Sexual medicine is a specialized field of practice that refers to the diagnosis and treatment of sexual health issues. It includes a broad spectrum of conditions and concerns that affect sexual function and satisfaction.
At Takoma Park Gynecology, we believe that sexual health is interconnected with your overall health, relationships, and quality of life. Knowing this, we take a biopsychosocial approach to sexual health with empathy, expertise, and individualized attention.
Whether you're experiencing difficulty with orgasm, discomfort during intercourse, changes in sexual desire, or challenges with arousal, our providers can help you regain a fulfilling and healthy sexual life.
Need for Sexual Medicine
Sexual dysfunction, also referred to as a sexual disorder, is a condition that hinders your ability to fully engage in and enjoy sexual activity. It can occur at any stage of the sexual experience, including desire, arousal, orgasm, or resolution.
Sexual dysfunction is a widespread condition, afflicting over 40% of women. Various factors can contribute to sexual dysfunction, including trauma, hormonal changes, stress, substance use, medications, and strain or conflicts in relationships.
Understanding and addressing these issues is important for maintaining a healthy sex life.
However, sexual health is more than just the absence of dysfunction; it’s about feeling confident, comfortable, and fulfilled in your sexual experiences. Many people hesitate to seek help due to misconceptions, embarrassment, or stigma.
At Takoma Park Gynecology, we offer the care you need in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. Our providers are also experienced in providing trauma-informed care.
Conditions Treated with Sexual Medicine
Our focus on sexual medicine means that we can address a wide range of concerns that can adversely affect your sexual health.
Sexual & Pelvic Pain
Genital and pelvic pain before, during, and after intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, is a common yet often overlooked health issue. Around 10% to 28% of women experience painful intercourse at some point in their lives.
Inadequate lubrication, inflammation, trauma, stress, and vaginismus (involuntary muscle spasms in your vaginal wall) may cause dyspareunia.
Dyspareunia can be classified into superficial, deep, primary, and secondary types.
- Superficial dyspareunia affects the vulva or vaginal entrance.
- Deep dyspareunia involves pain in the vagina or lower pelvis, often during deeper penetration.
- Primary dyspareunia occurs from the start of sexual activity.
- Secondary dyspareunia develops after a period of pain-free intercourse.
Sexual and pelvic pain can lead to additional sexual issues, such as decreased desire and arousal, and may strain intimate relationships.
We provide comprehensive care to help you find relief and restore comfort during intimacy. Treatment for dyspareunia may include medication, counseling to restore sexual intimacy, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies.
Low Libido
A decreased interest in sexual activity, known as low libido, can be a complex issue stemming from hormonal changes, psychological stress, or lifestyle factors. We understand the impact this can have on your well-being and relationships.
We offer a comprehensive approach, including exploring medication options and hormone therapy, providing supportive counseling, and offering personalized lifestyle recommendations. Our aim is to help you reconnect with your sexual desire and enhance your overall quality of life.
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness is a common and often painful symptom, which is common during breastfeeding and menopause, but may occur at other times as well. Typically, the vagina maintains its health and elasticity through natural lubrication. However, when hormone levels are low, this lubrication decreases, leading to dryness.
Vaginal dryness can be caused by factors such as hormonal changes, breastfeeding, or certain medications and is frequently associated with menopause.
It's a more prevalent issue than many realize, affecting around 17% of women aged 18 to 50, even before menopause. This dryness can lead to discomfort not only during sexual intercourse but also during everyday activities like sitting, exercising, and even urination.
We provide a range of effective treatments, including lubricants, moisturizers, and medications, to alleviate vaginal dryness and significantly enhance your comfort.
Difficulties with Arousal & Orgasm
Sexual arousal disorder refers to your inability to become aroused or excited during sexual activity. On the other hand, anorgasmia refers to delayed, infrequent, or absent orgasms after sexual arousal and adequate sexual stimulation.
Statistics show that around 10% to 15% of women have never experienced an orgasm.
Challenges with becoming aroused or reaching orgasm can have both physical and psychological roots. Common factors include:
- Fatigue, stress, or depression
- Lack of knowledge about sexual function
- Negative feelings about sex
- Embarrassment or boredom with sexual activity
- Issues with the partner
- Hormonal disorders due to pregnancy and menopause
- Chronic illnesses
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Vaginismus
- Vaginal dryness
- History of sexual abuse
Our approach involves exploring the underlying causes and offering counseling, medical interventions, and lifestyle changes to help you achieve satisfying sexual experiences.
Managing Sexual Side Effects of Medications
Many medications can have unintended consequences that impact your sexual health. These side effects can vary widely, from decreased libido and difficulty achieving orgasm to pain during intercourse.
We encourage open and honest discussions about any sexual issues you may be experiencing. Our goal is to find a solution that balances your overall health needs with your sexual well-being.
We work closely with you to manage these side effects and ensure that your overall medical care does not compromise your sexual health.
Our Approach to Sexual Medicine
At Takoma Park Gynecology, we are dedicated to providing personalized care for your sexual health.
- Thorough Evaluation: We begin with a thorough assessment of your symptoms and medical history to understand your concerns. This may also include a physical exam.
- Evidence-Based Treatment: We provide medical treatments to restore your sexual function and comfort.
- Integrated Care: When needed, we can coordinate with other healthcare providers to ensure a more comprehensive treatment approach, addressing all factors that may be contributing to your sexual health concerns.
- Education and Support: We provide education and advice on topics such as safe sex practices, communication with partners, and ways to enhance intimacy to empower you with the knowledge to maintain a healthy and satisfying sex life.
Access Sexual Medicine in Takoma Park, MD
At Takoma Park Gynecology, our approach is centered on your sexual wellness. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized care to improve your sexual health.
For an appointment with our expert and compassionate providers, please call us at 301-960-1155 or contact us online.
