The Women’s Sexual Health Foundation hears from women and healthcare professionals often.
We are asked how to find a professional who can help with various sexual health concerns. The good news is that more and more nurse practitioners and gynecologists are becoming interested in this area of women’s health.
Although some women have expressed that they felt very much alone in having intimacy or sexual health concerns, this actually is not the case.
As many as 43% of American women have experienced sexual difficulties, according to a survey published in the 1999 Journal of the American Medical Association.
Many physicians have told us that they have not received much training in the area of sexuality difficulties. A residency program in sexual health is not available for physicians in the United States. So it may take research on your part to find the right professional. However, according to our international internet survey by The Women’s Sexual Health Foundation, most women expected their gynecologist to be the most knowledgeable in this area of women’s health. Women can also increase the chances of getting the best possible care by being aware of their own sexual health and potential options for solutions and talking to other women.
Step One: Find an understanding and knowledgeable healthcare provider
Some women prefer female doctors or nurse practitioners, but the important issue is finding a provider who has the expertise to help you.
First start with your primary care physician, gynecologist or nurse practitioner, and if your provider cannot help, then ask for a referral to a provider who can.
You may also get a recommendation for a specialist from other women who have been treated for a similar condition. However, when speaking with other women who have had success, generally it is wise to speak with women who are at least several months post treatment. You want to make sure that their success has been long lasting. There can also be a placebo effect with treatments. This means that women will believe that the treatment is offering help, but in reality it is not. In time they may come to realize that the treatment was not effective. In some cases the placebo effect with certain treatments can be over 40%. Therefore, speaking with women who have had success for months or even a year post treatment is suggested.
Step Two: Prior to the first office visit
While a conversation between a woman and her provider is a good place to start, there are advantages to preparing for this by getting as much information as possible about the new and current options for treatment that are related to your concerns. You can do this by:
• Talking with trusted friends
• Looking in the women’s health section at
your local bookstore
• Reading credible magazine articles about
women with similar symptoms
• Searching the Internet for legitimate
information sites such as www.TWSHF.org
• Checking information in medical journals
by doing a PubMed™ search (directions
at www.TWSHF.org).
Although an annual exam should involve a discussion about your sexual health, there may not be sufficient time to fully address your concerns. In this case, you may want to schedule a specific appointment. Writing down the details of your sexual difficulty will give you a clearer picture and prepare you to give concise answers to the questions you will be asked, such as when your difficulties first occurred or whether this is a recent or a long-standing problem.
Also, was there a particular event associated with this difficulty, such as the start of a medication, childbirth, a physical injury, pelvic surgery, chemotherapy, or emotional stress?
Looking at the brochure, “Are You a Woman Experiencing Female Sexual Difficulties?” (at
www.TWSHF.org) may help you find the words and definitions needed to explain your situation to your provider.
Also, if you have informed your partner of your sexual difficulties, ask that your partner come with you to your appointment. In some cases the treatment may involve your partner. In any case, your partner should be part of your support team.
However, not having a partner does not mean that your sexual concerns should not be addressed. Sexual health problems may occur whether or not a woman is in a relationship, but the first step is to find a credible provider.
PART 2-Making the Most of the Office Visit
Lisa Martinez RN/JD
Executive Director
The Women's Sexual Health Foundation
www.TWSHF.org