Sexual wellness should be taken just as seriously as other facets of health. In fact, a healthy sex life, drive, and outlook can help you feel better in other areas. Instead of guessing what you may or may not need (or ignoring issues altogether), seek out sexual wellness treatments designed with you in mind.
With so many sexual dysfunction procedures and treatments for men, you may feel like you have limited options to enhance your life as a woman. However, our medical staff at Amy Brenner, MD & Associates prove you have a variety of choices to boost your sexual wellness. From non-invasive treatments to cosmetic gynecology, use our guide to help steer you in the right direction.
The importance of women’s sexual wellness
First and foremost, sexual wellness isn’t just about intercourse or STIs—it’s a multifaceted and complex health focus. The World Health Organization defines sexual wellness as:
You may not realize that daily aspects such as your relationships, mental health, and self esteem play an important role in your overall sexual wellness. For example, if you are struggling in other areas of your life, that stress could permeate your sex life.
In other words, your sexual health shouldn’t be taken lightly or ignored… it’s that important.
Without a solid grasp on the importance of sexual wellness and how it impacts your day-to-day life, you could be suffering from sexual dysfunctions without even realizing it. Everyone deserves a positive and pleasurable sexual experience, not just men. A strong awareness of sexual wellness can give you the confidence you seek to take charge of your sex life.
Causes of sexual dysfunctions
There are many reasons you may have an unsatisfying sex life, and the source of the issue isn’t always physical. Factors such as relationship issues, lack of libido, and even health conditions could affect intimacy with your partner.
Hormones
Hormones such as progesterone can affect your sexual desire. However, not all hormonal changes require sexual wellness treatments. A woman’s body will naturally shift hormone levels during her menstrual cycle, pregnancy, nursing, menopause, and more. A problem only arises when hormone level changes affect your sexual desire. Our sexual health physicians can help connect the dots between your hormones and your sex drive to find the right solution for your needs.
Vaginal dryness
Vaginal secretions help lubricate the vaginal walls to reduce unwanted friction during sex. As you age, your vaginal walls may become thinner, which lowers the amount of lubrication produced. Vaginal dryness (atrophic vaginitis), can lead to discomfort or even pain during sex.
Medications
Some medications can negatively impact your sex life. For instance, antihistamines are great for drying out the nose, but they can also dry out the vagina. In addition, medications for depression & anxiety, opioids, and even Beta-blockers can all reduce your sexual desire.
Speaking with a sexual wellness provider can help you determine whether your medications are the source of your sexual dysfunction.
Genital mismatch
Usually genital mismatch occurs when the diameter of a woman’s vaginal canal increases in conjunction with the decreased size of an erect penis. It can stem from:
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- Childbirth
- Weight gain
- Chronic straining (from constipation or difficulty urinating)
- Pelvic injury
Genital mismatch is very common as couples age together and can take the pleasure out of sex.
Lifestyle
Believe it or not, your everyday life impacts your sexual wellness. Lack of sleep or even stress from work can turn down your sex drive. How you take care of yourself physically, such as your diet and exercise habits, also play a role in sexual intimacy. Plus, mental health and a negative outlooks on your body (and life in general) can make sex a daunting task riddled with anxiety and fear.
Gynecologic conditions
Overall vaginal health has a major impact on your sex drive. There are many gynecologic conditions that come into play, including:
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- Dyspareunia (chronic painful sexual intercourse)
- Lichen sclerosus (a condition that causes changes in the appearance of the skin of the vulva, resulting in chronic itching, pain, and scarring of the vulvar tissue),
- Vulvar vestibulitis (a chronic pain syndrome possibly linked to chronic yeast, bacterial vaginosis, or HPV infection)
- Other vaginal infections
- Heavy and/or prolonged menstrual bleeding
Sexual wellness treatments for women at Amy Brenner, MD & Associates
At the end of the day, we want to find the root of your problems to create a treatment plan that will bring real solutions. Since we’re both a medical practice and medical spa, we offer both invasive and non-invasive sexual wellness treatment options to help women look and feel better about themselves.
