When a women's sexual health problem occurs, it can affect your well-being. Learn more about having a sexual health discussion with your doctor.

Women’s sexual health problems can affect overall well-being

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Admit it – these (real) magazine headlines are difficult to ignore. The entertainment industry knows it: sex sells. On the other hand, sex is a beautiful, completely natural fact of life and expression of intimacy. For most women, it is an integral part of a healthy, fulfilling life.

Your physician and the sexual health discussion

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sexual health as “a state of physical, emotional mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality…not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmary.” Studies show that sexuality is associated with happiness, longevity, and overall health. So, when a sexual health problem occurs, it can affect your well-being. This is why your healthcare provider may ask you about your sexual preferences, activities, and desires, sexual partners, history of STIs, abnormal symptoms involving your genital area, interpersonal relationships, and even arousal and orgasm. Screening, treatment, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and their complications – as well as the identification and diagnosis of sexual dysfunction – are but a few objectives in your sexual health discussion.

Some conditions and diseases can negatively affect your sexual health, such as:

• Mood & anxiety disorders
• Metabolic problems
• Heart disease
• Gynecologic and urologic conditions
• Cancer and cancer therapies
• Dermatologic conditions

The good news is that treatment options are available. Still, most women find it difficult to openly talk about sexual health, and we as healthcare providers know this. Sometimes it may take several doctors’ visits for you to feel comfortable talking about it. Keep at it. Low libido, painful intercourse, loss of arousal, and orgasms are legitimate conditions that could be treated. You may be surprised that your concerns may not be as trivial as you think. More importantly, we can help you get to a better state of sexual health…and you don’t even have to buy the magazine!

UCR Women's Health physicians provide compassionate, sensitive care for every stage of a woman's life.