Center for Sexual Health & Wellness
Sexual health team |
Complementary services |
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For many women, health conditions, childbirth or changes in life may have
temporarily lowered the importance of a healthy sex life. But as you recover
from an illness or learn to manage on-going medical concerns, part of
feeling whole and complete again includes reestablishing healthy sexuality.
Unfortunately, many health care providers don't discuss a woman's sexual
health unless she brings it up.
 The Aurora Women's Pavilion understands the impact that health concerns
can have on all aspects of your life. From heart problems to diabetes or
just making the midlife transition, your overall health can have a
significant impact on your desire or ability to enjoy the physical
relationship you may have had in the past.
While many women may think it is a normal consequence of childbirth,
aging or menopause – or even been told "it is just in your head" – the
primary cause of female sexual dysfunction can be physical in nature. Our
team of medical specialists is committed to providing support and caring for
the needs of the whole woman – including her sexuality.
 Causes of sexual dysfunction
Some of the physical causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction may involve:
- Pelvic surgery or trauma including hysterectomy, pelvic fractures,
difficult childbirth or straddle injuries including falling on a bicycle
or balance beam
- Diabetes
- Chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer
- Gynecologic radiation treatment
- Menopause
- Arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries
- Smoking
- Decreased hormones including both estrogen and testosterone
- Blood pressure medications
- Birth control pills
- Some antidepressants
- Certain sedatives or tranquilizers
- Spinal cord injuries
Emotional health concerns that may impact a woman's sexuality include:
- Depression
- Stress
- Sexual, emotional or physical abuse
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Problems with self-esteem or body image
- Relationship problems with her partner
 According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, more than
43% of women can experience some form of sexual disorder during her adult
life. This can take the form of one of four different categories of female
sexual dysfunction including:
Sexual desire
Commonly considered a lack of libido, women with hypoactive sexual
desire do not have a desire for sex and are not interested in the sexual
advances of her partner. In more extreme cases, a woman may have a severe
fear or phobia of any sexual activity with a partner.
Arousal
Arousal disorders exist when a woman is interested in having sex, but
has problems finding it pleasurable due to decreased sensitivity or dryness
during intercourse.
Orgasm
Some women may find it difficult to have an orgasm or may take an
extremely long time even with sexual stimulation and arousal.
Sexual pain
Women may experience various types of sexual pain including:
- ongoing pain associated with intercourse
- spasm or tightening of the muscles that make it difficult to
penetrate the vagina
- ongoing pain in the genital area caused by sexual stimulation other
than vaginal penetration
The Aurora Women's Pavilion offers an integrative approach to sexuality.
Each woman will spend time with our specially-trained providers who have
interest and background in sexual health. This allows a comprehensive
confidential perspective which is personalized for each woman and her
partner's need. Each patient will meet with a physician trained in sexual
health and some will be referred to a psychologist who can help her evaluate her emotional
needs. Biofeedback rehabilitation specialists also may contribute to a
woman's personal needs. Our goal is to share information which enhances a
woman's experience as a female.
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