- One partner may have anxiety, depression or another mental health condition that affects the relationship.
- Alcohol or other substances are part of the conflict.
- Medicines or illness, including cancer treatment, diabetes or heart disease, have changed intimacy.
- Fertility treatment has turned sex into a schedule and the strain is showing.
What a doctor-led consultation adds
A doctor can diagnose and treat the physical and psychological causes, review medicines, order tests, and prescribe where it's needed, alongside work on the relationship itself. When both partners understand that part of the problem is medical, blame often eases.
Coming together, or alone
You can come as a couple or on your own. Many people start alone and bring their partner later. Both are fine.
If anyone in the relationship feels unsafe, safety comes first. Call 112 in an emergency, or the women's helpline 181.
This article is general information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor who has assessed you.
Ready to talk?
You don't need the right words. Say what you can at the first visit, and we'll work out the rest together.