Let’s Talk About Sex: Women’s Edition

Talking to your doctor about your sexual health concerns may not be high on your list of priorities, but Lauren Boyer, PA-C, physician assistant with Lehigh Valley Physician Group (LVPG) Obstetrics and Gynecology, says your sexual health is an important topic.

“Sexual health is a vital part of our physical and mental well-being,” Boyer says. “We want women to feel comfortable discussing any sexual health concerns so we can help them find a solution.”

Lehigh Valley Health Network’s (LVHN) Sexual Health Program is available to help women address a range of sexual health concerns. The goal of the program is to help women overcome barriers that may prevent them from enjoying sex.

Many people have unrealistic ideas of what sex is supposed to be like, which Boyer says contributes to hesitancy when it comes to asking for help. “Thanks to movies, television and social media, women think that sex is supposed to be amazing all the time and that’s just not true,” she says.

According to the National Library of Medicine, 43 percent of women experience some type of sexual concern at some point in their life. Fortunately, Boyer says that in most cases, sexual health issues can be resolved through treatment.

“We want women to know that their sexual health should be a priority and we are here to help.” - Lauren Boyer, PA-C

LVHN’s Sexual Health Program can address many issues related to sexual dysfunction, but Boyer says there are three concerns that are most common – low libido, pain with intercourse and orgasm dysfunction.

Because the cause of sexual health issues can have many causes, LVHN’s sexual health team uses a holistic and comprehensive approach. During the first appointment, you can expect to spend most of your time talking about your goals and medical history.

Honesty is important when it comes to resolving any sexual concerns. “Sex is highly personal and is affected by a number of things from a past traumatic experience to stress or an underlying medical issue. The more we know, the more we can help,” Boyer says.

Treatments are dependent on the cause but can include lifestyle modifications, a change in medication or physical therapy. Boyer says asking for help is the first step to improving your sexual health.

“We want women to know that their sexual health should be a priority and we are here to help,” Boyer says.