Comfortable Sex is Not Just a Woman’s Fantasy

At some point in their lives, many women deal with female sexual dysfunction.

And while people assume it only occurs in post-menopausal women, sexual dysfunction can occur at all stages of life. It can be a chronic problem or occasional.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some women experience more than one kind of sexual dysfunction, including:

•     Low sexual desire – Diminished libido, or lack of sex drive.

•    Sexual arousal disorder – The desire for sex might be intact, but there is a difficulty or inability to become aroused or maintain arousal during sexual activity.

•    Orgasmic disorder – Persistent or recurrent difficulty in achieving orgasm after sufficient sexual arousal and ongoing stimulation.

•    Sexual pain disorder – Pain associated with sexual stimulation or vaginal contact.

“Sexual response involves a complex interaction of physiology, emotions, experiences, beliefs, lifestyle and relationships. Disruption of any of these components can affect sexual drive, arousal or satisfaction,” according to the clinic’s website.

So, one size truly does not fit all, when it comes to finding a solution.  And while sildenafil, the generic name for Viagra,has shown great success in treating erectile dysfunction in men, it has shown little promise in studies with women.

But Dr. Nadine Thompson, an OB/Gyn at Providence Women’s Healthcare in Roswell, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta, specializes in Female Sexual Dysfunction and has developed a unique set of skills and training to help women better enjoy sex and intimacy.

Thompson is the former director of Women’s Health at Henrietta Johnson Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware. She then went on to hold a faculty position at Christiana Care Healthcare System in Newark, Delaware where she supervised and trained residents in OB/Gyn.

“All too often, women don’t view their sexuality as part of their overall health. The truth is that a fulfilling sex life contributes to our sense of well-being — and a lack of satisfaction can trickle down and build to an undercurrent of unhappiness in many relationships.” Thompson wrote in an article for The County Women’s Journal in Delaware.

Thompson said overall health issues can impact one’s sex life, too. Bad eating habits, too little exercise, diabetes, heart disease and other ailments can affect desire. Drinking too much alcohol, smoking and drug use don’t help either.

“While there isn’t a female equivalent for Viagra — the medicine that was a game changer for men with sexual dysfunction — there are many approaches women can take to boost their level of satisfaction.”

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What about that sardine smell?

That could be a sign of Bacterial vaginitis. Seek care with your medical provider, it’s easily treated.

Vaginal dryness, what to do?

Try an over the counter WATER based lubricant.  If that doesn’t help then Talk to your provider for other options.

Can taking NyQuil or DayQuil cause vaginal dryness?

Nyquil by itself is not know to cause vaginal dryness. You should seek advice of your health care provider. There are ways to manage this.

I am 29 and during sex with my boyfriend I don’t feel anything.( Even when he does oral sex for me.) What is wrong with me? Please help me. I love him and we have an awesome emotional and physical connection. I don’t want to continue to fake “it” I want to actually feel it. Does anyone know of natural herbs or something that may help?                                                                                                                                                                                                                     This is an arousal disorder. There are ways to help your body respond to intimacy.  It’s important to rule out any medical factors first, then its managed with other types of therapy.

When does a woman know it’s time to see a doctor?

When non-medical methods are no longer working. When their sexual dysfunction is causing a strain on their relationship.

Is there a pill that women can take to increase their sex drive?

There is no magic pill but it can be managed with seeing a provider that specializes in sexual dysfunction

Do you recommend sex toys for married women?

Absolutely! It’s a great way for the couple to become new and inventive. Variety is the spice of life!

I’m 36 years old and female. At the beginning and after sex with my husband my vagina is really sore, like a stinging feeling! Any ideas of what is causing this and what I can do to stop it please?                                                      Try a water based lubricant, maybe try new positions.  If that doesn’t help seek the care of your gyn provider.