The last time you saw your health care providerd did they ask you about sex? Did you bring it up?
As it turns out, there are a number of women turning to the internet (like our own EmpowHER website), magazines, and their girlfriends, in order to find answers to some sexual questions that may be best addressed by their providers in certain situations.
While websites and girlfriends can provide some pretty sound advice, you may need more help beyond a chat board.
Are you experiencing a declining sex drive? There are a number of possible reasons for this, however it may have to do with your hormones -- and by hormones I mean all of them.
Your thyroid, adrenal and female hormones all interact to help with your energy, focus, sleep patterns, sense of well being, stress management and of course, your sex drive. Ask about hormone testing and see how in or out of balance your body has become through the years.
Keep in mind, a declining sex drive can happen in a woman’s 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s and beyond. It is not just a byproduct of menopause. Plenty of women are "too tired" in their younger years.
Is it painful?
Painful sex may be the result of a chronic infection or declining estrogen levels in the vaginal area. It may also be due to musculature or anatomical changes that need addressing with pelvic floor physical therapy.
Before you start laughing, keep in mind the pelvic bowl is an area made up of incredibly strong muscles and they may also need physical therapy just as if you strained your back or pulled a hamstring.
Talk with your health care provider about a good referral and get tested for infections and estrogen levels.
Are you on medications?
Certain medications such as antidepressants, birth control pills, diabetes medications and some blood pressure medications have libido-crushing side effects for women.
Sometimes, stopping these medications (talk with your health care provider first!) does not immediately alleviate the problem. It may take many months to return to "normal".
Keep in mind, however, that depression may be the reason for a low sex drive and taking antidepressants improve the depression which brings back a sexual appetite.
Do you get an infection afterwards?
Hygiene is a girl’s best friend. If you are more prone to bladder or yeast infections post-intercourse, make sure what enters your vagina (penis, finger, toys) is clean and remember to urinate immediately afterwards.
Yeast infections may be thwarted by taking a good quality probiotic daily. Probiotics are the good bacteria that live in both your intestines and vagina.
Also consider a latex allergy and try switching to non-latex condoms (but remember they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections like latex do).
Talk with your health care provider today about your sexual concerns. You may need some additional testing or a referral to get your needs met.
References:
1) Gynecologists Should Ask More Questions About Sex, Sexuality. Web. 8 April, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/761111
2) Testosterone Supplementation for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women. Web. 8 April, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/757129
3) Quality of Sexual Life and Menopause. Web. 8 April, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/708621
4) Vaginal Innate Immunity. Web. 8 April, 2012.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/752814
Reviewed April 9, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith