New App Addresses Sexual Health Issues in the UK

LONDON, April 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Sexual Advice Association Aims to Overcome the Communication Barriers Around Discussing Sexual Problems; 50% of People will Experience Sex-Related Problems in Their Life

The Sexual Advice Association, a UK charity focussed on improving sexual function and wellbeing, today announced the launch of a free smartphone app designed to allow people to ask the questions about their sex lives that they didn't feel comfortable asking before. The SMART app provides an option for people to get expert advice to address their concerns about sexual problems, in their own time and in complete privacy.

Designed by health professionals for use by men and women anywhere in the world, the SMART app provides anonymous access to a range of validated tests and questionnaires to assess people's concerns about their sexual health and provide information, guidance and sound advice. Completely secure, it covers issues such as lack of sex drive, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, and can be used by individuals, couples together or by one partner on behalf of another.

Sexual problems will affect around 50% of men and women in the UK at some point in their lives, and can be an early indicator of underlying health problems, but only about a quarter of people with a problem seek help from a health professional.

"The fact is that the British people are still not comfortable talking about sexual health," said Mike Kirby, SAA Trustee and professor of men's health at the University of Hertfordshire and the London Prostate Centre. "Not only does this have a negative impact on relationships, but sexual health issues like erectile dysfunction can also be indicators of underlying health issues like heart disease and diabetes. The SMART app gives people a new option for addressing their concerns privately and securely."

"The SMART app lets people take the first steps in addressing sexual health issues in the privacy of their own home, and helps remove the doubt and misinformation associated with searching the internet," said Victoria Lehmann, SAA Trustee and sex and relationship therapist at London Urology Associates. "It can also help reassure people that nothing may be wrong and can also help give them the right words if they do need to seek professional help."

The SMART app:

• Contains comprehensive information and advice relating to a wide array of sexual issues affecting men, women and couples.
• Is PIN protected, so people can explore their sexual health concerns in complete privacy.
• Is completely private. All information entered into the app is anonymous, so personal data is fully protected.
• Can be downloaded for free and used across the world by anyone with an iOS or Android smartphone.
• Is available for download from the App Store and Google Play.

About the Sexual Advice Association

Founded in 1995, the Sexual Advice Association is a charitable organisation created to help improve the sexual function and wellbeing of men and women, and to raise awareness of the extent to which sexual conditions affect the general population.

As the only national patient association of its kind, the Sexual Advice Association is committed to helping and supporting people, and partners of people, with all forms of sexual problems by raising awareness about sexual functioning and wellbeing; providing information and education on male and female sexual problems, and; improving the public's understanding of the seriousness and causes of male and female sexual disorders. The charity runs a confidential helpline and email enquiry service: +44 (0)207 486 7262 or info@sexualadviceassociation.co.uk

For more information, or to download the app, visit http://www.sexualadviceassociation.co.uk

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