As Benjamin Franklin wrote in 1789, “nothing is certain except death and taxes”. For those of us who are female, we can add menopause to that pessimistic list. But who is thinking about menopause? We’re happily cruising along through our 40’s, enjoying careers, friends and family, planning an amazing celebration of 50. All the while, our bodies are preparing to seriously sabotage all those good vibes. We might have a vague idea of the sweaty days and nights that lie ahead, but few are focused on the sexual health-related symptoms to come. As a result, women of menopausal age are suddenly finding themselves feeling uninformed, unsatisfied, and not very happy about it.
Dr. Sophocles’, of Women’s Healthcare of Princeton specializes in women’s sexual health, has coined the phrase “bedroom gap” to describe the experience of many women she sees in her practice. Over 50% of women of menopausal age are suffering from sexual issues, such as painful intercourse and declining libido. While men have the choice of multiple Viagra-like medications, there is only one medication available to enhance a woman’s sexual experience, and few women are aware it exists. Women rightfully ask, how did we get here and why aren’t we prepared?
Growing into womanhood with cultural expectations about gender roles inside the bedroom and out, women and men alike have valued male sexual satisfaction above all else. Even medical professionals are ill-prepared, as many have little training to fully understand and, more importantly, address the effects of menopause on women’s sexual health and well-being in general.
Given the cultural atmosphere around sexual health during and after menopause, can women achieve the sexual health they still desire? At Women’s Healthcare of Princeton, you will meet with a medical professional well-versed in menopause and prepared to help you tackle this phase. Dr. Sophocles and her colleagues are certified menopause specialists. We have tools at our disposal, such as vaginal estrogen, the Mona Lisa Touch Laser™ and SSRIs which have all shown success in significantly improving menopause symptoms. These medications and therapies don’t offer a quick fix, but your healthcare partners at Women’s Healthcare of Princeton are committed to helping women make the best decisions for your health and well-being before, during and after menopause.
If you are a woman experiencing painful intercourse, declining libido or issues with your sexual health, there are new treatments and therapies available to you. Close the “Bedroom Gap”
with a progressive gynecology with a personal touch, Women’s Healthcare of Princeton, reach us at 609-430-1900.
