Sexual Health

The Importance of Sexual Health

Women's sexual health can significantly impact their overall health. Sexual intercourse can activate several neurotransmitters in the brain that can impact other organs in the body. For this reason, positive sexual health can:

Lower blood pressure
Lower risk of heart disease
Improve self-esteem
Decrease depression and anxiety
Create better sleep patterns
Improve the immune system
Reduce stress
Increase intimacy with a partner

Our Women's Sexual Health Services Address:

• Painful sex: While several factors can contribute to pain during sex, this issue often relates to vaginal dryness. Medications and therapies can help increase lubrication and decrease pain.
• Hormonal problems: As you age, hormones can decrease, reducing your sexual desire. Hormone replacement therapy can increase your hormonal level, increasing libido and energy.
• Sexual dysfunction: For females, this can relate to consistent problems with pain, response, desire, or orgasms during sexual activity. These issues can cause distress between partners. Doctors might perform a pelvic exam, order blood tests, or discuss your medical history to determine any underlying factors associated with sexual dysfunction. The proper treatment will be prescribed depending on the problem, from hormonal therapies to flibanserin to healthier lifestyle habits.
• STD/STI: It is recommended for all sexually active women to be regularly screened for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and infections (STIs). Results are received through urine tests, blood tests, or swabs. These exams can vary depending on the STD or STI being tested.
• Contraception and birth control: Measures can be taken to prevent pregnancies through contraception or birth control. These can be pills or inserted devices, such as an IUD. An intrauterine device (IUD) is a thin, T-shaped plastic device containing hormones to provide birth control. This is inserted into the uterus and is long-term, reversible, and a highly effective birth control method. If used correctly, an IUD can decrease your chances of pregnancy to less than 1%.
• Pelvic exams: These exams can be part of a regular OB-GYN checkup. A pelvic exam can also be recommended if pelvic pain is experienced. A pelvic exam will only last a few minutes as a doctor checks your vulva, vagina, ovaries, cervix, uterus, rectum, and pelvis for complications.