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Sexual Problems in Women
A common sexual problem is pain during intercourse. Call a doctor for immediate care if sudden, severe pelvic pain occurs with or without vaginal bleeding.
Call a doctor if you experience pain or discomfort in your vaginal area. You may have a vaginal infection or a sexually transmitted disease.
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting is a wait-and-see approach. If you improve on your own, you won't need treatment. If you don't improve, you and your doctor will decide what to do next.
If you are having pain with sex, you need to see a doctor. For other sexual problems, it may help to talk with your doctor before trying watchful waiting. During this time, you may be using home treatment, such as liberal lubrication to reduce fears of pain and exercises to stimulate sexual desire. Maintaining honest and frequent communications with your doctor will help you decide whether medical treatment is needed.
Who To See
Health professionals who can help you evaluate your symptoms, discuss treatment options, and treat a sexual problem include:
- Gynecologists.
- Therapists who specialize in healthy sexual behavior and an understanding of human sexuality (sex therapists).
- Psychologists.
- Family medicine physicians.
- Urologists.
You may want to start with your regular doctor, because a sexual problem may be related to a physical condition or a medicine. It is important to identify any physical causes before entering therapy for sexual concerns.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: March 10, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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