If you’re the kind of person that might spontaneously combust if your sex life got any hotter, you can stop reading now! For the rest of us, sexual and intimate wellness is an important subject, especially as we get older. But lately I’m seeing more younger people with these issues. Impaired sexual function can have a detrimental effect on self-esteem, body image, relationships, and physical health in general. If you’re not feeling like a desirable sexual being, you’re less likely to want to take care of your physical self, and your emotional health takes a hit, too. Aside from that, for the majority of people its a crucial part of a fulfilling life experience.
In my opinion, the pandemic shed a lot of light on sexual health because people suddenly found themselves at home with a lot more time on their hands! The demand for hormone evaluations and sexual wellness procedures increased dramatically during that time in my practice. I found myself having conversations with my patients that I never dreamed I would, and quickly got very comfortable talking about it with men and women in a very frank manner. It’s essential that we make it an acceptable thing to talk about, especially with your doctor.
From my female patients, I hear some very common complaints: lack of desire, decreased sensitivity, inability to orgasm, vaginal dryness, and even pain with sex. Many women feel tremendous guilt because they just don’t want to be intimate anymore.
My male patients want to discuss lower sex drive, lack of sensitivity, trouble getting or maintaining an erection, inability to ejaculate, low semen volume, and even guilt and dismay that they aren’t able to satisfy their partners like they used to.
I’ve spent countless hours researching the best ways to help my patients. I’ve attended specialty conferences, procedure demonstrations, and seminars. I’ve read everything I can get my hands on. I’ve talked to many other doctors, sex therapists, and specialists. Finally, I’ve tried it all myself, because hey, I’m just dedicated that way 😉
For many people, hormone balancing is necessary. Too much of one hormone or not enough of another can throw off libido and sexual functioning. Menopause can be a libido killer, and can make sex very uncomfortable for women. For others, the issue is mechanical or structural. For men, not enough blood flow to sustain an erection can be the cause, and for women, vaginal laxity or looseness and loss of lubrication or elasticity is the problem. Occasionally the cause is loss of sensation, and when that happens, sex just isn’t as fun anymore! And finally, sometimes it’s all of the above. Fortunately, there are good treatment options for all of these things!
I can honestly say that for me, the “research” process has resulted in the best sex of my life, and I’m (a little) over age 50.
Here’s to better sex for everyone! Are you interested? Contact us HERE
Dr. Katherine