Female Sexual Dysfunction Often Not Discussed With Physician, Reports HysterSisters

Main Category: Menopause
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs
Article Date: 18 Jan 2005 - 15:00 PDT


Hystersisters, a woman-to-woman hysterectomy recovery support website, reports findings from an extensive online survey conducted during the fourth quarter of 2004. With nearly 6,000 respondents, most of whom have had a hysterectomy, the research measures the extent to which menopausal women are educated about hormone therapy, seek treatment for their menopausal symptoms and experiment with treatment options.

Self-Perpetuating Cycle: No mention to doctors, no perceived need to medical community

"The prevailing finding from this research is No Mention-No Need-No Help," explains Kathy Kelley, owner of Hystersisters.com. While 83% of women who have suffered from at least one menopausal symptom discuss their symptoms with a physician, less than half of those having experienced a loss of sexual desire discuss this specific menopausal change and a much smaller percentage discuss diminished orgasm. Similar findings, but less dramatic, were discovered with respect to other specific menopausal symptoms such as insomnia and depression.

"These are discouraging statistics considering the respondents are from a group of women who are already pro-active in their search for better health," explains Kelley. "Women need to recognize that if their needs are not fully discussed with their physician, then there is little perceived need in the medical community. There is a cumulative benefit to each discussion women have with their physicians."

Low Libido Ranks Third In Mention of Menopausal Symptoms

Another finding from the research was the sheer frequency with which menopausal women report experiencing a loss of sexual desire. 62% of respondents mentioned low libido related to menopause, ranking third in mentions behind hot flashes and depression/moodiness.

From a recent excerpt posted within the Hystersisters.com Forums:

"I will be 2 years post op on October 16, but my libido has dropped drastically. I have a check up appointment with my OB/GYN next month, and my husband is going to go with me for this appointment so we can talk about my libido. What is wrong with me?"

Excerpts from "How to Talk To Your Doctor" from Hystersisters.com

Educational articles including "How to Talk to Your Doctor" as well as support discussions on Hystersisters.com provide information to teach women how to partner with doctors for the best health treatments.

* Educate yourself

* Initiate conversation

* Prepare an opening

* Take a helpful article

* Acknowledge embarrassing subject

* Persist

Research Report Available First Quarter 2005

The Women's Health Survey, sponsored by Hystersisters.com and Hormonejungle.com with guest participants from Minniepauz.com, launched in October of 2004 and closed within four weeks after receiving nearly 6,000 respondents, 87% from the United States.

The primary research study will be made available to the medical community early in the first quarter of 2005 with hopes that the insight gained will lead to more treatment options for women who are faced with the prospect of having a hysterectomy or are post menopause.

For a full disclosure of research results, interested persons should contact Rhonda Petty, Executive VP, Research and Analysis at rpetty@hystersisters.com .

About Hystersisters.com

Hystersisters.com (http://www.hystersisters.com ) is a woman-to-woman support website for hysterectomy issues including hysterectomy options, post- hysterectomy articles, resources and forum discussions for hormone issues, fitness and sexuality. Launched in 1998, Hystersisters.com has more than 57,000 registered members with projections to reach near 100,000 members by the end of 2005.

http://www.hystersisters.com

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