In a recent interview, Dr. Alexandra Dubinskaya, MD, FACOG, Dr. Rachel Pope, MD, MPH, and Dr. Jill Krapf, MD, FACOG shared their insights from their presentation on addressing sexual health at the 2024 ACOG Annual Clinical & Scientific Meeting. The main focus of their session was equipping doctors with the knowledge and tools needed to address sexual health concerns in patients.
The session covered hyperactive sexual desire disorder as well as anorgasmia in women. Treatment options for both disorders were discussed including referrals to sexual therapists and medication. Anorgasmia was highlighted by a case study that emphasized its underlying causes and potential interventions that ob-gyns can use to assist their patients. Pelvic pain was also discussed with Krapf stressing the importance of identifying the location and cause of pelvic pain conditions beyond just vulvodynia.
Hypertonic pelvic floor muscle dysfunction was also addressed during the session with up to 50% of women experiencing some form of sexual dysfunction highlighting the importance of asking patients about arousal, pain, and orgasm. Pope emphasized the significance of ob-gyns feeling confident in discussing sexual function openly with their patients while encouraging and showing compassion towards their patients can foster trust leading to better outcomes for them.
In conclusion, recognizing and addressing sexual health conditions is crucial as many women may be hesitant to discuss these concerns but it is important for healthcare providers to encourage open communication which can have positive impacts on mental health and quality of life for individuals suffering from hyperactive sexual desire disorder or vulvar pain conditions.
