The last time you visited the doctor, were you asked if you are happy with your sex life? Asked if everything is running smoothly? If you are able to orgasm? Probably not. As women, we go to the doctor and we aren’t asked about how we are performing sexually, but men are asked and given solutions, such as pills. Why are doctors neglecting the topic of sexual health among women and why is it so important to have conversations about sex with our doctors?
Uncomfortable questions are often the important Ones to Ask
In both men and women, it is important doctors ask about sexual interest, arousal, satisfaction, quality of a relationship, mood, pain, and the effects of illnesses, medications, and surgeries. Doctors most likely aren’t asking these questions because they don’t know how. Sex has been a taboo topic, especially among women for many years. Talking about sexual history is crucial to identifying sexual problems and concerns, it can also help establish a more open and trusting relationship between patients and their doctors.
You’ve been asked, now what?
As women, we’ve been trained to believe that sex should be a private, taboo topic. As women, we are not supposed to enjoy sex as men do. Oh, but we do. We need to speak up about our needs and concerns to reap the benefits that come along with healthy sex. A good sex life can include benefits such as lower blood pressure, a better immune system, improved self-esteem, decreased depression and anxiety, and better sleep, just to name a few!
Even if you don’t have any concerns involving your sex life, it is great to start an open and honest conversation to normalize the discussion of sexual health among women. Because having sex is a normal, healthy bodily function of human adults, your doctor needs to know about your sex life just like they need to know about diet and exercise. That doesn’t mean your doctor needs to know every detail of your sex life, but there are some things you should be sure to make them aware of:
● Your method of birth control and disease prevention. If you don’t have a contraceptive method, your doctor can help you find one.
● Problems you have during sex, like pain, bleeding, or dryness. These symptoms may be signs of infection, menopause, or even certain gynecological cancers.
● Changes in your sex drive. A change in sex drive may indicate menopause, depression,or other conditions that your doctor can treat.
Can you ask your doctor about sex?
If your doctor isn’t asking you these questions and you have concerns you hope to address, it can be nerve-racking to start the conversation yourself. There are some steps to follow to make sure the process is easier.
● Prepare yourself before your appointment. Do a little research and write down questions you want to ask and take them to your appointment.
● Practice before your appointment ways to bring up the topic in which you feel most comfortable, bringing printouts or pamphlets can help.
● A second opinion never hurts. If your doctor doesn’t have an answer that seems right for you, you can try someone else.
The most important factor is getting the conversation started so you can resolve your issues and live a more comfortable, happier life. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office on Women’s Health, improving your overall health goes a long way toward improving your sexual health. As women, we enjoy sex as much as men, normalizing that is the first step to being more comfortable discussing and solving issues involving our sexuality. FemmePharma was created by women, for women in the hopes of improving the daily lives of women. Men have seen products and solutions time and time again; it is time to focus on women and their sexual needs. You deserve to feel your best with options that are designed specifically for women.
If sex has become painful for you, you may consider getting a vaginal moisturizer. Vaginal moisturizers and sexual lubricants address the same issue but serve different purposes. Vaginal moisturizers provide moisture around and inside the vagina (if used with an applicator) and help with the ongoing symptoms of vaginal dryness. They should be used on a regular basis. Lubricants are intended for use at the time of sexual activity. They are applied to the vaginal opening and to your partner to provide lubrication and reduce the pain associated with vaginal atrophy and dryness.
Both moisturizers and lubricants are available over the counter in stores and online, including FemmePharma’s Mia Vita Gel Vulvar Moisturizer. To place an order visit the FemmePharma website, www.femmepharma.com.
FemmePharma has designed vulvar moisturizer Mia Vita Gel and vaginal moisturizer Mia Vita Personal Lubricant & Moisturizer to provide relief from vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and discomfort with pharmaceutical-grade hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, which can help you cultivate a more rewarding sex life.
Both sex and sleep are important to maintaining a healthy, routine lifestyle. Don’t let either activity, or lack thereof, be neglected. FemmePharma’s mission is to provide solutions for intimate issues that may be affecting women’s lives.