Female Sexual Health Specialist in Central Illinois

Sexual health is an important aspect of your general health that is often overlooked or not discussed.  There can be many factors, both physical and physiological, that can cause a woman to have changes in her sexual health.

If you are experiencing symptoms of female sexual dysfunction, contact Dr. Joseph Banno to discuss your symptoms, the treatment options available, and how to prevent further discomfort. With our urology clinic located in Peoria, IL, Dr. Banno provides treatment for women throughout Central Illinois including Springfield, Champaign, Galesburg, Decatur, Galesburg, and Bloomington, IL. To schedule your consultation at Midwest Urological Group, please call (309) 740-3126 or request an appointment online.

What Is Female Sexual Dysfunction?

Female sexual dysfunction is a broad term that encompasses the various problems that keep women from having the sexual response they desire. Some of the medical causes that contribute to female sexual dysfunction include pelvic pain, hormonal changes (often brought on by menopause), neurological problems, medication interactions, and cardiovascular conditions.

There are four classifications of female sexual dysfunction. These include:

• Desire Disorders: Low Desire and avoiding of sexual contact.
• Arousal/Stimulation Disorders: The inability to have or maintain sufficient sexual arousal including lack of genital swelling and lubrication
• Orgasmic Disorders: The absence or delay in orgasm after sufficient sexual arousal and stimulation
• Pain Disorders: Pain in the genital area associated with sexual intercourse (also known as dyspareunia). Spasms of the pelvic floor muscles resulting in painful penetration is another condition (vaginismus)

What Are Symptoms of Sexual Dysfunction?

If you are taking certain medicines, have a disease, or relationship problems, it can affect your sex life. Certain times of women’s lives can also cause disruptions in sexual desire or arousal including after childbirth or menopause, or during stressful times throughout life. The symptoms of female sexual dysfunction can make you feel discouraged or uncomfortable but this is not something that you have to live with.

Dyspareunia, or Painful Intercourse

Dyspareunia, or painful intercourse, can be caused by menopause due to the changes in hormones, or from other conditions or events in your life. If you experience pain during sex, vaginal dryness, or inflammation of your vagina, you may have a sexual dysfunction problem.

If you experience the following symptoms you should talk with your doctor about the different treatment options available:

• Pain during sexual penetration
• New pain from intercourse
• Deep pain during deep thrusting
• Burning or aching pain during intercourse
• Pain continuing after intercourse

Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal Dryness is a common symptom of menopause due to changes in hormone levels. The drop in estrogen levels in women going through menopause can lead to vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. When a woman’s body is no longer able to produce enough of the estrogen hormone, it can result in several side effects, including vaginal dryness. While you can make changes in your sex life to help with vaginal dryness, medications or other treatments may be necessary.

Atrophic Vaginitis

When the vaginal walls have thinned and are dry, it can cause your vagina to be irritated and inflamed. This can cause sexual intercourse to be a painful experience and may cause women to avoid sex. A vaginal infection can sometimes be the cause of inflammation. Be sure to see your OBGYN if you think you have an infection.

As previously mentioned, women suffering from vaginal atrophy are very likely to experience vaginal dryness, which can in turn result in a variety of specific symptoms such as:

• Pain during intercourse
• Shortening and/or tightening of the vaginal canal
• Pain while urinating
• Discharge from the vagina
• Spotting
• An itching or burning sensation of the genitals
• Urinary incontinence
• Increased frequency or urges to urinate

Inhibited Sexual Desire

Sexual apathy or aversion can be caused by the above physical problems or they could stem from an emotional cause such as:

• Anxiety or depression
• Concerns with self-esteem or physical appearance
• Relationship problems
• Stress

Take note of the sexual dysfunction problems you’re having and what’s going on in your life while the problem is occurring. Talk with your doctor about treatment and lifestyle changes that can help provide relief from painful intercourse.