Female sexual dysfunction is affected by many physical, psychological, and social factors. Emotional, physical, and mental health, as well as life experiences, personal or religious beliefs, socialization, perimenopause, menopause, and current partnership, can all play a role in shaping a woman’s sex drive.
Female sexual dysfunction is affected by many physical, psychological, and social factors. Emotional, physical, and mental health, as well as life experiences, personal or religious beliefs, socialization, perimenopause, menopause, and current partnership, can all play a role in shaping a woman’s sex drive.Although many women continue to have and enjoy sexual intercourse in menopause, others find that sex begins to feel like a chore with such low libido. And while many women and their partners can still enjoy a sense of intimacy without sexual intercourse, other couples struggle to cope with these changes, causing relationship issues.
Some common conflicts that my patients experience that can lead to less interest in sex are:
- Lack of intimate connection with their partner
- Conflict over sexual needs
- Reluctance to discuss the decrease in sexual activity with your partner may strain your relationship
Talking to Your Gynecologist About Intimacy Issues
When you come to visit your obstetrics and gynecologist, please know that we care about your emotional and sexual health as much as your physical health. It may feel awkward and uncomfortable to talk to your doctor about your sex life, but these types of concerns, such as sexual satisfaction or emotional connections, are perfectly appropriate and we hope to help in any way that we can. It is important that you talk openly to your gynecologist, as the difference in the quality of your life can be huge.
Please remember, we aren’t here to judge you, and all interactions between patients and doctors are strictly confidential.
What to Ask Your Gynecologist About Female Sexual Dysfunction
Here are a few common questions that my patients have found helpful to ask:
- What treatments are available to help with my low sexual desire?
- Can you recommend any books for people in my situation for sexual problems?
- Will my sexual desire ever return to the level it once was?
- Can I make any changes to my daily routine that would improve my lack of sex drive?
Prepare for your doctor to ask questions about your sexual response and sex life and the loss of libido. We may ask about troubles with arousal or orgasm, vaginal dryness, pain or discomfort during sex, and feelings about your changing sex life.
Hormone Therapy for Treating Low Sex Drive
For women experiencing low sex drive as a result of menopause, hormone replacement therapy may help ease the transition. When menopause lowers the estrogen level in the body, hormone replacement therapy works by re-introducing estrogen through a pill, cream, patch, or spray, adjusting your hormone levels. Hormone therapy can improve mood and help return a woman’s sexual desire and sexual function back to normal levels.
But there are downsides to systemic estrogen replacement therapy, especially if you have certain types of breast or endometrial cancers, which are known to respond to estrogen levels. In these cases, your doctor may advise smaller doses of estrogen delivered directly to the vagina via vaginal creams, tablets, or rings. These can stimulate blood flow to the genitals and aid the vagina in producing natural lubricants, which can help make sex more enjoyable and comfortable.
If you are experiencing decreased desire for intimacy with the onset on perimenopause or menopause, please don't assume there is nothing that can be done because that's simply not true. There are many options available today.
We also invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please click here to make an appointment or call us at (844) 863- 6700.
Supported by her warm professional team, Dr. Aliabadi treats women through all phases of life and cherishes the special one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor.