#259 – Women’s sexual health: Why it matters, what can go wrong, and how to fix it | Sharon Parish, M.D. | The Peter Attia Drive

Intro

In episode #259 of “The Peter Attia Drive” podcast, Dr. Peter Attia interviews Dr. Sharon Parish, a sexual medicine specialist and professor of medicine in clinical psychiatry and clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. The episode focuses on women’s sexual health, covering female physiology and anatomy, potential problems, and available treatments. Dr. Parish provides valuable insights into the complexities of women’s sexual health and highlights the importance of addressing these issues for overall well-being.

Main Takeaways

Understanding Women’s Sexual Health

• Women’s sexual health is crucial for overall well-being and can be influenced by factors such as childbirth and metabolic health.
• Various classes of drugs are available for women to address desire and arousal issues, and the impact of birth control on sexual health is discussed.
• Hormones and the nervous system play significant roles in women’s sexual health.

Menopause and Post-Childbirth Changes

• Menopause is a significant transition that can affect sexual health, particularly during the perimenopausal and postmenopausal years.
• Anatomy changes after childbirth may impact sexual function, and vaginal delivery is generally better for women than C-section.
• Breastfeeding can cause vaginal dryness, irritation, and changes in sex drive.

Link Between Sexual Dysfunction and Health Conditions

• Sexual dysfunction in women is associated with various health conditions, including cardiac disease, diabetes, and cancer.
• Research on the impact of these conditions on women’s sexual function is limited, highlighting the need for more studies in this area.
• Psychological factors, such as depression and anxiety, also contribute to women’s sexual function.

Treatment Options and Approaches

• Different treatments target specific aspects of sexual dysfunction in women, and clinicians need to consider biological, psychological, and relational factors when assessing and treating these issues.
• Testosterone replacement therapy can be effective for women experiencing low desire and other sexual function issues, although the medical system lacks scientific rigor in evaluating its use.
• There are FDA-approved and off-label options for hormone therapy, and it’s essential to monitor hormone levels and follow safe dosing practices.

Communication and Seeking Treatment

• Open communication with healthcare providers is crucial for addressing sexual health concerns, and patients can seek specialists in sexual medicine or sex therapy.
• There is a need for validation and normalization of seeking treatment for low desire, as societal attitudes can hinder women from prioritizing their sexual well-being.
• Various societies and websites exist to help individuals find qualified specialists in sexual health, menopausal health, pelvic floor physical therapy, and sex therapy.

Summary

Understanding Women’s Sexual Health

Dr. Sharon Parish discusses the importance of women’s sexual health and how it can be influenced by factors such as childbirth and metabolic health. She explores the different classes of drugs available for women to address desire and arousal issues and highlights the impact of birth control on sexual health. Hormones and the nervous system play significant roles in women’s sexual health, and understanding these complexities is essential for effective treatment.

Menopause and Post-Childbirth Changes

Dr. Parish emphasizes the significance of menopause as a transition that can affect sexual health, particularly during the perimenopausal and postmenopausal years. She discusses the anatomy changes that occur after childbirth and emphasizes the benefits of vaginal delivery over C-section. Additionally, she addresses the impact of breastfeeding on vaginal dryness, irritation, and changes in sex drive.

Link Between Sexual Dysfunction and Health Conditions

Dr. Parish highlights the association between sexual dysfunction in women and various health conditions, including cardiac disease, diabetes, and cancer. However, research on the impact of these conditions on women’s sexual function is limited, indicating the need for further studies in this area. Psychological factors, such as depression and anxiety, also play a role in women’s sexual function.

Treatment Options and Approaches

Dr. Parish discusses the importance of considering biological, psychological, and relational factors when assessing and treating sexual dysfunction in women. She explores the effectiveness of testosterone replacement therapy for women experiencing low desire and other sexual function issues, highlighting the double standard and lack of scientific rigor in evaluating its use. Monitoring hormone levels and following safe dosing practices are crucial for optimal outcomes.

Communication and Seeking Treatment

Dr. Parish emphasizes the need for open communication with healthcare providers regarding sexual health concerns. She encourages patients to seek specialists in sexual medicine or sex therapy for comprehensive assessment and treatment. Validation and normalization of seeking treatment for low desire are essential, as societal attitudes can hinder women from prioritizing their sexual well-being. Various societies and websites exist to help individuals find qualified specialists in sexual health and related fields.

Conclusion

Dr. Sharon Parish’s insights into women’s sexual health shed light on the complexities and importance of addressing these issues. From understanding the physiological factors to exploring treatment options, this podcast episode provides valuable information for both healthcare providers and individuals seeking guidance in this area. By prioritizing sexual health and seeking appropriate care, women can enhance their overall well-being and quality of life.