Birth Control Pills and Vulvodynia

A recent study published in The British Medical Journal found that low-dose estrogen plus levonorgestrel birth control pills seem to be the safest in terms of cardiovascular risk.  It is important to note that all hormonal birth control pills have the potential to cause vulvodynia. The tissue in the vulvar vestibule has androgen receptors so …

Continue Reading

Being unavailable: The burden of vaginismus.

Like other types of sexual dysfunction, vaginismus can be like an ugly octopus that has multiple legs extending into various areas of a woman’s life. The effects can be pervasive and show up in her confidence, in her relationships, in her body image, in her sexuality, and her overall sense of well-being. Many patients have …

Continue Reading

The game isn’t over.

“Yikes, have you seen your vagina lately?” “You have the vagina of a ninety-year old woman.” “Can’t have intercourse? You’d make a great nun!” The above phrases were shared with me by patients and attributed to professionals they had consulted regarding their sexual dysfunction. Needless to say, the endeavors were not only futile in solving …

Continue Reading

A quick guide to IUDs.

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small contraceptive T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus for an extended period of time. IUDs either contain copper or the hormone levonorgestrel and are the most effective form of reversible birth control. There is one type of copper IUD called ParaGard. ParaGard can remain in the uterus …

Continue Reading