When do you need an IWI Women’s Sexual Health Provider?
An IWI Women’s Health Provider has a comprehensive understanding of the physical and emotional aspects of maintaining your intimate and sexual health and is compassionate, thoughtful and respectful about these concerns.
If you aren’t feeling your best, you can’t be your best.
If you are experiencing any of the following health issues, IWI can match you with the right Women’s Health Provider in your area to address your needs professionally and successfully with the most up-to-date treatments available.
Vaginal Atrophy
(Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause)
Women who suffer from ongoing issues such as vaginal irritation, bleeding, itching and discharge, painful or unsatisfying intercourse, urinary urgency or frequency and frequent urinary tract or vaginal infections may not realize that their symptoms could indicate vaginal atrophy. Estrogen levels decrease after menopause as well as other life events such as a hysterectomy, chemotherapy, birth control use or breastfeeding. When the ovaries produce less estrogen, it leads to thinning of the vaginal walls and decreasing healthy vaginal function. This condition can be successfully addressed with a number of treatments including hormone therapy and a simple in-office, painless laser treatment.
Vaginal Laxity
Vaginal laxity isn't a topic most women want to discuss, but it is a common issue that can affect vaginal health, sexual satisfaction, partner satisfaction and self-confidence. Vaginal laxity refers to a lack of muscle tone and loss of connective tissue and skin tone that can cause the vagina to feel loose and insensitive and can lead to medical issues such as vaginal prolapse (dropped uterus, bladder, etc.). It can be caused by pregnancy and particularly vaginal childbirth, menopause, weight gain, straining or other health and hormonal changes. This often can be corrected with vaginal laser treatments or a safe, minimally invasive surgery.
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness isn't something women should just accept and endure. This can cause painful sex, irritation and decrease the quality of your intimacy. Yet many women are reluctant to discuss vaginal dryness – even with their healthcare providers. Vaginal dryness can be caused by a decrease in estrogen and loss of healthy vaginal tissue brought on by a variety of causes including menopause, hysterectomy, medications, breastfeeding and cancer treatments. With an appropriate diagnosis dryness can usually be relieved quickly and successfully.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones are chemicals secreted by glands and delivered to cells throughout the body. They manage cell and tissue functions. Testosterone and estrogen are the most critical hormones for sexual function and also work together to produce serotonin, critical for healthy sleep habits and emotional state. Thyroid hormones are essential for metabolic processes in cells throughout the body. Other hormones, such as progesterone, also serve important functions. There are numerous factors that can alter hormone levels and can occur at any age. Simple tests and customized treatments can restore normal hormone levels and your wellbeing.
Menopause
Menopause is a normal part of a woman's life, usually occurring between the ages of about 45 and 55. Women can have menopausal symptoms for many years as the body readjusts hormones. Menopause means the cessation of menstrual periods and issues such as hot flashes, mood swings and, often, a decrease in sexual health and vaginal function.
Women who are going through menopause or are post-menopausal may experience:
- Vaginal dryness
- Painful intercourse
- Vaginal atrophy
- Vaginal laxity
- Labial laxity
- Lowered libido (sex drive)
- Difficulty becoming aroused
- Difficulty reaching orgasm
The menopausal drop in estrogen and progesterone also puts women at higher risk for osteoporosis, heart disease and stroke.
This can be addressed with simple blood tests and customized treatments.
Labial Enlargement and Laxity
Labial and vulvar rejuvenation treatments now offer women the chance to take control of their appearance and sexuality. Labial enlargement and laxity can be caused by puberty, pregnancy and other events. Some women naturally have labial laxity without any contributing causes. Every woman is different and variation in the labial tissue is normal, however, sometimes labial enlargement and laxity can lead to irritation during exercise or pain during intercourse and lead to being self-conscious about appearance. This can hurt a woman's intimate relationships and self-confidence. If this is an issue for you, non-invasive laser therapy or minimally invasive surgery can now be used to reduce the labia and rejuvenate the appearance of the labia and vulva.
Sexual Health
Sexual health is critical to your overall well-being, your intimate relationships, your confidence and your identity. Sexual health is physical, psychological and emotional - many underlying factors can cause sexual dysfunction. Women now have the agency to speak up to their health providers to ensure they are getting the attention and treatment they need for a fulfilling sex life.
Other Health Issues
Numerous life events, changes and illness all interfere with a woman's sexual health. It's essential to have an IWI Women's Sexual Healthcare provider who takes these issues seriously.