With our unique, patient-focused MyIntimacy® program, Amy Brenner, MD & Associates can restore your sexual wellness and help you enjoy more pleasurable sexual experiences. Instead of offering one-off procedures, we allow you to combine therapies to achieve the results you’re after faster and more efficiently. We also provide options for maintenance treatments so you can reap the benefits of your procedures for years.
Learn more about MyIntimacy® through our short video.
MyIntimacy® – Amy Brenner, MD & Associates
Bio-identical hormones
Bio-identical hormones are structurally and chemically identical to your natural hormones, giving them the unique capability to restore hormonal imbalances. At Amy Brenner, MD & Associates, we offer three different bio-identical hormone treatments for women.
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- Pellet Therapy (Subcutaneous implants): After using a local anesthetic, we place Testosterone +/- Estradiol pellets through a 3mm incision in the hip or buttocks. The procedure only takes about three minutes.
- Testosterone Injection Therapy: Many women don’t realize that testosterone also has a huge impact on female sexual health. These injections are self-administered (usually in the belly or love handle area) 1 to 2 times a week.
- Bioidentical Hormone Cream: You would self-administer estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone cream every day. This eliminates the need for needles and downtime.
FEMILIFT CO2 LASER FOR VAGINAL REJUVENATION
FemiLift® Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation is a non-surgical treatment that delivers controlled energy to the vaginal or vulva tissue. As a result, collagen production increases to improve the tone, texture, and overall appearance of the external vulva. The procedure treats:
- Vaginal laxity (looseness)
- Vaginal atrophy (dryness )
- Incontinence (leaking of urine)
- Vulvar pigmentation (darkening)
- Sagging of of the labia majora (outer vaginal lips)
- Lichen sclerosus
The procedure only takes about 15 minutes for an internal treatment and 30 minutes for an external treatment.
Up Next: What is Laser Rejuvenation? →
O-Shot®
Also known as the “orgasm shot”, the O-Shot® implements platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to increase sexual satisfaction, help urinary incontinence, and improve vaginal dryness.
PRP carries growth factors used to heal wounded tissue. When separated from your blood and injected into the clitoris and vaginal walls, those growth factors increase collagen and elastin; promote angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels); improve blood flow; and promote the formation of new nerve endings.
Everything you need to know about the O-Shot® in Cincinnati →
Wave therapy
Wave therapy is a non-surgical, drug-free sexual wellness solution to enhance sexual performance and overall wellness. Pulse waves improve blood flow to the vagina by repairing damaged blood vessels. As a result, women can experience increased sensitivity, lubrication, and vaginal appearance.
Votiva
Votiva is the only FDA-cleared device to treat sexual dysfunctions and stress urinary incontinence. With the help of radio frequency (RF) energy, Votiva heats tissue to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Over time, the boost in collagen and elastin lead to noticeable vaginal rejuvenation, including:
- Vaginal and vulvar tightening
- Vaginal lubrication
- Increased sexual sensations
- Decreased urinary leakage
This painless procedure only takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, meaning you’re in and out in no time! Although you may notice results right away, most patients require three procedures to achieve to maximize the amazing benefits.
Cosmetic gynecology and sexual wellness
Not every woman will require surgery to reach their goals, but cosmetic gynecology can help improve the look of your vaginal area and increase sensitivity. Our MySecret™️ program strives to craft the right surgical plan for your goals. No two clients receive the exact same care because no two clients have the exact same bodies. That means, whenever you come to our office, you will always get a customized plan meant for you only.
Cosmetic gynecology procedures include:
AVIVA FemTite Scarless Labiaplasty (non-surgical)
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Book your sexual wellness treatments with Amy Brenner, MD & Associates
Our health experts and gynecologists provide the best sexual wellness treatments for women in the Cincinnati area. With our vast array of surgical and nonsurgical procedures, we can not only alleviate discomfort, but also boost confidence by helping you reach your goals.
We’re here to offer a warm, friendly environment while providing the highest quality surgical procedures and aesthetic treatments to help you look great and feel great. No matter what, we will stick with you throughout your entire journey because your goals are always our goals.
Get started today by using our virtual consultation tool or scheduling an appointment.