Types of Female Sexual Arousal Disorder

One of the reasons why female sexual arousal disorder is experienced so differently among women is that this disorder has different subtypes. Getting an accurate diagnosis based on what you’re experiencing is important for making sure you’re getting the correct female sexual arousal disorder treatment. Take a look at the three types of female sexual arousal disorder.

Subjective Arousal Disorder

Subjective arousal disorder occurs when a woman experiences genital response to sexual stimulation without accompanying cognitive awareness of sexual pleasure. While physical genital responses occur, the woman doesn’t experience mental arousal in response to sexual genital or non-genital stimulation. Stimulation can include touch, kissing, dancing, and physical stimulation.

Genital Arousal Disorder

Genital arousal disorder occurs when a woman experiences feelings of pleasure in her mind that do not manifest into physical arousal. While she may be interested in having a sexual experience, lack of lubrication and sensation prevent this from happening. While genital arousal disorder can occur in women of any age, it is especially common in women experiencing hormonal changes during and after menopause.

Combined Arousal Disorder

As the name suggests, combined sexual arousal disorder occurs when both genital and mental responses to sexual stimulation are absent. A woman with combined arousal disorder may experience a general lack of sexual desire. When attempting to engage in sexual activity, she can struggle to find both the desire and physical interest needed to experience pleasure.

Symptoms of Female Sexual Arousal Disorder

The telltale sign that a woman is experiencing FSIAD is that she is noticing a pronounced decrease in sexual interest and pleasure. While symptoms are on a spectrum, it’s not uncommon for women with FSIAD to experience a complete absence of mental and physical arousal. Other symptoms of female sexual arousal disorder can include:

• Reduction in sex drive.
• Never thinking about sex.
• Decreased arousal when attempting to engage in sexual activity.
• Lack of arousal in response to intimate physical touch.
• Lack of arousal in response to sexual stimulation of any kind.
• Infrequently initiating sexual activity with a partner.
• Reduced or dulled sensations in the genitals.
• No increase of blood flow to the genitals when attempting arousal.
• Vaginal dryness when attempting arousal.

When diagnosing FSIAD, Dr. Tahery takes a whole-picture approach to health to try to pinpoint underlying reasons for symptoms. Past pelvic surgeries, chronic illness, sexual trauma, and psychological factors can all contribute to FSIAD. Symptoms can also be related to hormonal changes linked with childbirth or menopause. It’s common for care providers to conduct pelvic examinations to look for signs of infection or nerve damage that could be causing FSIAD symptoms. Blood work may also be ordered.

RELATED: Sex After Menopause| What Should You Know?

Treatment

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for FSIAD because underlying causes can be anatomical, hormonal, medical, or psychological. In many cases, a combination of treatments that address more than one factor can be successful. Some options for treating female sexual arousal disorder include medications, hormone therapy, non-invasive vaginal rejuvenation like G spot injection, or speaking with a therapist specializing in sexual health.

While FSIAD can feel like a sensitive topic for many women, its symptoms should never be ignored. Losing your sexual desire and pleasure isn’t something that any woman should decide to just “live with.” The reality is that sexual health is tied to overall health and wellness. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms shared above, this could be an indication that something is out of balance with your overall health or hormonal balance. In addition to helping to restore your sexual arousal, female sexual arousal disorder treatment options can also help to bring your body back in sync. Addressing an underlying issue may actually reduce your risk levels for other illnesses and disorders!

If you’d like to talk with a highly-rated doctor about female sexual arousal disorder, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with Dr. Michael Tahery. Dr. Tahery is a leading obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) and urogynecologist in the Los Angeles area. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.

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How Does Menopause Affect Your Sex Life?

Menopause is a natural part of life. It should be looked at as something to be managed with grace and confidence instead of something to be “cured.” However, there’s no denying that some menopause symptoms can cause pain and stress for many women. Understanding why these symptoms happen is an important part of feeling empowered in your menopause journey. Here’s a look at some of the ways that menopause can alter sexual health.

