Sex is a natural part of human life, regardless of your age or sexual orientation. If this part of your life is not bringing you joy or fulfillment, don’t sweep those feelings under the rug. You have resources, including the team here at Philadelphia Women’s Health & Wellness. Let us help you enhance this essential area of your health and wellness.
Here’s a brief overview of some of the issues that could be standing between you and a healthy, enjoyable sex life.
Even though we’ve come a long way as a society when it comes to acknowledging the importance of women’s sexual health, far too many women accept a sex life that is less than fulfilling.
Many experience pain during or after intercourse, and say that these sensations negatively impact their desire to be intimate with their partner. But some women don’t say anything at all, not to their partners and not to their women’s health providers.
There is nothing to be embarrassed about or ashamed of when it comes to speaking up about issues with your ability to enjoy sex. We are here to listen to your concerns and help you find relief.
One of the most common causes of painful sex has to do with shifting hormone production. As you age (or if you have to have a surgery that affects your ovaries), your body produces less estrogen.
This vital hormone controls much of your reproductive health, including vaginal lubrication. If the tissues in your vagina aren’t creating natural lubrication, you can find yourself incredibly uncomfortable during vaginal penetration. Less lubrication means more friction, which isn’t always a good thing.
Flagging estrogen levels can also lead to thinning of your vaginal walls. As these tissues grow thinner, they become more fragile and prone to microscopic tears during sex.
For many women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a wonderful way to relieve these menopause symptoms as well as manage issues like hot flashes, brain fog, and weight gain.
In some cases, changes in your pelvic organs can lead to discomfort during sex. A prime example is pelvic organ prolapse, which occurs when one of the organs in your pelvis loses its normal support and shifts to a lower position.
Some women notice discomfort during sex, but it’s also possible for a prolapsed organ to actually move into the vaginal canal. Pelvic organ prolapse sounds awful, but it’s actually a very treatable condition. Your gynecologist can restore proper organ positioning, often through minimally invasive surgery.
Uterine fibroids are another common cause of painful sex. These benign growths can change the size and shape of your uterus, creating pressure that makes sex uncomfortable or even painful.
There are a number of ways to treat fibroids. Treatment can remove or shrink the growths, making sex feel more like what you’re used to.
Discomfort during sex can sometimes be caused by a lack of arousal, which is how your body naturally prepares for intercourse. The issues can range from anxiety or depression to relationship problems.
Feel free to discuss your concerns with your women’s health specialist. We can help you decide if working with a therapist might be helpful in improving your sex life. Whether you choose individual or couples counseling, talking things out can help improve every aspect of your relationship.
Philadelphia Women’s Health & Wellness understands how important a thriving sex life is for overall quality of life. If you’re experiencing problems, we’re here to listen to your concerns and get you started on a treatment path.
You can always check appointment availability using our online booking tool, and we’re here to take your calls during normal business hours.
