Sexual Problems In Women: When To Call A Doctor

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When To Call a Doctor

A common sexual problem is pain during intercourse. Call a doctor for immediate care if sudden, severe pelvic pain occurs with or without vaginal bleeding.

Call a doctor if you experience pain or discomfort in your vagina. You may have a vaginal infection or a sexually transmitted disease.

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting is a wait-and-see approach. If you improve on your own, you won't need treatment. If you don't improve, you and your doctor will decide what to do next. During this time, you may be using home treatment, such as liberal lubrication to reduce fears of pain and exercises to stimulate sexual desire. Maintaining honest and frequent communications with your doctor will help you decide whether medical treatment is needed.

Who To See

Health professionals who can help you evaluate your symptoms, discuss treatment options, and treat a sexual problem include:

• Gynecologists.
• Therapists who specialize in healthy sexual behavior and an understanding of human sexuality (sex therapists).
• Psychologists.
• Family medicine physicians.
• Urologists.

You may want to start with your regular doctor, because a sexual problem may be related to a physical condition or a medicine. It is important to identify any physical causes before entering therapy for sexual concerns.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Last updated:	March 11, 2008
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Michele Cronen