Summary
Women have long faced challenges related to sexual health, particularly as they age, often feeling uncomfortable discussing issues such as libido, arousal, and pain during intercourse. Dr. Lauren Stryker, a clinical professor at Northwestern University and an expert in sexual medicine, highlights that societal norms have historically discouraged open conversations about sex, especially for older women. This lack of dialogue can lead to misunderstandings about sexual health and a lack of access to appropriate care.
Dr. Stryker emphasizes the importance of education for both women and healthcare providers. Many medical professionals receive minimal training on sexual health, which can result in inadequate support for women experiencing sexual dysfunction. She notes that only a small percentage of women over 45 discuss sexual health with their doctors, often waiting for the physician to initiate the conversation. This gap can lead to women feeling isolated and unsure about their sexual health needs.
The conversation also touches on the physiological changes women experience during menopause, including decreased libido and vaginal dryness, which can significantly impact sexual satisfaction. Dr. Stryker advocates for the use of local vaginal estrogen and pelvic floor physical therapy to address these issues, stressing that these treatments can be effective even for women with a history of breast cancer. She encourages women to seek help and reassures them that solutions are available, urging them not to give up on their sexual health and well-being.
Show Notes
As I get closer to my 70th birthday, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it really means to age well. That’s what inspired “The Art of Aging,” where I’m talking with leading experts about the science of living healthier, longer. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Lauren Streicher, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and founding medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause, to talk about something almost nobody discusses about getting older: sex. We get into why desire can disappear, why sex can become painful after menopause, and the questions you sent us, from testosterone and pelvic floor therapy to the orgasm gap. Her big message: changes in your sex life aren’t just something you have to accept as you age. In partnership with Northwell’s Katz Institute for Women’s Health.
To Find a Certified Sex Therapist: American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT): https://www.aasect.org/
To Find a Menopause Doctor or Clinician (Many Menopause experts also have expertise in post menopause sexual medicine): The Menopause Society: https://portal.menopause.org/NAMS/NAMS/Directory/Menopause-Practitioner.aspx The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH): https://www.isswsh.org/
To Find a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist: American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Section on Women’s Health: https://www.aptapelvichealth.org/ptlocator Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists Trained by Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute: https://pelvicrehab.com/ Northwell Health's Pelvic Health Navigation Program: https://www.northwell.edu/katz-institute-for-womens-health/find-care/womens-pelvic-health Northwell Health's Pelvic floor rehabilitation: https://www.northwell.edu/rehabilitation-network/services/pelvic-floor-rehabilitation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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