Women’s Sexual Health

What is the connection between urology and women’s sexual health?

Urologists are well-known for specializing in men’s sexual problems, from erectile dysfunction to infertility issues. But most women don’t realize that they can turn to a urologist for help with their own sexual concerns. Urologists treat the genitourinary system, which includes conditions affecting women’s reproductive and urinary tract. In fact, the specialty of female urology is also referred to as urogynecology.

Problems related to women’s sexual health that are treated by urologists include:

• Urinary incontinence
• Pelvic health conditions, such as pelvic organ prolapse and chronic pelvic pain
• Urinary tract infections
• Interstitial cystitis
• Bladder and kidney disease
• Pain or dryness with sex
• Orgasmic dysfunction
• Menopause symptoms
• Decreased arousal or interest in sex, or persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD)

A sex therapist is essential in helping understand the psycho social aspects to female sexual dysfunction. It's likely when you work with a urologist for female sexual dysfunction you will be referred to a sex therapist to optimize your treatment plan.

The team at Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists also help with female sexual health issues such as sexual dysfunction.

What is female sexual dysfunction?

Female sexual dysfunction means that you either can’t have sexual intercourse or that there’s an underlying problem that interferes with your ability to enjoy sex. More specifically, sexual dysfunction is defined as having persistent and recurrent problems with:

• Sexual desire: low sex drive is the most common female sexual dysfunction
• Painful intercourse: sexual stimulation and vaginal contact are painful
• Sexual arousal: you can’t become aroused or maintain arousal
• Orgasmic disorder: you have ongoing trouble reaching orgasm

In many cases, the underlying cause for these problems is a physical condition that can be treated by the team at Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists.

What causes women’s sexual health problems?

The list of potential causes is too long to give you a full answer to that question. Many gynecological diseases, urological problems like interstitial cystitis, medication side effects and hormonal changes at menopause contribute to your sexual health. Numerous chronic conditions also have an effect, especially those that cause chronic pain.

With so many potential issues, it’s important to know that you can depend on the expertise of the team at Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists. They take the time to listen to your concerns, then work with you to get to the underlying cause and develop an individualized treatment.

If you have any concerns about your sexual health, call Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists or book an appointment online.