Women’s Sexual Health

Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Austin, TX, San Antonio, TX and Westlake Hills, TX

Women’s Sexual Health Austin Plastic Surgeon

Women’s sexual health is an essential aspect of one’s overall well-being, encompassing various psychological and emotional factors that contribute to sexual wellness. Approximately 50% of women experience sexual dysfunction in the United States, highlighting women’s sexual health as a crucial avenue of care. (1)

Austin Plastic Surgeon is one of the leading aesthetic destinations in Texas. Our team of experts has countless hours of combined experience and has helped thousands of patients achieve their goals. No matter who you work with, you will feel supported every step of the way.

To schedule your personal consultation with a member of our team, please contact us online. To schedule an appointment over the phone or speak with a member of our team, please contact the office most convenient for you:

About Women’s Sexual Health

Our women’s sexual health treatments involve procedures and medications designed to help each woman enhance their physical and emotional well-being. Prioritizing sexual health and wellness is not only important for fostering intimate relationships but also for personal confidence and self-esteem. At Austin Plastic Surgeon, we offer both Addyi and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to help women address and alleviate symptoms of menopause and improve their sexual desire.

Addyi

Addyi (flibanserin) is an oral medication that is designed to address acquired, general hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. HSDD is a condition that causes a generalized lack of sexual desire or a low libido. HSDD affects approximately 10% of women in the United States. (2) It can be caused by many factors, but it is often believed to be influenced by both psychological factors and hormonal imbalances.

Addyi works by changing the levels of certain brain chemicals, or neurotransmitters, to help enhance sexual desire. These neurotransmitters include:

  • Serotonin: Serotonin is known to inhibit sexual desire. (3) Lowering the amounts of serotonin secreted can help enhance one’s satisfaction during intimate experiences.
  • Dopamine: Dopamine is the neurotransmitter associated with rewards and motivations. Increasing one’s dopamine levels can help enhance sexual motivation, thus increasing one’s libido.
  • Norepinephrine: Norepinephrine can affect one’s heart rate, desire, and alertness. Addyi can help increase levels of this hormone to help improve excitement and heighten sexual arousal.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses hormones that are chemically identical to the ones naturally produced by the body. This treatment can be used to help address various symptoms of menopause, which are often attributed to the development of hormonal imbalances.

At Austin Plastic Surgeon, we use plant-based hormone pellets to minimize the risk of allergic reactions or complications. We place these pellets under the skin, where they slowly secrete the appropriate hormones over the course of several months. Common bioidentical hormones for treating menopause symptoms include:

  • Testosterone: Taking testosterone can help improve sexual desire and libido, enhance physical strength, and support cardiovascular health.
  • Progesterone: Progesterone can help improve the quality of one’s sleep, act as a mood stabilizer, and reduce anxiety. Some studies suggest that this hormone also has the potential to reduce the risk of breast and endometrial cancer. (4)
  • Estradiol: Estradiol is often used to help address symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness, bone health, and night sweats. This hormone can help reproduce premenopausal hormone levels, and is often recommended for postmenopausal or perimenopausal women.

Benefits of Women’s Sexual Health Treatments

Both Addyi and BHRT offer many benefits that can help improve the intimate lives of women. Common benefits of both treatments include:

  • Improved Sexual Enjoyment: Both Addyi and BHRT can promote enhanced satisfaction and sensation during sexual activity.
  • Enhanced Confidence: Addressing underlying issues and menopausal symptoms can help women feel more empowered in their sexual and personal lives.
  • Better Emotional Well-Being: Treating sexual health issues can help alleviate mental distress surrounding intimate concerns, often improving one’s mood as a result.

Benefits of Addyi

Addyi offers a variety of benefits to women experiencing low libido. These benefits may include:

  • Increased sexual desire.
  • More satisfying intimate experiences.
  • Improved mood.

Benefits of BHRT

When undergoing BHRT, patients can expect to experience benefits that may include the following:

  • Increased libido and sexual desire.
  • Reduced menopausal symptoms.
  • Relief from vaginal dryness.

To learn more about how you may benefit from our women’s sexual health treatments, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule a consultation over the phone, please call our Austin office at (512) 253-2238, our San Antonio office at (726) 215-7058, or our West Lake Hills office at (512) 253-2195.

Suitable Candidates

All candidates interested in any of our women’s sexual health treatments should be in good overall health, free from any underlying medical conditions that may complicate or interfere with treatment. Additionally, realistic expectations should be held as to what these treatments can accomplish. A specialist from our team will determine each patient’s candidacy for either treatment during a personal consultation.

Candidates for Addyi

Suitable candidates for Addyi tend to be premenopausal women who have been diagnosed with acquired, general HSDD. “Acquired” refers to the development of HSDD after a period of normal sexual response, while “general” refers to a generalized lack of sexual desire. (1) Patients who are distressed by their low libido are highly recommended for this medication. To be eligible for this medication, the lack of sexual desire must not be caused by other factors such as relationship concerns, mental health conditions, or as a side effect of other medications.

Patients with liver concerns or individuals taking CYP34A inhibitors are not recommended for this medication, but are still recommended to schedule a consultation so that our specialist can find an appropriate alternative. Candidates interested in Addyi should also be willing to significantly reduce or cease their alcohol consumption.

