Carol Boulware, MFT, Ph.D.

Certified Sex Therapist treats sexuality, sexual problems, sexual dysfunctions, sexual anxiety, loss of sexual desire, inhibitied sexual desire, premature ejaculation, impotence, sexual traumas, PTSD, sexual abuse from childhood. Marriage counseling and relationship counseling. Intimacy and communication skills. Dr. Boulware has over 20 years counseling & psychology experience. Certified EMDR Therapist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner.

Common Sexual Concerns of Women

Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia)

Painful intercourse can be caused by many different physical causes, a such as endometriosis; inflammation or infection, urinary tract infections vaginal yeast infections, or sexually transmitted diseases; vaginal dryness due to lack of lubrication, inadequate foreplay before intercourse, thinning of the vaginal lining in postmenopausal women; an allergic reaction to clothing, spermicides or douches. Persistent pain requires an evaluation by a gynecologist.

Once the physical cause of pain is ruled out, psychological factors can be evaluated. For dyspareunia that has no apparent physical cause and has existed for months or years - psychological counseling is suggested to address stress or anxiety regarding sexual intercourse. Women frequently have tension, fear or anxiety accompanying intercourse. Some have psychological trauma, often stemming from a past history of sexual abuse or trauma like rape.

Vaginismus

This is a disorder in which the muscles surrounding the vagina opening, go into involuntary spasms making sexual intercourse difficult or impossible.

Sexual abuse or rape is the most common cause of vaginismus, a defense against the painful memories. Other psychological causes of vaginismus are negative messages about sex from parents about premarital sex and fear or guilt concerning intercourse.

Often there is a similarity of issues with those of impotent males, such as religious taboos, physical abuse and repressed anger that may contribute to this dysfunction. However, women with this condition are often sexually responsive and orgasmic with clitoral stimulation.

Psychological Issues for Women

-- Anxiety about sexual performance
-- Body image issues; shame
-- Low Self-esteem
-- Emotional or physical abuse
-- Sexual trauma
-- Fear of being dominated or controlled
-- Fear of being out of control

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