When problems in the bedroom arise, sometimes the tendency is to avoid acknowledging them. Yet, this is detrimental for so many people. When you ignore sexual dysfunction, like painful sex, the best that can happen is that it will stay the same. Yet, your problem may worsen and negatively affect your relationship. Let’s talk about some of the treatments for the most common forms of sexual dysfunction.
Pain During Sex
If you’re in pain when you have sex, you’re not alone. Painful sex is common, especially for women. The medical term for pain during sex is dyspareunia, and it can be caused by conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or simply the shape of the anatomy. If you are experiencing painful sex, be sure to get checked out by your doctor so they can help identify the cause.
Next, remember that you aren’t doomed to suffer from painful sex forever. Several treatments are available and have helped many others in your situation. For example, certain antidepressants have numbing effects and can sometimes help with dyspareunia. Surprisingly, Botox can sometimes help, too. PRP (platelet-rich plasma), which is often used in sports medicine, can also help. Sex therapy is also an option. It can help your body relax and ease tension during sex, which can relieve pain.
Post-Menopausal Issues
Sometimes the hormonal changes of menopause can cause sexual dysfunction or at least sexual dissatisfaction. How much estrogen you are making can have sexual implications, so post-menopausal people are likely to face some changes in the bedroom.
If you’re having post-menopausal pain, it’s essential to have a doctor diagnose what’s happening. Often, people will experience unprecedented dryness or have sexual pain because the vaginal tissue isn’t as flexible as it once was. Lubricants can help, but if you’re having all-day vaginal discomfort due to dryness, you’ll probably want to try something more aggressive. Oxytocin vaginal gels are available. Not only can it help with pain, but it can augment arousal as well. Sometimes, testosterone can be used, too, but you will want to check with your doctor before considering any medical options.
Lack of Sexual Arousal
Low sexual desire is surprisingly common, and there are various ways to address it. Viagra is widely available for those who have trouble getting an erection. Another option is Addyi, which some people call “Viagra for women.” Plus, these medications take time to take effect, so you can’t exactly use them as you get started having sex. However, medical options aren’t safe for everyone, and it depends on their sexual history. If relational problems are in play, those will need to be resolved before the arousal issue will subside.
Lifestyle Changes
It’s often overlooked but true: lifestyle changes can help eradicate sexual dysfunction. If you’re not eating healthy food, getting regular exercise, and sleeping well, it’s likely that you’re going to have trouble in the bedroom, too. Starting to improve your habits throughout the day can help your body feel better, and your sex life will often improve simultaneously.
Psychological Remedies for Sexual Dysfunction
If the underlying cause of your sexual dysfunction isn’t biological, it may be psychological. Many people wish that solving the issue was as easy as taking a pill, but sometimes it is not that simple. It is crucial to work through issues like performance anxiety and depression with the help of a licensed therapist, and doing so will often benefit your sex life. Other mental health issues like eating disorders can hamper your sexual desire as well because your body is in starvation mode, and this can cause hormonal changes. There is no quick fix for unresolved mental health issues, but with time and effort, sexual dysfunction can often be resolved.
Fortunately, sex therapy has many different strategies that can help increase your sexual satisfaction. If you want to do something to help mitigate your sexual dysfunction, reach out to a therapist who specializes in sex. Contact me for a free consultation!
Bio: Dr. Nazanin Moali is a clinical psychologist and sex therapist in the Los Angeles area. She works with various individuals to understand and improve their sexuality. Dr. Moali conducts personal consultation sessions in her Torrance and Hermosa Beach offices, or via a secure, online video-counseling platform. Click here to download the 101 Ways to Keep Your Relationship Hot checklist.
