How to Talk about your Sexual Health

Audra Lowe: Who wants to talk about sex? Alright, that's an easy one. Well better question here, who wants to talk about their sexual health where a lot of women that's a place, we just don't want to go; too embarrassing, too uncomfortable, too difficult, but it shouldn't be that way. So here is Better's Whitney Casey. Whitney Casey: Hey Everyone! We are in Chelsea Piers in New York City at More's 3rd Annual Reinvention Convention. So what are all these women doing behind me? Reinventing themselves today. They are talking about everything from finance to careers to personal style and of course, one of the most important topics, sex. Dr. Susan Kellogg-Spadt: Every woman is entitled to a healthy and satisfying sexual life. That's why I am here today speaking with women at the More Magazine Reinvention Convention. Female Speaker: Sexual health expert, Dr. Kellogg-Spadt is one of the featured speakers at the Reinvention Convention. She is hoping to encourage women to talk more openly about their sexual health. Dr. Susan Kellogg-Spadt: In a recent survey of over 1200 women, 70% of them said that they had experienced a sexual health issue. However, only one in five has sought care with the healthcare provider because they were the either just too embarrassed or not comfortable enough with their own sexual health. Female Speaker: The survey defines sexual health issue as any one of the following six conditions: a lack of desire to engage in sexual activity, not being able to become sexually aroused, not being able to have an orgasm, pain during intercourse, excessive desire to engage in sexual activity and vaginal dryness. Whitney Casey: Of the six issues covered in the survey, the most commonly reported one, lack of desire, and there are lot of women can relate to that. Paula: No matter how hard my husband tries to set the mood, there are times I am just not interested in sex whatsoever. Female Speaker: Even though the Reinvention Convention is geared towards women over 40, sexual health issues affects women of all ages, at any stage of life. But good news is, there maybe ways to help improve your sexual health and one of the first steps is to talk to your doctor. Dr. Susan Kellogg-Spadt: A dialog about your sexual health should be an integral part of routine patient care. Human sexuality is natural and should be a valued aspect of your life. Female Speaker: If you are nervous or embarrassed about discussing your sexual health, Dr. Kellogg recommends writing down your concerns and bringing the list with you to the appointment. Dr. Susan Kellogg-Spadt: Use whatever words you feel comfortable with to convey your concern and be specific. Talk about the sexual health issue with also how it affects you, your relationship and your partner. Another great tool to help you get that conversation started is that the website, sexandahealthieryou.org. Sexandahealthieryou.org provides women with tools and information to help them have a conversation with their healthcare provider and their partner. Whitney Casey: As always some great advice from Dr. Kellogg from the More Reinvention Convention, I am Whitney Casey. Audra Lowe: Thanks a lot Whitney and once again, you can learn much more about your sexual health issues by visiting this website, sexandahealthieryou.org.