Women’s Sexual Health Matters

September is National Sexual Health Awareness Month. This year, Weill Cornell Medicine is focusing on women’s sexual health for a simple reason. 

“Sexual health is such an important topic for women that is often underrepresented in discussions about women’s health and one-on-one doctor-patient encounters,” says Dr. Sharon Parish, professor of medicine in clinical psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine and attending physician at NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Division. “Sexual health and sexual function, satisfaction and intimacy are central to well-being, happiness and overall quality of life, so don’t be embarrassed to discuss these with your women’s health provider.” 

Here are a few things to know about female sexual health. 

Painful Intercourse Is Common and Treatable 

If you experience pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), you’re not alone. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that nearly 75% of women have the experience at least once in life. 

Sometimes, painful sexual experiences are the result of gynecologic health conditions, including: 

Thankfully, the proper treatment can often help overcome these issues that affect women’s sexual health. Your women’s health provider may recommend physical therapy, medication or surgery based on your condition.  

Additionally, you can take steps at home to reduce pain. Water- or silicon-based lubricants or vaginal moisturizers are available over the counter. 

“They can improve comfort,” Dr. Parish says, “which might change the game completely.” 

Sexual Arousal and Women’s Sexual Health 

Not interested in sex? Have a hard time getting aroused, even in romantic settings with your partner? You may have a sexual dysfunction known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). 

“If you’re experiencing a distressing loss of sexual desire, bring it up with your doctor,” Dr. Parish says. “There may be an intervention or medical treatment available for you.” 

Diagnosing and treating this sexual health condition can include ruling out other potential causes. Physical issues often linked to HSDD include:

• Breast cancer
• Chemical imbalances in the brain 
• Diabetes 
• Multiple sclerosis 
• Thyroid issues 
• Urinary incontinence 

Your health provider also considers mental health issues that can bring on sexual dysfunction. These include: 

Once your OBGYN or other health provider identifies the cause of your condition, treatment can begin. You may benefit from one or more of the following: 

A Major Threat to Women’s Sexual Health  

Though sexual intercourse is natural and healthy, it can lead to serious health problems. By participating in unprotected sexual contact, you put yourself at risk for various sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

Your STI risk increases when you engage in unprotected anal sex with men, but the Office on Women’s Health states that you may also contract an STI if you have sexual contact with a woman who has never had sexual relations with a man. 

Left untreated, STIs can cause serious complications, such as: 

If you’re sexually active, talk with your health provider about STI testing. These simple tests can detect infections before symptoms arise, allowing you to treat the condition as early as possible. 

The Menopause Effect on Women’s Sexual Health 

“Midlife and the menopausal transition can affect sexual function and sexual satisfaction,” Dr. Parish says. “The biggest complaint or concern I hear is vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse or sexual activity.”  

Dr. Parish explains that when menopause brings an end to menstruation, this reduces hormone production. When you experience symptoms and physical changes in the genitourinary tract, you have genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). You may experience a reduced sex drive, discomfort during intercourse or other issues. 

Treatment options for GSM include: 

Midlife presents other potential obstacles to women’s sexual health. Chronic conditions, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, can reduce blood flow throughout your body, affecting your sex life. Work with your provider to manage these conditions. 

No matter what causes sexual health issues, be upfront and honest with your health provider.  

“You don’t have to live with a diminished quality of life,” Dr. Parish says. “Be brave and bring it up with your women’s health provider. Do that, and you’ll go a long way in taking care of yourself.”