Women’s sexuality and fertility

by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP

As women, society can often make us feel like we’re on a timeline. Not only are we expected to bear children by a certain age, we are also expected to cease being sexy as we get older. But I’m happy to say that more and more women are throwing this timeline to the wind and charting their own paths! Many women are enjoying motherhood later in life in order to pursue their dreams. And those beyond menopause are reclaiming their sexual selves to take pleasure in vibrant, active sex lives. Though the focus of a woman’s sexual life will change over time, nature has given both men and women the ability to enjoy sexual pleasure for the duration of our lives!

And the truth is, sexuality and sensuality can change for a woman throughout her life. At some points feeling sexy comes easily, while other times being in touch with our sexual selves is the last thing on the to-do list. It may be a loss of libido, pain with intercourse, fear of pregnancy or STD’s, or stress regarding infertility. Anyway you look at it, women’s sexual needs and desires fluctuate naturally with time. And I’ve seen that an honest discussion about these matters can dramatically change a woman’s quality of life and help prevent unwanted health problems.

I have also seen many women overcome issues related to sexuality and fertility. Fertility, in the conventional sense, may not be an option for some women or it may not happen when they thought it would. But there are many avenues to explore within and outside your own body when it comes to fertility — and we’ve helped lots of women get to their final destinations, whether that means becoming a mother or not. Then there are women who reach the end of their fertility with great relief. They welcome the cessation of menstrual periods and the hassle of birth control, but aren’t sure what their sex lives will look or feel like in this new terrain.

The bottom line is that when it comes to our sexual selves, women are faced with overwhelming expectations. It’s natural to ask questions. I encourage you to do so, and to become as informed as possible. From questions about masturbation and low libido to the mind-body connection in fertility, we’ve been listening and providing advice on women’s sexual health and fertility for many years.

So here is a comfortable place for you to explore this sensitive subject and find answers to some of the questions you may have been afraid to ask.

Our most popular resources on sexuality and fertility

To access an article, just choose from the list of excerpts below. To find more articles, use the search function below. Don’t see a topic that’s important to you? Let us know.

• Low sex drive in women — causes and solutions
  The changes women experience in libido during perimenopause and menopause can make it feel like things will never return to normal. Read about the physiology behind these changes and learn how you can feel like yourself again.
• Safe sex in midlife
  Sexual wellness at midlife involves more than simply finding the right partner. This article explores the emotional and physical aspects of safe sex for middle aged women and provides practical advice on the most important part of healthy sex: communication.
• Infertility: an alternative perspective
  Most women understand that the ability to reproduce is intimately tied to our self worth and beliefs about sexuality. This is why so many women have difficulty discussing it — and why so many practitioners fall short when it comes to treating infertility. Here’s alternative approach to cultivating fertility and overall wellness.
• The health benefits of sex
  It’s true: something that feels good is good for you! Learn about how sex can lower blood pressure, decrease stress, help with insomnia, and more.
• How the mind/body connection affects fertility
  Childhood experiences and family history play significant roles in our health, especially when it comes to conception. Read about the strong connection between the mind and the body as it relates to fertility.
• Endometriosis — start with a natural approach.
  The complex nature of endometriosis can make it a difficult condition to understand, diagnose, and treat. The key seems to be hormonal balance and the estrogenic environment in which it develops. Here are the first measures we recommend to our patients for prevention and our natural approach to relief.
• Predicting ovulation
  Whether you are approaching menopause, trying to conceive, or simply want to be more in touch with your body, there are many good reasons to learn how to predict ovulation. Learn more about your body’s physical and hormonal changes during ovulation and how you can use this information to take more control over your own health.
• Women to Women’s Ovulation Chart
  Use our printable chart to keep track of your monthly cycles.
• Premature ovarian failure — you haven’t failed
  Conventional medicine doesn’t offer much help for women diagnosed with premature ovarian failure. Yet there are many health concerns POF patients need to address. Learn more about what’s happening to your body through POF and how you can find hope and power in caring for your body.
• Choosing birth control — options for women
  The one-size-fits-all approach has never worked well for women, especially when it comes to birth control. Here’s a three-part approach to choosing the right birth control for your unique needs.
• Birth control method comparison chart
  Confused about the pros and cons of different birth control options? Here’s an easy to read chart to help you distinguish between them.
• Answers to common questions about birth control
  Making a decision about birth control can be overwhelming for many women. Read the most common questions we are asked about birth control and our answers, so you can make an informed decision.
• Health benefits of self-cultivation
  The orgasm remains a topic women young and old have questions about. Learn more about the anatomy of the clitoris and how finding your own pleasure through masturbation can benefit your health, while strengthening your libido.
• STD signs, symptoms and testing
  Sexually transmitted diseases are a very real fact of life — no matter what age you are. The key to prevention is knowledge. Learn about signs, symptoms and testing of the most common STD’s.
• What to know about Pap tests and pelvic exams
  Learn how to advocate for your own reproductive health by gaining a basic understanding of what happens during a Pap test and pelvic exam.
• Further intervention: colposcopy, ECC, endometrial biopsy, and genital warts
  Here’s an overview of some procedures commonly preformed after an abnormal Pap smear and information about your options for genital wart removal.
• Gardasil gets guarded reviews
  This new vaccine is advertised to protect women against certain strains of the human papillomavirus. Though some call it a major health advancement, there are good reasons to remain skeptical.
• Women to Women’s press release on HPV vaccine
  Among all the HPV vaccine hype, Women to Women warns that the clever marketing of Gardasil has left some important details out.

Last Modified: 03/12/2010