Most women don’t discuss the challenges they may face with their sexual health as they age. However, the fact of the matter is that female sexual dysfunction is a common concern, which is why we offer many treatments for female sexual wellness at Renew Health & Wellness in Glen Allen, VA. Some of our treatment options include BHRT, Votiva, Viveve, PRP O Shot, and Acoustic Wave Therapy.
Female Sexual Wellness
Many women experience age-related changes that can affect female sexual wellness. Many of these changes can be distressing for women, particularly those who are also experiencing health-related changes at the same time. Fortunately, the right treatments for feminine sexual wellness can address these concerns and rejuvenate a woman’s sexual health.
Symptoms of Female Sexual Dysfunction
There are many common symptoms of female sexual dysfunction. In general, these symptoms are considered serious if they are persistent or interfere with your daily life. Whether the root cause of female sexual dysfunction is medical, biological, or psychological, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Low libido
- Painful intercourse
- Inability to reach orgasm
- Low sexual sensitivity
- Lack of natural lubrication
Many women will experience some form of female sexual dysfunction as they age or in relation to illnesses, hormonal shifts, or even childbirth. Sometimes, the symptoms of sexual dysfunction will get better naturally, but other times, these symptoms can last for months or years. Furthermore, female sexual dysfunction can occur at any age, so it is not a concern shared only by aging women.
Common Causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction
There are several potential causes of female sexual dysfunction. For example, major medical issues like cancer, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes can be contributing factors to developing symptoms of sexual dysfunction. Additionally, many of the causes of sexual dysfunction can overlap, which is why you will need to be examined by a physician to understand why you are experiencing symptoms.
Medical
In addition to medical causes such as cancer or diabetes, other medical conditions can cause female sexual dysfunction. For example, kidney disease, fatigue, bladder infections, and more can affect sexual health.
Notably, it’s also possible that certain medications can also cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction, including medications for blood pressure, depression, allergies, and chemotherapy. Many women find that discontinuing certain medications may be an effective way to reduce symptoms of sexual dysfunction.
Biological
Most of the time, the root cause of female sexual dysfunction is related to hormonal imbalance. The level of estrogen produced by the female body is constantly in flux, but when estrogen levels are consistently low for a long period, the body responds by developing symptoms of sexual dysfunction.
Specifically, women who have recently given birth and women who are going through menopause may experience symptoms because low estrogen levels decrease blood flow to the pelvis and reproductive organs.
Psychological
Another common cause of female sexual dysfunction is psychological. When issues such as mood disorders, anxiety, and depression are untreated, women may experience lower libido and other symptoms of sexual dysfunction. Psychological trauma can also be a major contributing factor, as well as cultural and interpersonal conflicts.
What Treatment Options Do You Have?
You will have several treatment options to consider for female sexual rejuvenation. Based on the symptoms you are experiencing, some treatments may be more appropriate than others. A consultation will examine your health condition to identify the root causes of the symptoms you are experiencing. Some treatment options you will have include:
BHRT
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is often the most appropriate treatment for women who are experiencing age-related hormone changes. You may find that BHRT is an ideal treatment if you’re experiencing low libido, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms such as mood swings or weight gain. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy works by using biologically compatible hormones.
Why Pellets Are Ideal
BHRT is usually administered with pellets, which are injected into the lower hip or buttocks. Pellet therapy is much better than patches, oral tablets, or hormonal creams because the hormones released with pellets are consistent for several months, allowing for better hormone levels optimization. Usually, pellet therapy will last for about three months at a time.
Votiva
Votiva is a radiofrequency treatment that uses thermal energy to increase the production of collagen in female sexual organs. This treatment is similar to an annual exam since the RF device is inserted into the vagina for several minutes. Votiva is ideal for women who are experiencing vaginal dryness, a weak pelvic floor, urinary incontinence, and other signs of sexual dysfunction.
Viveve
Viveve is another radiofrequency treatment that can rejuvenate vaginal tissue to improve symptoms of sexual dysfunction. This treatment is unique because it also includes cooling technology that can make the treatment quicker and more comfortable. Viveve may be more appropriate for women who are experiencing issues with sexual arousal, pain during intercourse, and difficulty reaching orgasm.
PRP O Shot
The PRP O Shot is a good choice for those who want to use a natural rejuvenation treatment. This treatment works by isolating platelet-rich plasma from your blood and then injecting this plasma directly into vaginal tissue, usually around the clitoris and the G-spot. The O Shot is an excellent option for rejuvenating feminine sexual health, especially for those who are experiencing a lack of sensitivity and natural lubrication.
Why Platelet-Rich Plasma Is Effective
PRP is an extremely effective option for most people because it is natural and takes advantage of your body’s natural regenerative response. The plasma used for this injectable treatment contains several healing factors that can greatly improve collagen production and nerve healing. Research indicates that platelet-rich plasma is effective because it reduces inflammation in the cells and also enhances the growth factors of soft tissue cells.
Acoustic Wave Therapy
Acoustic wave therapy may be a good option for those who want to address a wider range of feminine sexual dysfunction symptoms. Acoustic wave therapy works by emitting low-intensity acoustic waves to increase blood flow in the vagina, which will stimulate the production of collagen and increase the sensitivity of vaginal tissues. This treatment is a good option for women who want to increase sexual sensitivity enjoyment.
Will You Need a Physical Exam?
When you use any treatment to rejuvenate your sexual health, you will likely need to complete a physical exam, such as with a gynecologist. This will help your provider determine the cause of your symptoms, particularly if you are experiencing additional symptoms such as urinary incontinence that can indicate a weak pelvic floor. This will also allow your provider to select the treatment that is most appropriate for you.
Will You Need Blood Tests?
For some treatments, you will need to have a blood test to assess the level of hormones in your body. For example, if you plan to use bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, then understanding your baseline level of hormones will help your physician identify the proper dosage for your pellet therapy.
If you are unable to determine any medical or psychological causes for symptoms of female sexual dysfunction, then a blood test can also be useful because it will determine whether or not your symptoms are related to hormones or less common medical causes.
Rejuvenate Female Sexual Health Today
Female sexual wellness relies on a balance of health, hormones, and psychological factors. Although female sexual dysfunction is a common experience many aging women share, several treatments can be used to reduce some of the troubling symptoms. Identifying the most appropriate treatment for your needs will be determined during a consultation appointment.