Treatment and Reassurance for Problems Affecting Your Sex Life

Almost half of all women experience some type of problem with sexual function during their lifetime. If you have issues with sexual arousal, vaginal dryness or achieving orgasm, the specialists at the Center for Sexual and Reproductive Health can help. We offer evaluation and treatment to help you regain sexual health and have a satisfying sex life.

Common issues with sexual function include:

  • Low libido (lack of desire)—low sexual desire may be due to other medical conditions, medications, relationship issues, stress or other life events.
  • Low sexual arousal—sex may be difficult or painful if you are unable to attain or maintain a physical response to intimacy and sex.
  • Problems with orgasm (female orgasmic disorder)—including delayed orgasm or not being able to achieve orgasm.
  • Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) and pain from vaginismus, or spasms of the muscles of the vagina that prevent intercourse.
  • Sexual aversion disorder—a strong desire to avoid sexual activity, often linked to traumatic experiences.

Specialized Expertise for Conditions Affecting Sexual Health

The team at Lahey’s Center for Sexual and Reproductive Health works closely with experts in other fields to offer you complete care. We collaborate with gynecologists with advanced training and certification in treating menopause symptoms.

If you have fertility issues, we work in conjunction with board-certified reproductive endocrinologists to provide you with the latest services in fertility care.

We provide treatment and coordinate care for conditions including:

  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia—a genetic condition in which the body’s adrenal glands do not make correct amounts of certain hormones. It can affect both men and women and can cause infertility.
  • Female infertility—the inability to become pregnant.
  • Menstrual disorders—may include physical and emotional changes just before or during your period, painful periods, abnormal bleeding and more.
  • Menopause—the end of your menstrual cycles, and may cause symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings.
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—caused by an imbalance of certain hormones. Symptoms include irregular periods, extra body hair on the face or chest, acne and skin changes, as well as fertility issues.
  • Premature ovarian failure—also called primary ovarian insufficiency, this is a condition in which the ovaries stop functioning before age 40, causing infertility and other complications.
  • Turner syndrome—a genetic condition that causes developmental problems such as delayed puberty, infertility and other metabolic disorders.