Dr. Kathryn Wood, M.D.- gynecologist - Frisco, Texas - annual exams, birth control, hormones, std testing

Sexual Dysfunction

Can Sexual Dysfunction Be Treated?

You do not need to suffer from sexual problems silently. Treatment is available. The type of treatment will depend on the cause and the specific problem area.

Physical examination

The first step in treating a problem related to sex is a thorough history and physical examination to rule out underlying, untreated medical causes. The doctor may recommend lab tests, laparoscopy (a minor surgical procedure using an endoscope) or a diagnostic imaging test, such as ultrasound, to help with the diagnosis.

Emotional healing

Emotional problems may respond best to therapy. You should feel comfortable talking with the doctor. Individual or couples' counseling may be helpful. The doctor may also recommend a professional therapist who is trained in issues related to sexuality.

Learning what feels good

Instruction in sexual technique through books and videos may help, so can exploring your body through masturbation and learning progressive muscle relaxation techniques, such as contracting and releasing the pelvic muscles. Vaginal lubricants can be applied to reduce any discomfort or dryness. It might also be helpful to talk about your sexual likes and dislikes with your partner.

Infections & hygiene

Vaginal and urinary tract infections will respond to medication. Perhaps you need to pay more attention to hygiene, for yourself, your partner or any objects used in vaginal penetration, including vibrators.

Managing illness

More effective control of chronic illness, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, may restore sexual health. A change in prescription drugs may be recommended. Some medications for depression, for example, may lower sex drive and even inhibit the ability to have an orgasm.

Treating Pain

Deep pelvic pain during sexual intercourse or other type of vaginal penetration may be related to several factors, pelvic disease, cancer of the cervix and gynecological conditions, including endometriosis. A physical examination will allow the doctor to make the proper diagnosis and rule out illness.

Vaginal pain related to involuntary muscle spasm, or vaginismus, can also be treated. The doctor may recommend use of vaginal dilators or even tampons of varying sizes that you can gradually insert into the vaginal opening while learning how to relax the muscles. If necessary, a counselor or therapist specializing in sexual disorders may be recommended. A new treatment for vaginismus includes the use of BOTOX therapeutic injections to relax the muscles that are involuntarily tightened when other treatments fail to work. This can be very effective in many cases. This is a very simple, virtually painless office procedure easily performed by Dr. Wood.

Hormones

Depending on your particular health status, hormone replacement therapy, which replaces declining levels of estrogen and progesteron, may help. Rather than taking oral medication, some women respond to estrogen-containing vaginal creams or estrogen-containing vaginal rings, which are worn during the day or night. The use of medications like Viagra is used to treat male impotence, but its benefit in treating female sexual dysfunction is very controversial. When Dr. Wood feels that impairment of blood flow to the female genitalia may be the cause of sexual dysfunction, Viagra could be considered as an option or trial of therapy if one has no medical contraindications to its use.

For more information on sexual dysfunction and or to discuss your personal concerns, please call the office of Kathryn Wood, M.D., at 972.769.WOOD to schedule a confidential appointment.