Candidates for BHRT

Suitable candidates for BHRT include perimenopausal or postmenopausal women experiencing symptoms of menopause. These concerns may include hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations, vaginal dryness, low libido, and more. Women interested in a more natural treatment method compared to traditional hormone therapy can find this treatment beneficial, as the hormones used are chemically identical to the ones produced in the body.

Personal Consultation

At Austin Plastic Surgeon, we ask that each patient attend a personal consultation at any of our offices before beginning their sexual health treatment. This consultation allows us to meet each patient and recommend the best treatment method for them. A specialist will first meet with each patient to ask them a series of questions regarding their current medications, medical history, concerns, and treatment goals. Depending on the patient’s concerns and symptoms, the specialist may also order lab testing that will help them assess their overall health.

Patients taking Addyi will receive guidelines instructing when and how to take it, what to avoid during treatment, as well as any potential side effects. Patients undergoing BHRT will also receive a set of preparation and recovery instructions before scheduling their procedure appointment with our team.

To schedule your personal consultation, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule a consultation over the phone, please call our Austin office at (512) 253-2238, our San Antonio office at (726) 215-7058, or our West Lake Hills office at (512) 253-2195.

Regimens & Procedures

Addyi Regimen

Addyi should be taken before bed each night for the best results. Taking the medication at night can significantly reduce the chance of any interactions that may occur, such as dizziness or drowsiness. Additionally, taking the medication at night allows the body to adjust to the medication without disrupting daily function.

BHRT Procedure

During BHRT, a specialist will deliver each patient’s hormones in a quick in-office procedure. The hormones are delivered in the form of tiny pellets that are each derived from soy and plant-based materials, minimizing the risk of an allergic reaction. These pellets are placed under the skin, where they release hormones into the bloodstream over the following 4-6 months. The placement allows the hormonal secretions to bypass the liver, allowing more of the active hormone to reach each patient’s bloodstream. Each patient’s BHRT dosage will be determined at their personal consultation based on their weight, activity level, and lab results.

Recovery and Results

Addyi Adjustment Period and Results

The adjustment period of Addyi can last for several weeks following the start of each patient’s treatment. The duration of adjustment will vary from patient to patient, but any experienced side effects will dissipate with continued use of Addyi. The most common side effects experienced during this time include nausea, fainting, dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth.

Most women will start to notice the effects of their treatment after approximately 4 weeks of daily use, however, some women may not experience effects until after 8 weeks of use. Women will be able to enjoy their enhanced sexual desire and more satisfying sexual experiences. Some women also report feeling more open and emotionally prepared for intimacy. Addyi should be discontinued if no improvement is seen past 8 weeks of continued use. (1)

BHRT Recovery and Results

After each patient’s BHRT treatment, they will be able to return to their daily routine immediately. As their body adjusts to the change in their hormone levels, they may experience side effects such as temporary fluid retention, tenderness, or acne. There may also be swelling and redness at the insertion sites, but these effects are temporary and will gradually subside on their own. For the first several days of healing, the use of hot tubs, baths, and swimming pools should be avoided, and each patient may be asked to alter their exercise routine. Any further recovery instructions will be provided by the specialist during the personal consultation.

After a certain period of continued use, each patient will be able to start enjoying the results of BHRT. Patients will be able to enjoy effects such as an improvement in skin quality, sleep, energy levels, temperature regulation, and sexual desire. By reducing the symptoms of menopause, women can live their lives more comfortably.

Cost of Women’s Sexual Health Treatments in Austin, Texas

Women’s Sexual Health Austin Plastic Surgeon

The cost of each patient’s sexual wellness treatment may vary depending on several factors. The specialist will discuss the cost of each patient’s treatment with them during their personal consultation. We recommend checking out our perks memberships for exciting deals and specials.

To discover the cost of your treatment, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule a consultation over the phone, please call our Austin office at (512) 253-2238, our San Antonio office at (726) 215-7058, or our West Lake Hills office at (512) 253-2195.

FAQ

What issues can your women’s sexual health treatments address?

Our women’s sexual health treatments can address a range of concerns, such as a low libido, pain during intercourse, as well as menopausal symptoms.

How long will my sexual health treatment recovery last?

Both treatments allow women to quickly return to regular activities, but side effects may be experienced for several weeks as the body adjusts. The specialist will provide personalized recovery instructions during your consultation.

Are your women’s sexual health treatments safe?

Yes, both BHRT and Addyi are safe treatments, especially under the guidance of our expert specialist.

Are there any side effects to your women’s sexual health treatments?

Experienced side effects will vary between patients depending on several factors, such as the type of treatment being performed and how their body adjusts. The specialist will discuss any potential side effects with you during your consultation.

Can my women’s sexual health treatment be combined with another for more comprehensive results?

Yes, each patient is welcome to complement the effects of their treatment with another. For more information, please reach out to the office most convenient for you.

References

  1. Pierrelus C, Carlson K. Flibanserin. PubMed. Published November 10, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589649/
  2. Pachano Pesantez GS, Clayton AH. Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder Among Women: General Considerations and Pharmacological Options. FOCUS. 2021;19(1):39-45. doi:https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20200039
  3. Croft HA. Understanding the Role of Serotonin in Female Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder and Treatment Options. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2017;14(12):1575-1584. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.10.068
  4. Marjoribanks J, Farquhar C, Roberts H, Lethaby A, Lee J. Long-term hormone therapy for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017;1(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd004143.pub5