Low Libido

During menopause and perimenopause, estrogen and testosterone production dips significantly. For most women, this signals dramatic changes in sexual function. In addition to lowering desire, estrogen dips can make it difficult to become aroused when engaging sexually. In fact, more than 30% of perimenopausal or postmenopausal women report having sexual struggles that range from lack of sexual desire to orgasm difficulties.

Vaginal Dryness

In addition to reducing overall sexual desire for many women, the estrogen and testosterone dip that occurs during menopause, and decreased sexual activity can also cause vaginal dryness. Sometimes referred to as vaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis, vaginal dryness caused by reduced estrogen levels actually results in shrinkage of the vaginal wall. As this happens, the vaginal lining can become smooth and dry. Dryness is often accompanied by sensations of burning, itching, and tightening that can cause extreme discomfort. Of course, any vaginal itching or discomfort shouldn’t be dismissed as normal menopausal symptoms even if you are of menopausal age. Be sure to book an appointment with a gynecologist to rule out infections or other conditions that could be causing pain or discomfort.

Pain or Discomfort During Intercourse

Dyspareunia is the term for painful vaginal sex. According to research, up to 30% of postmenopausal who are not being treated hormonally experience this condition. Dyspareunia is actually divided into three different categories based on the type of pain that is experienced. These categories are superficial pain upon penetration, deep pain, or a combination of both. Dyspareunia can produce a sharp, burning pain that either persists or fades as intercourse goes on.

Like other symptoms that can make enjoying sex after menopause challenging, pain and discomfort during intercourse are largely caused by reduced estrogen and testosterone levels. In addition to leaving vaginal tissue more fragile, reduced estrogen can also cause urinary and bladder issues that make sex feel uncomfortable.

Not all painful sex after menopause is strictly hormone-related. Some women experience pain caused by childbirth, pelvic trauma, pelvic surgery, and other underlying conditions. Even stress, fear of intimacy, or insecurity about a changing postmenopausal body can make enjoying sex feel like a challenge. Some common medications prescribed for depression and high blood pressure are linked with excessive vaginal dryness.

Reduced Elasticity

Another common cause of painful or uncomfortable sex after menopause is reduced elasticity. Reduced estrogen levels can cause vaginal tissue to lose its elasticity. In addition to being tender, vaginal tissue can be more vulnerable to tearing and bleeding.

RELATED: What is Labial Hypertrophy?

Improving Your Sex Life After Menopause

Countless women have gone from believing that sex could never be pleasurable again to enjoying sex after menopause. The key to restoring sexual health is getting a proper diagnosis that gets to the root of why you are experiencing pain, lack of desire, or other common symptoms that show up in women after ages 40, 50, and beyond. Here’s a look at common treatments for menopausal sexual health.

Hormone Therapy

With reduced estrogen being at the core of so many negative symptoms that affect sex after menopause, hormone therapy is generally the most common treatment. However, hormone therapy is never a one-size-fits-all solution. Natural hormone therapies that are tailored to the needs of an individual patient can include levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone that can often restore sexual function. These therapies can also be important for improving heart and bone health. Vaginal estrogen and lubricants can also help increase blood flow to promote natural lubrication and responsiveness.

Non-Hormonal Therapy

Radiofrequency and laser technology has also been helpful in alleviating dryness, increasing lubrication, improved blood flow to the vagina and clitoral area, as well as increasing the collagen deposit in the genitalia. These methods of treatment are safe and can be applied in conjunction with other modalities or by themselves and have been shown to be very safe and effective. 

Vaginal Rejuvenation

Vaginal rejuvenation is increasingly becoming popular among women who want to restore the function and appearance of the internal and external genitalia. Rejuvenation actually refers to a collection of treatments that can either be performed independently or together as part of a plan to repair and restore damaged or atrophied tissue. Options include:

•  Laser and radiofrequency vaginal rejuvenation
•  Surgical rejuvenation
•  Perineoplasty
•  Vaginal tightening
• Labiaplasty and clitoral hood reduction
• Labial Puff
• G Spot Injection

In addition to restoring cosmetic appearance, vaginal rejuvenation can correct a weakened pelvic floor to improve overall health and quality of life. It can also help to enhance sexual pleasure. In many cases, rejuvenation treatments allow women to correct ongoing muscle, tissue, and nerve injuries that they have lived with for years following childbirth.

