Sexual Health

What is sexual health?

Your sexual health encompasses your libido, the health of your reproductive organs, and your ability to embrace your sexuality. Sexual health services include:

• Birth control and family planning
• Sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing and treatment
• Assessment and treatment of painful sex
• Counseling and medical treatment for libido loss

Sexual health is more than the absence of disease. It also includes the physical, emotional, and mental components of your sexuality. 

What are the signs of sexual dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction can occur at any stage of your sexual response cycle. Some of the common signs and types of sexual dysfunction include:

Libido loss

Your libido, or desire for sex, fluctuates throughout your life. While low libido isn’t necessarily a medical problem, it can interfere with your overall wellness and having a satisfying relationship. Factors like mental health, hormonal imbalances, menopause, medical diseases, and stress can all interfere with your sex drive. 

Painful sex

Painful sex could be due to thin or dry vaginal tissue, a lack of arousal, or a physical abnormality. You could also have an injury, infection, or other inflammatory issues. If you’re aroused and consenting, sex shouldn’t cause pain. Make an appointment at Lucina Women's Health and Midwifery right away if you have pain during sex.

Inability to orgasm

Every woman is different, and you don’t need to have an orgasm to enjoy sex. However, if you can’t achieve orgasm, and it’s interfering with your relationship or other aspects of your sexual health, you should speak to a doctor. 

Should I have STD testing?

STDs are far more common than you might think. Every year, American doctors diagnose around 20 million STDs, and around half of sexually active people get an STD by the time they’re 25 years old. Additionally, STDs don’t usually cause symptoms in their early stages, and testing is the only way to get a diagnosis and treatment before your health and fertility are affected. 

If you think you’ve been exposed to an STD, you should schedule an appointment for testing. Your doctor also reviews your risk of STDs and can provide advice on whether you should have STD testing. 

If you’re looking for compassionate and confidential sexual health services, call Lucina Women's Health and Midwifery, or make an appointment online today.