Sexual Health

Sexuality is a diverse and complex relationship that has both physical and emotional responses that affect the way a woman feels about herself. A woman’s sexual health has major impact on her overall health. 43% of women report sexual dysfunction and more specifically, 30% of women report low or no sexual desire, nearly one-fourth of all women do not experience orgasm, while one-fifth of women suffer sexual pain disorders. Often sexual concerns are misdiagnosed, overlap each other and with other medical conditions, and are often disregarded even though they are a real concern for many patients. We specialize in the treatment of female sexual problems utilizing an integrative, holistic, functional approach. There are limited healthcare providers who are properly trained in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of sexual dysfunction. Your SHOW center provider has committed her 19 years of practice to female concerns and has received specialty training in sexual medicine.

The following is a sampling of the types of conditions that we regularly treat

Vulvodynia Vestibulodynia

Vulvodynia used to be called vulvar vestibulitis syndrome, or VVS. It is characterized as marked sensitivity or chronic pain felt at the opening of the vagina.

Female Sexual Arousal Disorders

A lack of response to sexual stimulation such as kissing, reading erotic content, touching the genitals, etc. is what characterize sexual arousal disorders this may also include mental/emotional stimulation, physical stimulation, or both.

Dyspareunia (Painful Sex)

This disorder is persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after intercourse, or other sexual activities involving vaginal penetration.

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is defined by a chronic deficiency or absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sex or sexual activity

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

This occurs when there is either too much tension on the pelvic floor muscles (high tone) or not enough (low tone) contributing to urinary incontinence, constipation, pain during intercourse or pain in the lower back, pelvic region, genitals or rectum.

Orgasm Problems

A woman with Female Orgasmic Disorder (FOD) consistently cannot achieve an orgasm despite adequate sexual stimulation and arousal. Women with FOD are unable to reach orgasm with their partner or through self-stimulation (masturbation).

Sexuality After Cancer

The SHOW Center does not actively treat forms of cancer, but specializes in the side effects from cancer treatments.

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)

Genitopelvic dysesthesia (GPD) is often known as Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) which is defined as excessive, unwanted physical arousal without a desire for sexual activity.

Recurrent Vaginitis

It is often characterized by vaginal discharge, itching, burning, and pain. It is often caused by a change in the normal balance (pH) of vaginal bacteria.

Vaginismus

Vaginismus is persistent or recurrent difficulties of the woman to allow vaginal entry of the penis, finger, or any object (tampon, etc), despite her expressed wish to do so.

Dermatologic Vulvar Disorders

Vulvar/vaginal skin disorders are quite common and often not discussed by patients and healthcare providers often because the patient does not know if it is a gynecological problem or a dermatologic problem.

Sexual Trauma

The SHOW Center does not perform SANE (sexual assault nurse examiner) exams, but knows where you need to go for an exam if you are a victim of sexual assault.

Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy

Hormonal changes as women ages from decreased estrogen and testosterone production causes vaginal and vulvar tissue to become thin and it can be one of the most common causes of sexual pain/discomfort.

Menopause Sexuality

The loss of estrogen and testosterone that happens during the peri/menopause years can lead to changes in a woman’s body and sexual drive/function.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIS)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common infections that usually occur when bacteria enter into the opening of the urethra and grow inside of the urinary tract.

Interstitial Cystitis (IC)

Interstitial Cystitis (IC), also known as painful bladder syndrome, is another type of pelvic condition in which the bladder lining becomes severely inflamed and causes pain and pressure in the pelvic area around the bladder.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Sexual Dysfunction

After having your baby there can be general trauma to the area of the vagina, vulva, and perineum. Although the vagina is very elastic in nature and can handle a baby moving through the birth canal, often times your perineum is not quite as elastic.

Gender Non-Conformance

Gender non-conformance or gender non-conformity refers to a spectrum of conditions, which are characterized by behaving or appearing in a way that is considered atypical for one’s gender.

Take Charge of YOUR Health

This website does not provide medical advice. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. The materials on this website are for general educational information only and are not a substitute for a patient-healthcare professional relationship. Your use of this website does not establish a relationship with a healthcare professional.