Would you like to learn more about treatments that are available to help you enjoy sex after menopause? Our offices in Glendale and Los Angeles provide an array of minimally surgical treatments, nonsurgical treatments, hormonal treatments, and exercise-based therapies to help our patients with rejuvenation, restoration, and restored pleasure. Dr. Michael Tahery has been helping women manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms for more than 20 years. Contact our office today to book an appointment.

The post Sex After Menopause | What Should You Know? appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

The vaginal canal can be of different shapes and sizes. In fact, it can change throughout the day. But when the vagina is shallower than normal, you can experience pain during intercourse, menstruation, and more. But what is a shallow vagina, and how do you know if you have one?

What is a Shallow Vagina?

The average length of the vaginal canal is usually between three and six inches. That’s roughly the length of your hand. Every woman can have different shapes and sizes, and your vagina will undergo many changes from puberty to menopause. But even still, it stays within that normal range.

If you have a vagina that’s less than three inches, it’s considered shallow. That means that it doesn’t have the depth to accommodate much penetration.

Do I Have a Shallow Vagina?

Women asking themselves, “Do I have a shallow vagina?” must consider their experiences and sensations to determine the answer. There are a few telltale signs that your vagina might be shallower than normal.

The most obvious symptom is pain during intercourse. Because there’s not enough depth, you may feel:

• Resistance upon insertion
• Throbbing pain during intercourse
• Burning sensations in the groin area
• Increased and persistent discomfort
• Deep pain with movement

Similar symptoms may arise when inserting tampons. Some women also experience major issues without an element of penetration. For example, a shallow vagina can prevent normal menstruation or make natural vaginal childbirth impossible.

RELATED: What Are The Vaginal Atrophy Treatment Options?

Causes of a Shallow Vagina

There are many potential causes of a shallow vagina, and the exact reason for this issue could be difficult to pinpoint. In many cases, it’s something women are born with. It’s a matter of genetics. Conditions like a tilted vagina can also be to blame.

However, it can also be a byproduct of injury or underlying medical conditions.

Women who have tearing from prior surgery or childbirth may develop scar tissue that affects the vaginal canal. Hormones can be the culprit, too. Changing hormones due to pregnancy or menopause can cause the vaginal tissue to shrink as it becomes become dryer and thinner, making it feel as if the vagina is shallower than it used to be.

Various medical conditions can be among the causes of a shallow vagina. Infections and radiation therapy can cause vaginal stenosis, which causes tough scar tissue to form. Fibroids, the non-cancerous tumors that affect an estimated 80 percent of women, can cause issues by bulging into the wall of the vaginal canal. Women can also develop involuntary tensions, a problem referred to as Vaginismus.

Shallow Vagina Treatment

It’s important to seek guidance from a gynecologist whenever you encounter pain or accompanying symptoms of a shallow vagina. Regardless of the cause, there are treatment options available. What’s right for you will depend on the root cause of the issue, but here are a few common methods for treating a shallow vagina.

Vaginal Rejuvenation

Vaginal rejuvenation is one of the best shallow vagina treatment options available. It’s versatile, and a seasoned vaginal surgeon like Dr. Michael Tahery can take different approaches to address your unique issues. Depending on the cause of your shallow vagina, your doctor can perform procedures to counteract dryness, repair or remove tissue, and more.

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Pelvic floor exercises, or Kegels, are effective shallow vagina treatments. The vaginal canal is a tube-shaped muscle. Like any other muscle, exercises can keep it healthy. For those with shallow vaginas, an ongoing routine may elongate the vagina while strengthening pelvic floor muscles.

Hormone Therapy

This therapy can address causes of a shallow vagina that revolve around hormonal issues. It’s a great option for those dealing with discomfort and vaginal dryness as they go through perimenopause or menopause. Hormone therapy can increase vaginal moisture, reversing the shrinkage that makes the vagina feel shallower than it used to be.

