Supporting gynecologists in managing sexual health problems

In a recent interview, Alexandra Dubinskaya, MD, FACOG, Rachel Pope, MD, MPH, and Jill Krapf, MD, FACOG discussed their presentation on sexual health at the 2024 ACOG Annual Clinical & Scientific Meeting.

The priority of the session was to provide physicians with information to address sexual health issues in their patients and to provide them with the necessary tools to address sexual health issues. This also included treatment for hyperactive sexual desire disorder. Treatment options discussed included referral to a sex therapist and medication.

Anorgasmia, a condition with a high prevalence in women, was also discussed. This included a case study that highlighted anorgasmia, the causes of the condition and tools that the gynecologist can use to help his patient.

Pelvic pain was also discussed, including pain during vaginal insertion. “I have empowered people to think beyond the term vulvodynia and really look at location and cause when determining these pelvic pain conditions and their causes,” Krapf said. The session also addressed hypertonic pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

Up to 50% of women experience sexual dysfunction. Therefore, it is important to ask patients questions about sexual function. These can include arousal, pain and orgasm. Pope encouraged gynecologists to ask these questions confidently and to know the basics of sexual function.

About 50% of the population is also affected by hyperactive sexual desire disorder. It can lead to an increased prevalence of depression and impaired quality of life and relationship outcomes, making it important to recognize and address this condition. Up to 17% of women are affected by vulvar pain. Therefore, it is important to understand the different medical conditions for proper diagnosis and treatment.

According to Pope, the key takeaways from the session are that sexual health disorders are common and it is therefore important to be aware of them, identify them and ask about them. Many women are hesitant to discuss issues of sexual function, but their doctor’s encouragement and compassion can increase the patient’s confidence.