Sexual Problems in Women

Surgery

One type of sexual problem in women is pain during intercourse. Pain often is caused by a physical reason, such as injury or anatomical problems. If examinations and tests confirm that a physical condition is causing pain during intercourse, treatment of that condition may get rid of the pain. In some cases, such as with the medical condition endometriosis, surgery may be recommended.

Surgery Choices

There is no surgical treatment for sexual problems unless pain is caused by endometriosis or another medical condition.

What To Think About

Certain surgical procedures may cause sexual problems. For example, it is common for a woman who has had her breast or breasts removed (mastectomy) or has had her uterus and ovaries removed (hysterectomy and oophorectomy) to report decreased sexual desire afterward. Sexual therapy may be recommended after surgery to assist you and your partner in developing methods to stimulate sexual arousal and achieve sexual satisfaction.


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Author: Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS Last Updated: March 11, 2008
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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