Whether due to embarrassment, social stigma or anxiety, there are a multitude of reasons why women may feel reluctant to discuss matters related to their sexual health. That’s why it’s so refreshing to hear open and honest conversations about the topic, like during the women’s wellness panel at this year’s Soiree Women’s Leadership Symposium.
But there’s only so much time (and courage) to ask our most sensitive questions. So, we looked to Toronsa Simpson, an advanced practice registered nurse at CARTI Urology, to tackle the FAQs we may be too shy to ask in front of a crowd.
I often feel like I have a painful urinary tract infection (UTI) after sex, which can make me dread having intercourse. Is sex the cause? How can I prevent this?
TS: While it’s true that sexual intercourse can cause UTIs, that doesn’t mean you must suffer in silence or feel forced to abstain. If your UTIs are or become frequent, notify your health care provider, who may recommend urinating post-sex, using a topical estrogen cream or taking preventive antibiotics to reduce the recurrence of UTIs and associated symptoms.
I’m not as interested in sex because it’s become too painful. Why does intercourse hurt even when I desire it?
TS: A lack of lubrication, pelvic floor dysfunction, vaginal atrophy (i.e., thinning, drying and inflammation) or infections can cause painful sex, more formally known as dyspareunia. If you’re experiencing this common condition, contact a urologist, who can collaborate with your gynecologist as needed to determine and treat the potential causes. The solution to painful sex could be as simple as adequate lubrication or a low-dose hormone supplement.
I feel like I am leaking urine when I have sex. Is this possible?
TS: This can sometimes occur with urinary stress incontinence. To reduce your anxiety and increase your pleasure, a urologist may recommend treatments like pelvic floor physical therapy or prescription medications. They may also suggest Bulkamid, a minimally invasive procedure that consists of three or four injections of a water-based gel to cushion the urethra (aka urethral bulking), which can prevent leakage during penetration and orgasms.
I struggle with having an orgasm, and when I do have one, it’s extremely weak. Is there anything I can do to address this?
TS: Pelvic floor dysfunction and hormonal shifts play vital roles in the frequency and duration of orgasms. If you are experiencing recurrent bladder pain, it can leave you unable to focus on the pleasure of sex. In this case, a urologist may recommend bladder Botox, which can decrease your physical discomfort as well as urinary urgency and frequency, so you can relax and enjoy intimacy to achieve orgasm.
I often feel as though I have a UTI after sex, including burning with urination, but there’s no infection. What’s the issue?
TS: You may be experiencing interstitial cystitis. This condition is frequently mistaken for UTIs and can flare up after sex, when eating certain foods or with heightened stress. A urologist can help you manage or eliminate the symptoms with dietary modifications, pelvic floor physical therapy and over-the-counter or prescription medications.
What can I do if I’ve lost interest in sex?
TS: Low libido can stem from hormonal changes in women, just as with men. Pair this with urologic conditions like urgency and incontinence, and the prospect of sex can elicit stress. A health care provider can help address both, starting with urinary urgency or incontinence, followed by the hormonal imbalance, to help you feel more confident and excited about being intimate.
When it comes to sexual health, the questions can feel never-ending, especially when they intersect with common urologic conditions, such as UTIs and bladder leakage. If you need guidance or help navigating these issues, learn more at carti.com.
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