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Question:
Hello. I am 23 years old and married with a young son (20 months old). I was abused by my uncle and, I'm pretty sure, someone else who I can't remember. I've been working so hard on healing for about five years but we have no money so therapy is not an option for me. When I was 17 and 18 years old I worked in a masturbation parlor where I had private clients that I took my closes off for. In reading your books and others' books I always see a single sentence here or there on prostitution but I am unable to find a significant resource for information on it. I was wondering if you had any suggestions. Also I have just in the last few months started to feel some sensation in my genitals. It feels good but still I don't always like it, or afterward it makes me feel bad. My husband can not understand how I could not like something that feels good and I am unable to explain it to him. I don't know what to do because it is such big progress, I'm starting to understand why people like sex instead of just cuddling which I have always preferred. I don't want the progress to go away but I don't know what to do because it gives me mood swings and makes me want to hurt myself.

Answer:
by Wendy Maltz:
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It sounds like you have been making some very good progress with sexual healing on your own; reading books and exploring sensual touch. Symptoms such as feeling bad after genital touch, experiencing mood swings, and having thoughts of hurting yourself, often point to unresolved psychological issues which need therapeutic attention. I recommend you contact your local rape crisis center or women’s center or women’s health clinic to locate no-cost counseling services. In many cities some established therapists will see a few “no pay” clients as a community service. It may take some calling around though to find them. When a person has experienced sexual abuse followed by prostitution it can take some time to learn that your body really does belong to you and the sensations you feel are yours and yours alone. Feeling sensation is natural. You have a right to enjoy sexual pleasures regardless of your history. Don’t blame yourself or your genitals for what was done to you long ago. Please contact the national organization VOICES for survivors of sexual abuse. They have a hotline, 1-800-7VOICE8 (1-800-786-4238), and may be able to help you find resources on recovery from prostitution. I wish you well with your continued recovery.

Reviewed by: Kathleen VanKirk DHS

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