Nervous to Talk About Sex with Your Doctor? Here’s How to Bring It Up.

Transcript:

Jamie Forward:

So, having the conversation with your doctor, so talking about pelvic health and sexual health can feel uncomfortable for some people to talk about, most people. But they impact quality of life so much. So, how can someone get past the discomfort? What are some keys to kick off this conversation? Do you have any advice there?

Jessica Bell:

That is such a good question, and I think one of the reasons why people are really nervous to bring up the conversation or ask is that they might not think that their doctor has the answers, you know? Or their clinician has the answers, or they might know that they don’t, you know? So, I would say first of all, if possible, finding somebody that you know will be able to have a dynamic conversation with you is really helpful.

So, a person can find that through, ISSWSH has a “find a provider” website. Also, AASECT is a group as well to find people that are knowledgeable on sexual health concerns. Honestly, our pelvic floor physical therapists are brilliant and trained in this area as well.

Sometimes, those conversations are brought up with the pelvic floor PTs first, which I think is wonderful, but I would say just starting by bringing it up yourself, saying, “Hey, I am experiencing pain and discomfort, and I need your help with this,” you know? Just really speaking truth to what you’re seeking in that conversation is really important. And that way, we as clinicians hear that this is something that is important to you and that you have an expectation for us to treat this, to meet your goal, you know?

Hey, this is painful, uncomfortable, this is distressing to me, and I need your help in evaluating and giving me the treatment that I need.

Jamie Forward:

Sure, and it sounds like maybe, if they’re even not being heard, it seems like even maybe asking for a referral to a pelvic health, physical –

Jessica Bell:

Absolutely, yeah. Because sometimes, a clinician might say, “Well, gosh. I really don’t know how to help you.” And honestly, I’m happy for them to do that and don’t give people bad advice. Goodness gracious, there’s still advice going out about maybe having a drink or something like that, which is not the way that we should be speaking to people about these concerns. So, absolutely, ask for a referral, ask if they have any recommendations, ask to see a pelvic floor physical therapist.

If you are finding yourself maybe in a space where there are no specialists in your area, which can definitely be the case, there at this point is usually a pelvic floor PT, I feel like, almost in every community. So, you could ask to see a pelvic floor physical therapist, and they are going to be trained in the musculoskeletal system.

They’re also getting trained in tissue issues, and they will know somebody that’s knowledgeable to maybe have a more dynamic, in-depth conversation, particularly if that person needs a prescription, like with vaginal estrogen cream, because pelvic floor PTs, at this point, can’t prescribe that.

Jamie Forward:

Sure, yeah, I saw a pelvic health or a pelvic floor physical therapist years ago, and I was – first of all, I didn’t even know it was a profession at that point.

Jessica Bell:

Yeah.

Jamie Forward:

But it was incredibly helpful, and the clinician was so knowledgeable. I highly recommend asking for that.

Jessica Bell:

Yes.