What You Need to Know About Your Intimate Health
An estimated 43 percent of women report some degree of difficulty with sex at some point in their lives. Many women are unaware that sexual dysfunction is often related to other underlying medical conditions that are treatable, or believe that sexual dysfunction is a natural part of aging.
Female sexual dysfunction is when a woman experiences persistent issues related to:
- Physical changes (vaginal dryness, lack of friction or bulging) or conditions (incontinence) that impact intimacy
- Pain during sex
- Not becoming aroused or “excited” during sex
- Not having an orgasm during sex
The good news is that there are a variety of pioneering and successful treatment options for sexual dysfunction disorders. Depending on the condition, these options include laser vaginal resurfacing, pelvic physical therapy, hormonal therapies or other medication, pain management, couples counseling, integrative care like acupuncture or yoga, lifestyle coaching, or surgery.
At the Center for Intimate Health and Wellness at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, we take a holistic, multidisciplinary approach for women who have issues with intimate wellness. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual—there is no “one size fits all” solution.
A patient with vaginal spasms, for example, can have Botox or choose to work with a pelvic physical therapist instead. She can use vaginal suppositories in the comfort of her home, or, if she prefers, see a sexual psychologist. Our team will take the time to listen to your concerns and work with you to create a treatment plan to reinvigorate this essential part of your life.
3 Tips for Intimate Health:
- Don’t suffer in silence. Intimate health and wellness is a vital
part of life. If you feel that something isn’t right, don’t wait, get it
checked out. - Don’t dismiss sexual dysfunction as a “normal” part of aging.
You don’t have to give up this important part of your wellness. - Be open. Our providers are non-judgmental and really care about
improving your quality of life.
CENTER FOR INTIMATE HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
617.667.4200 | bidmc.org/intimatehealth
