Taking Control of Your Faltering Sex Life

medamour | March 5, 2015 | Healthy Suggestions | No Comments

It may sometimes seem hopeless but taking control of your sex life is possible by just taking a few first steps.

Taking control: some first steps

For many women, it is embarrassing to discuss vaginal or sexual issues with their doctor even though it is the number one reason for visits to a gynecologist or women’s health-care professional. It is suggested that only 22% of women have talked with their health care provider about sexual issues since they turned 50[1]. Many women feel their symptoms and issues are just normal side effects, not realizing their symptoms are easily treatable.

What should you ask?

Often, the questions and concerns that you keep to yourself are exactly what you should talk to your healthcare provider about. Talking about these issues with someone who can offer educated suggestions is the first step towards taking control. Here are a few statements to help start a conversation with a healthcare provider regarding your sexual health and wellness.

“I am just not interested in sex, do you have any advice?”
“I am feeling sad lately; my partner is complaining I never want sex.”
“Lately I have been having trouble with intimacy. What can I do?”
“I am having some concerns about my sex life.”
“I do not enjoy sex like I use to.”
“Getting older has affected my love life. Is there something I can do?”

What might your doctor ask you?

Your doctor may ask a number of very personal questions and may want to include your partner in the interview. To help your doctor determine the cause of your problem and the best treatment. He or she may ask:

When did you first become sexually active?
For how long have you had difficulty reaching orgasm?
If you’ve had orgasms in the past, what were the circumstances?
Do you become aroused during sexual interactions with your partner?
Do you experience any pain with intercourse?
How much are you bothered by your lack of orgasm?
How satisfied are you with your current relationship?
Are you using any form of birth control? If yes, what form?
What medications are you taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs as well as vitamins and supplements?
Do you use alcohol or recreational drugs? How much?
Have you ever had surgery that involved your reproductive system?
Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions, including mental health conditions?
What were your family’s beliefs about sexuality?
Have you ever been the victim of sexual violence?

What to expect at your visit

Your doctor will probably do a general physical exam to look for physical causes, such as an underlying medical condition. Your doctor may also examine your genital area to see if there’s some obvious physical or anatomical reason.

Each sexual issue is treated differently. Some sexual issues may overlap and the treatment can be quite complex. Treatments may include changing certain medications or prescribing a new medicine. You may be referred to another health care provider for other tests or specialized treatment.

You may also be referred to a sex therapist. Sex therapists can help individuals work through various issues such as emotional, physical and interpersonal aspects. They may recommend couples counseling to address interpersonal issues or individual therapy to assist with building sexual confidence and help give an understanding of how your past experiences can affect your sexuality today.[2]

If you’re already aware of the condition you are dealing with, MedAmour is here to help with additional information and access to products and educational tools to help expand your intimate life.