According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sexual health is: “…a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality, which is not the absence of disease, dysfunction or disability. Sexual health, when viewed affirmatively, requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be achieved and sustained, the sexual rights of all people must be respected, protected and fully exercised.” (WHO, 2006a)
There is a consensus that sexual health cannot be achieved and maintained without respect for and protection of some human rights. “Sexual rights are the application of existing human rights to sexuality and sexual health. They protect the right of all people to satisfy and express their sexuality and to enjoy sexual health, with due respect for the rights of others, within a framework of protection from discrimination” (WHO, 2006a, updated 2010).
Intimate Health & Wellness
South Bay BHC speaks with patient about intimate health issues. An estimated 43 percent of women report some degree of difficulty with sexual function at some point in their lives. Concerns regarding sexual function can affect well-being and quality of life. Fortunately, many problems with sexual function are often related to other underlying medical, biological and lifestyle conditions that can be treated.
Our goal at South Bay BHC for Intimate Health and Wellness is to provide sensitive, holistic, multidisciplinary treatment for women who have concerns about their intimate wellness. If you would like to improve your sexual function, we are here to help in a confidential, supportive environment.
Types and Causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction
Female Sexual Dysfunction is when a woman experiences persistent issues related to:
Physical changes or conditions that impact intimacy
Having pain during sex activity.
Hypoactive (low) sexual desire Disorder—having low or absent desire for sexual intimacy that causes distress.
Having reduced or excessive arousal of genital organs.
Female Orgasmic Disorder—-having reduced or absent orgasm during sxual activity that causes distress.
Having decreased overall satisfaction with sexual function.
Common underlying causes include pregnancy, surgery, cancer, diabetes, menopausal changes, anxiety, depression, trauma, and even medications. There are a number of conditions that can result, all of which can lead to problems with sexual function.
Vaginal, Urinary, and Bowel Dysfunction
Vaginal dryness resulting in decreased lubrication in and around the vagina
Vaginismus, when vaginal muscles spasm when something is entering it, like a tampon
Pelvic organ prolapse, when the vaginal and surrounding organs bulge, which can be often result from childbirth, hormonal changes, and other medical or lifestyle conditions
Urinary incontinence (leakage)
Bowel dysfunction, such as constipation or fecal incontinence (leakage).
Pain
Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
Vulvodynia, when there is chronic pain affecting the labia, clitoris and vaginal opening
Vulvar inflammatory conditions such as lichen sclerosus, a chronic condition that causes thin, white patches of skin in the genital area
Vaginal burning
Pain after trauma to pelvis, due to surgery, personal trauma, injury, or childbirth
Noncoital sexual pain, or genital pain that occurs at times other than sexual intercourse.
Hormonal Concerns
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), menopause symptoms that come from having lower levels estrogens and other hormones in the body. Symptoms include:
- Burning and irritation in the vagina
- Dryness, discomfort, or pain with intercourse
- Urinary problems
- Hormonal imbalance disorders, related to sex hormones
Hypoactive (low interest) sexual desire disorder, a low level of interest in sex that leads to distress.
Hyperactive sexual desire disorder, or high interest in sex that leads to distress.
Female orgasmic disorder, when there is an inability to achieve orgasm that causes distress.
Sexual arousal disorder, a lack or absence of sexual fantasies, desire for sexual activity, and/or inability to maintain sexual arousal response that causes distress.