Women's Sexual Health

What it is

Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), vaginal dryness, decreased desire and difficulty with arousal or reaching orgasm are common complaints that affect quality of life and relationships, but are often not mentioned during consultations. The causes can be hormonal — as in menopause, the postpartum period and breastfeeding —, infectious, muscular, related to medications or emotional, and they frequently overlap. At Femi Saúde, the consultation takes place in a welcoming, judgment-free environment, with attentive listening, a gynecological examination and tests when necessary. Treatment is individualized and may include vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, local hormone therapy, treatment of infections, pelvic physical therapy, technologies such as intimate laser and psychological support or sex therapy, when indicated.

Most common symptoms

• Pain or burning during or after intercourse
• Vaginal dryness and lack of lubrication
• Decreased sexual desire
• Difficulty with arousal or reaching orgasm
• Fear or avoidance of intimacy after childbirth, surgery or menopause
• Changes in sexual life related to medication use
• Complaints that affect self-esteem and the relationship

Causes and risk factors

• Hormonal changes at menopause, postpartum and during breastfeeding
• Vaginal infections, atrophy, vulvodynia or vaginismus
• Tension in the pelvic floor muscles or childbirth scars
• Medications such as antidepressants and certain contraceptives
• Stress, anxiety, depression and relationship conflicts
• Chronic conditions, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism

How it is diagnosed

The consultation takes place in a welcoming, judgment-free environment and begins with attentive listening: what the main complaint is, when it started, whether it happens in every situation, and how it affects the patient and the relationship. Your gynecologist reviews hormonal history, medications, childbirth and emotional health. The gynecological exam, performed respectfully and at the patient's own pace, looks for signs of atrophy, infection, vulvar pain or muscle tension. Discharge tests, hormone level testing and ultrasound are requested when necessary.

How we treat it at Femi Saúde

Treatment depends on the causes identified, which often overlap, and is always individualized. The gynecology team at Femi Saúde may recommend vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, local or systemic hormone therapy when estrogen levels have dropped, treatment of infections and adjustment of medications that interfere with desire, together with the prescribing physician. Pelvic floor physical therapy helps with pain and muscle tension, and technologies such as intimate CO₂ laser and radiofrequency are options in selected cases of dryness and laxity. When emotional or relationship factors are present, psychological support or sex therapy are part of the plan, with guidance for the partner when desired.

What we offer