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Questions
to Ask about Sexual Health
As many
women learn, sex may take on a different hue as you age. It
may become less frequent, less physically satisfying, less
important in your life. And that may be just fine. Or not.
What's most important is that you understand that there is
no set sexual script you must follow. However, if your lack
of desire is bothering you, it's time to do something about
it.
The first
step is talking to your health care professional. Lack of
desire could be related to numerous medical conditions from
diabetes to depression. It could be affected by medications
you're taking, underlying physical problems like vaginal dryness,
even insomnia - all of which your health care professional
can address. Hormonal changes during and after the menopausal
transition can also affect sexual desire and satisfaction.
You may
find talking about your sex life with your health care professional
is easier said than done. To make the discussion easier, schedule
a separate appointment with your health care professional
just to talk about your sexual health. When you book the appointment,
ask the scheduling person if this is a topic your health care
professional feels comfortable discussing (some don't), or
if someone else in the office handles these issues.
Discuss
sexual health with your health care professional. Here are
some suggested questions to start the discussion:
| 1.
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I
just don't feel like having sex anymore. Is there something
wrong with me? |
| 2. |
Could
menopause be the reason for my lack of libido? How do
changing hormone levels affect sexual desire? |
| 3. |
I'm
having pain during intercourse, which is one major reason
I don't feel like having sex. What can be done about that? |
| 4. |
Do
you think any medications I'm taking might be affecting
my sexual desire? If so, what can be done to minimize
any sexual side effects? |
| 5. |
Are
there any medical problems that could be contributing
to my sexual problem? Will treating the problem resolve
my sexual issues? |
| 6. |
I'm
just not happy with the changes in my body and I think
that's contributing to my lack of desire. What can I do
about it? |
| 7. |
Are
there any medical treatments, like hormones, available
for my sexual problems? |
| 8. |
Could
counseling help my sexual problem? Can you recommend a
therapist? |
| 9. |
My
partner doesn't think there's a problem, but I do. What
do you suggest? |
| 10. |
My
partner is the one who thinks there's a problem, but I
don't. I'm perfectly content with our sex life. What do
you suggest? |
| 11. |
My
sex life just hasn't been the same since my hysterectomy.
Why is that and what can we do about it? |
| 12. |
I've
been feeling very depressed lately. Do you think that
could be affecting my libido? Is there anything I can
do about it?
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Write
your questions to ask here:
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