SEXperience - Experiences Around SEX with Dr Tanushree Pandey Padgaonkar

Having healthy and satisfying sexual relationships can be important to overall health and happiness. Many factors influence sexual function, including mood, general wellbeing, self-esteem, medications and past sexual experiences. We spoke toDr Tanushree Pandey Padgaonkar who is anObstetrician-Gynecologist (OBGYN) and here’s what she told us about her experience with her clients who suffer from PCOS.

PCOS and Low Libido!

Sexual intimacy has long been recognized as an essential part of human life. But sex and romance don’t always come easy, especially in women with chronic conditions like PCOS.

In many cases PCOS can be messing with your libido and sexual satisfaction.. The physical and mental changes caused by high testosterone levels can mess with a woman’s sex life.  

For many women, their  intimacy issues are  impacted by their body  image and their own self-  consciousness. Women  with PCOS often have a  negative perception of  their body which includes  perceiving loss of  femininity, feeling less  sexually attractive and  constantly conscious and  dissatisfied with their  appearance.

Women on birth control  pills are more likely to  experience decreased  libido, arousal, and  pleasure. The bottom line   is that your choice of contraceptives to treat your PCOS may negatively impact your libido.

In some women, their sexual drive remains the same but they struggle with sexual dysfunction such as  pain during sex and difficulty reaching orgasm. 

Also, there are so many myths regarding pcos and infertility that I try to debunk all the time. Patients often feel that their family will look down upon them or blame them and hence don’t come out with it. 

 Will it get Better?

 The habit of comparing yourself to others can actually increase body dissatisfaction. People come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to work on your self-love, self-acceptance and confidence.  

Pay attention to your feelings and needs. Explore your sexual interests and communicate your sexual desires with your partner. A partner who understands your needs to feel desirable or loved boosts your sexual confidence, which can lead to higher relationship satisfaction.

Proper counseling, treatment and lifestyle modifications are often needed. As doctors we need to be more sensitive and inclusive towards the patients and the patients need to feel comfortable with us to win the war against pcos :)