Are you dealing with pain and asking, “Do I have a shallow vagina?” If so, don’t hesitate to reach out to the office of Dr. Michael Tahery. Individualized treatment that caters to your needs is key, and Dr. Tahery has the experience to find the shallow vagina treatment that’s right for you. A board-certified OB/GYN with over 20 years of helping women in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, Dr. Tahery has the knowledge and expertise to help you. To learn more and discuss your concerns, contact our offices today to schedule your appointment.

The post Shallow Vagina Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

Unfortunately, some experience infections more often than others. About a quarter of women suffer from recurrent UTIs, turning an occasional bout of pain and discomfort into repeated frustration and concern.

Because of their prevalence, these infections are a common source of concern in women’s health circles. Misdiagnosis and mistreatment happen relatively frequently. As a result, women can’t address the underlying issues or take steps to prevent recurrent infections.

Recurrent urinary tract infections require careful management. Poorly managed, a UTI will continue to affect your quality of life and health.

What are the Symptoms of Recurrent UTIs?

A UTI is a bacterial infection in the urethra or bladder. Typically, they occur when bacteria enter the urethra and travel up the bladder. The bacteria can come from many sources, but bacteria from the anal area are the most common culprit.

The symptoms of recurrent infections are the same as a standard UTI. These include:

• Burning pain during urination
• A constant urge to urinate
• Decreased urine output
• Cloudly or colored urine
• Strong and unpleasant urine odor
• Pain and pressure in the pelvic area

In addition to a painful burning sensation, women often first notice signs of an infection by observing the cloudy appearance of the urine. In many cases, a UTI may cause red, pink, or brown discoloration.

So how often is too often? Generally, women who experience two or more UTIs in six months, or those who have three more infections during a year, are considered to have recurrent UTIs.

Proper UTI treatment can help reduce the effects of the infection. However, symptoms can persist for up to two weeks. In complex cases, the infection can spread to one or both kidneys.

With this UTI being so common, many believe that it’s a minor condition. However, a spreading infection presents a genuine risk for permanent kidney damage, reduced function, and overall failure.

RELATED: Is Your Pelvic Pain Caused by Your Bladder?

Diagnosis of Recurrent UTI’s

The biggest obstacle with urinary tract infections is diagnosis. When symptoms develop, the condition can progress quite rapidly. As a result, most women turn to primary care providers, urgent care facilities, or even the emergency room for evaluation.

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for medical professionals to misdiagnose UTIs based solely on symptoms. As a result, women are sent home with antibiotics and simple care instructions or given antibiotics over the phone without a proper evaluation.

However, there’s a lot of overlap between UTIs and other common conditions, such as vaginal infections, sexually transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory changes, or irritable bladder. The improper evaluation, lack of appropriate testing, and understanding the many conditions that could result in symptoms similar to a UTI results in frequent misdiagnosis and poor treatment outcomes.

One study published by the American Society of Microbiology found that less than half of women diagnosed with a UTI had one. To make matters worse, physicians missed about 37 cases of sexually transmitted infections. Most of those women got the wrong diagnosis of a UTI.

The most reliable symptoms of a UTI are burning during urination and blood in the urine. Other common symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, vaginal itching, and abnormal odor are less dependable. 

The best test to truly diagnose a UTI is to analyze a urinary sample. A urinary tract infection specialist will examine the urine under a microscope to look for bacteria or white blood cells. The presence of white blood cells indicates that the body is attempting to fight off an infection. Specialists may also take a urine culture to identify bacteria and yeast that could cause an infection.

It’s also critical to discuss these infections openly with a healthcare provider. Unless you’re vocal about recurrent UTIs, diagnosing physicians have no way of knowing that these infections are a regular thing. For this reason, many assume that it’s a single episode.

To investigate recurrent issues, consulting a urogynecologist, who specializes in diagnosing and treatment of urinary issues in women is needed.  A urogynecologist may adopt more detailed and sophisticated methods of examination. For example, they might take a closer look at the urethra, bladder, and surrounding organs using an ultrasound machine or cystoscopy techniques.

RELATED: Treating Vaginal Infections

Management and Treatment of Recurrent UTI’s

Proper UTI treatment is about more than just taking antibiotics. One of the biggest complaints about misdiagnosing cases is the reliance on repeated antibiotic therapy. Not only can antibiotics have unwanted side effects, but they can also lead to the bacteria developing resistance.

