Intimacy can become challenging when you are dealing with symptoms such as vaginal or pelvic pain, vaginal dryness, or decreased libido. These issues can impact both your quality of life and your relationships.
At Suffolk Pelvic Medicine, serving Riverhead and Long Island, NY, we specialize in identifying the root causes of female sexual dysfunction. As the only female urologist and the only clinic with an all-woman team in the area, we provide a caring and understanding treatment process. We listen to you and find solutions that may have been overlooked before, offering a unique and compassionate approach to your care.
What Is Female Sexual Dysfunction?
Female sexual dysfunction includes any conditions that prevent women from pleasure or performance during sexual activity. It includes conditions like low libido, difficulty with arousal, lack of orgasm, and pain during intercourse. Causes can be physical, such as hormonal imbalances or medical conditions, or psychological, such as stress or anxiety. Identifying and addressing these issues can improve a woman’s sexual health and overall well-being.
Painful Intercourse
Painful intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, is a distressing condition that can impact sexual satisfaction and intimacy. This pain can occur during penetration or after intercourse. Understanding the underlying causes is the first step toward effective treatment and relief.
What Causes Painful Intercourse?
Physical Causes:
- Vaginal Dryness: Often due to hormonal changes, such as those experienced during menopause
- Infections: Conditions like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis
- Medical Conditions: Endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or fibroids
- Injury or Trauma: From childbirth, surgery, or physical injury
Psychological Causes:
- Stress and Anxiety: General or related to sexual performance
- Past Trauma: History of sexual abuse or traumatic experiences
- Relationship Issues: Emotional distance or unresolved conflicts
Medical Interventions for Painful Intercourse
Effective treatment for painful intercourse varies depending on the underlying cause. For infections such as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis, medications are prescribed to clear the infection and alleviate symptoms. Hormonal imbalances causing vaginal dryness can be treated with hormone replacement therapies or topical estrogen creams.
Non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation techniques like radiofrequency treatments can improve tissue health and alleviate discomfort. In cases where structural issues or severe medical conditions are present, surgical interventions may be necessary. Each of these treatments aims to address the specific causes of painful intercourse, providing relief and improving overall sexual function.
Low Libido
Low libido, or a decreased interest in sexual activity, is a common form of sexual dysfunction. It refers to a reduced desire for sexual activity, which can vary from a temporary lack of interest to a chronic disinterest in sex.
What Causes Low Libido?
- Stress and Mental Health: Stress, anxiety, and depression can reduce sexual desire for many women. Mental health issues can diminish energy levels, reduce interest in a wide range of activities the patient once found enjoyable, and directly affect libido.
- Underlying Health Issues: Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and hormonal imbalances can disrupt hormone levels and interfere with blood flow, leading to low libido. They also affect energy levels and overall well-being, further contributing to decreased sexual desire.
- Lifestyle Factors: Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, can lead to female sexual dysfunction. Making healthier lifestyle changes can boost energy levels and enhance libido.
Treatment Options for Low Libido
One effective approach to treating low libido is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). We offer both oral and topical BHRT to help balance hormones and restore sexual desire. BHRT uses hormones that are chemically identical to those the body naturally produces, providing a more natural and effective treatment option.
Vaginal Dryness
The Impact of Vaginal Dryness on Sexual Activity
Vaginal dryness can cause discomfort, pain, and a decreased desire for intimacy. This condition can make intercourse unpleasant and lead to a reduction in sexual satisfaction for both partners.
What Causes Vaginal Dryness?
- Menopause: Menopause often leads to hormonal changes, particularly a decrease in estrogen, which can result in vaginal dryness.
- Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding can lead to lower estrogen levels, contributing to sexual dysfunction through vaginal dryness. This temporary hormonal shift can affect lubrication and overall vaginal health.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and some birth control pills, can cause vaginal dryness as a side effect. These drugs can impact the body’s natural lubrication process.
How to Prevent Vaginal Dryness
To prevent vaginal dryness, staying hydrated and prioritizing a healthy lifestyle can help. Using lubricants and moisturizers can provide immediate relief during sexual activity. Taking sex slower at first to increase arousal can also help enhance natural lubrication and reduce discomfort. If none of these are effective, there are treatments that can help.
Treatments for Vaginal Dryness
For more persistent cases of vaginal dryness, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), available in oral and topical forms, can be effective. BHRT helps balance hormone levels and improve lubrication. Viora vagina rejuvenation treatments can enhance vaginal health and moisture.
Vaginal Laxity
Vaginal laxity is a condition characterized by the loosening of the vaginal tissues, often resulting in decreased sexual satisfaction and confidence. This form of sexual dysfunction can impact both physical sensation and emotional intimacy.
What Causes Vaginal Laxity?
- Childbirth: The process of vaginal childbirth can stretch and weaken the vaginal muscles and tissues, leading to laxity. Multiple births can further exacerbate this condition.
- Aging: Aging naturally leads to a loss of collagen and elasticity in the vaginal tissues, contributing to female sexual dysfunction through increased laxity. Hormonal changes during menopause can also play a significant role.
How Can Vaginal Laxity Be Treated?
Surgical Methods
- Vaginoplasty: This surgical procedure tightens the vaginal muscles and tissues, improving both function and appearance.
- Labiaplasty: Labiaplasty is a surgical option to reshape and tighten the labia, enhancing comfort and aesthetics.
Non-Surgical Methods
Viora with V-VR, the V-FR, and the V-ST handpieces is a type of non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatment that uses advanced radiofrequency technology to tighten vaginal tissues and stimulate collagen production. These treatments offer a non-invasive solution to improve vaginal laxity and overall sexual function.
Take the First Step to Regaining Your Sexual Health Today
Effective treatment for sexual dysfunction and related issues like vaginal dryness, low libido, and vaginal laxity can improve your quality of life and reduce pain. Advanced options like bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and vaginal rejuvenation treatments such as Viora offer promising results. At Suffolk Pelvic Medicine, we provide comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at (631) 405-0898. You can also fill out our online form to begin your path to improved sexual health and well-being in Riverhead and Long Island, NY.
