December 07, 2023
If you’re like many women, you’ve experienced problems with your sexual health at some point. And, like many women, you’ve avoided telling your doctor. But sexual health problems are common at any age; some become more prevalent as you get older. With the proper medical attention, most of these problems are treatable.
Here are the issues that physicians from MidLantic Urology see most often, as well as how they are treated.
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more of the organs in your pelvis literally slips from their normal position and bulges into your vagina. Sounds painful, right? Well, there’s a reason. Dr. Melanie Amster explains that in addition to the heavy feeling and bladder control problems that can result, prolapse also can cause numbness and discomfort during sex.
Dr. Melanie Amster
Not being satisfied with sexual activity, called sexual dysfunction, can happen at any age. Symptoms can range from the inability to achieve orgasm, vaginal dryness, the inability to become aroused, and pain during intercourse.
Dr. Darlene Gaynor
To determine the cause, Dr. Darlene Gaynor says first appointments begin with a chat about what’s happening, followed by an exam which can help rule out other issues.
“Your gynecologist can check hormone levels and prescribe creams in some instances to help with decreased libido and vaginal dryness.” If creams don’t help, Dr. Gaynor provides noninvasive Mona Lisa Touch® laser treatments for symptom relief. Or the problem could be caused by a medical condition, or by medication you’re taking, so getting a doctor’s opinion is helpful.
Vaginal pain can really put the brakes on your sex life. That’s understandable, says Dr. Tia Schellato. But such pain is both common and highly treatable.
Dr. Tia Schellato
When pelvic pain is accompanied by bladder pain, it may signal a condition called interstitial cystitis (IC) or painful bladder syndrome. Dr. Cara O’Brien says the condition may also include pain in your lower tummy, a sudden urge to urinate, and urinating more frequently than normal.
Dr. Cara O'Brien
“The cause of IC, which can flare during times of stress, is likely due to inflammation, auto immune dysfunction and/or bacteria in the bladder,” she says. “The pain and discomfort can be overwhelming, but there are many treatments and procedures available including medications or simple office procedures that can significantly improve quality of life.” IC can also affect men, says Dr. O’Brien. “I always encourage patients with any type of bladder or pelvic floor pain to discuss these issues with their urologist. Don’t be shy about sharing your symptoms; this is a real condition which warrants treatment by a urologist familiar with IC management.” Learn more about IC.
While stress urinary incontinence (a leaking bladder) isn’t categorized as a sexual health issue, the condition can affect your desire to have sex. Caused by a weakness in your pelvic floor, one in three women suffers from a leaking bladder at some point.
Dr. Jose Moreno
Dr. Jose Moreno says leaks can affect quality of life when they begin to occur during normal everyday activities.
“A new treatment option called Bulkamid is showing remarkable results,” he says. “It’s a water-based gel that is injected into the wall of the urethra (the tube that allows urine to leave the bladder) during a 15-minute procedure. Adding volume helps prevent urine from leaking out of the bladder,” he explains.
If you’re having issues that get in the way of pleasurable sex, talk to your primary care physician, or contact the MidLantic Urology physicians mentioned here. Each of these physicians specializes in treating sexual health problems in women. Talking to their patients about their conditions, and discussing treatment options, is what they do every day. So, you should never feel intimidated about seeking their guidance.