Even though when properly used antibiotics can be useful, overuse of antibiotics also damages the healthy bacterial environment in the vagina, intestines, and bladder which results in recurrent vaginal infections, poor digestions, and abnormal intestinal bacterial growth, as well as recurrent UTI’s. In my practice, I use antibiotics infrequently and strategically when absolutely necessary. In most cases, I use natural treatment options to help our bodies restore the normal environment and eliminate conditions that lead to recurrent infection. 

Ultimately, recurrent UTI treatment is about adopting healthier preventative habits and addressing any underlying health issues. All women are different, but standard management techniques include encouraging frequent urination and more water intake. Specialists can also recommend taking supplements, probiotics, or vaginal estrogen for postmenopausal women.

Dealing with recurrent UTIs is not easy. But, you can manage the condition with a little help. It all starts with proper diagnosis and management.

If you experience UTIs regularly, contact the offices of Dr. Michael Tahery today. Dr. Tahery is a urogynecologist with experience in both women’s health and urology. His expertise in the field can help women in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas find relief. Give our office a call to book a consultation and learn more about possible treatment options.

The post Management Of Recurrent UTIs In Women appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

One treatment that’s growing in popularity is the G spot injection. Aimed at increasing sensitivity during sex, the procedure targets the Grafenberg spot, which many call the G spot.

What is the G Spot Injection?

The G spot is a sensitive area of the anterior vaginal wall. Typically located about an inch or two inside the vaginal opening, this spot is an erogenous zone for many women. Women can have varying experiences with the G Spot. But for most, stimulating it results in sexual arousal. Stimulation often results in engorgement and the trigger of fluids from the Skene’s glands.

The G Spot is said to have many nerve endings, making it the epicenter of orgasm and sexual pleasure.

Unfortunately, this elusive pleasure zone can lose sensitivity. Post-partum hormonal changes reduce sexual response. The same goes for women going through menopause or premenopause. During these stages, estrogen production decreases. This may result in waning libido and sensitivity. Pair that with vaginal dryness and other common symptoms, and many women have difficulty obtaining good sexual health.

RELATED: Vaginal Rejuvenation As A Mommy Makeover

The G spot injection is said to solve those issues.

The procedure involves injecting hyaluronic acid or collagen fillers into the G Spot. The fillers may help to magnify sensitivity fourfold. The goal of the injection is to enlarge the G spot to about the size of a quarter. It also thickens it to the width of a pencil eraser. Not only can this help increase overall sensitivity, but the injection also forces the G spot to project lower into the vagina for more comfortable stimulation.

How Long Does It Last?

In most cases, the G spot injection lasts for four to six months. During that time, most women experience greater sensitivity and more intense orgasms.

The procedure is relatively simple and usually takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. It involves lying on a table with stirrups like those used during a Pap smear. After a brief examination, the doctor will locate the G spot with assistance from the patient.

Then, the doctor will administer a numbing agent like lidocaine before injecting the filler.

Hyaluronic is the most commonly used filler. It’s naturally occurring throughout the body and is most prevalent in the skin, eyes, and joints. Synthetic hyaluronic acid-a is a popular choice for the G spot injection. Though hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Restylane, Perlane, and Juvederm are suitable as well.

RELATED: G Spot Injection In Los Angeles

These injections naturally dissolve over several months. The exact dissolving rate varies from woman to woman. But, most can expect four to six months of positive effects before needing another injection.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of the injection can vary based on many factors. Prices can fluctuate based on the filler utilized and how much product is required to achieve the desired result.

On the lower end, G spot injections can cost in the neighborhood of $1,000 per injection. However, most injections will cost about $2,000 at a reputable practice.

RELATED: Labiaplasty Cost in Los Angeles

If you’re interested in improving your sexual health, book an appointment with Dr. Tahery. Dr. Tahery is a board-certified Urogynecologist offering the G Spot injection to women in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. To learn more and discuss your options, schedule an appointment at our Los Angeles or Glendale office.

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