Sexual health is a crucial part of patients' lives and correlates with their emotional and medical issues. It is likely they have some sexual concern that is negatively affecting their life, even if it is not severe enough to be considered a dysfunction. As discussed in an interview for Clinical Psychiatry News with Rachel S. Rubin, M.D., and Marianne Brandon, Ph.D., the distress from sexual issues can be significant and have long-term effects on relationships.
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Sexual health is a crucial part of patients' lives and correlates with their emotional and medical issues. It is likely they have some sexual concern that is negatively affecting their life, even if it is not severe enough to be considered a dysfunction. As discussed in an interview for Clinical Psychiatry News with Rachel S. Rubin, M.D., and Marianne Brandon, Ph.D., the distress from sexual issues can be significant and have long-term effects on relationships.
An open conversation about this sensitive subject can help open the door to addressing these issues in a clinical setting. The two doctors said it is also good for the practitioner because it helps establish a relationship and comfortable openness with the patient, and while doctors may want to avoid these conversations because of time constraints and lack of training, it is important to show empathy to patients
As sexual health becomes more socially accepted and discussed, the medical aesthetics industry is finding new ways to improve the well-being of patients dealing with sexual concerns.
Check out some of the latest news in women's sexual health, including advancements in endometriosis, menopause and sexual wellness.
Related: Approaching Aesthetics Through the Lens of Mental Health
Endometriosis
Gynica, a clinical-stage women's health biotech startup developing a novel endometriosis treatment, announced the submission of a first-in-human Phase 1 trial. The first-of-its-kind clinical study will take place at Careggi University Hospital in Florence, Italy, to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of the IntraVag intra-vaginal drug delivery platform and two proprietary drug candidates, S-301 and S-302.
Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain and pregnancy issues, per the World Health Organization.
During the study, the Gynica team will examine the promising potential of cannabinoids as they engage with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is extensively distributed in women's reproductive organs, such as the uterus and ovaries. This positioning makes the ECS a crucial target for addressing conditions like endometriosis, according to the team. Cannabinoids may possess the capability to alleviate various types of endometriosis-associated pain and address the inflammatory microenvironment associated with endometriosis.
Gynica's proprietary IntraVag technology enables controlled release and direct delivery of APIs to target organs. Gynica aims to pursue registration of its novel solutions with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Pending positive Phase 1 results, the company plans to promptly advance into Phase 2 efficacy trials.
The PRM Protocol from Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine is a proprietary office-based procedure to treat the symptoms of chronic pelvic pain by direct treatment of inflamed pelvic nerves and spastic pelvic muscles. It consists of a series of pelvic nerve and muscle treatments to target inflammation in the pelvis, nerve pain and pelvic floor muscle spasms.
The treatment can address the chronic guarding state caused by endometriosis, desensitizing the nerves and muscles. Post-treatment, patients are experiencing reduced ER visits, with 96% reporting a reduction, 78% of patients note a statistically significant improvement in both pain and function and their opioid use is reduced by 68%, according to the company.
Menopause
According to Research & Markets, the global menopause market size is expected to reach $24.4 billion by 2030, growing at a 5.37% CAGR from 2024 to 2030. The market growth is expected to be driven by the rising prevalence of post-menopausal syndrome, increasing awareness regarding menopause-associated health aspects, high adoption of women's health apps and rising research on the benefits of dietary supplements over hormone replacement therapy.
New FDA approvals for drugs treating hot flashes and night sweats are a significant factor propelling the market growth, per the report. One prescription drug approved in 2023, fezolinetant (branded as Veozah), is specifically designed for those who are unable to take hormonal therapy and struggling with vasomotor symptoms, such as breast cancer survivors.
Related: Menopause Makeovers Treat Physical Changes Caused by Hormonal Shifts
Midi Health, a virtual care clinic focused exclusively on women navigating midlife hormonal transition, announced a partnership with Neurotrack to help women experiencing brain fog, a common symptom linked to menopause. Midi Health clinicians can send patients a quick cognitive screening they can complete on a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer.
The results are based on speed and accuracy compared to same-aged peers. Patients who receive a low score or have other indications of illness that could cause cognitive impairment are referred to providers who can provide appropriate evaluation. In most cases, Midi can help patients manage and alleviate the impact of brain fog and other troublesome symptoms of perimenopause.
Midi Health also announced a partnership with Cleo, a caregiving platform for employers. Cleo's Guides will work with members to evaluate and provide coaching support for self-care needs and refer to Midi for perimenopause or menopause care when appropriate. Midi is the first perimenopause and menopause care provider to work with Cleo.
Weight gain can also be a concern for women experiencing menopause. These tips for primary care clinicians from Ob.Gyn. News and MD Edge can help postmenopausal patients lose weight.
- Develop an effective solution that works for your patient’s lifestyle. If you don’t have one, make a referral to a weight loss specialist.
- Educate patients about obesity and postmenopausal weight loss challenges, to help destigmatize the condition. Explain that obesity is a chronic disease, like hypertension or diabetes.
- Exercise suggestions should consider issues like walkable neighborhoods, access and affordability of gym membership, and home broadband access.
- Strength training should be recommended to counter loss of muscle mass that comes with aging.
- Consider a patient’s culture when discussing healthier alternatives to their usual diet.
- Suggest simple changes to start, like eliminating simple carbohydrates — white bread, pasta, and white rice — as a good place to start
More: 2024's Top Sexual Wellness Trends in Aesthetics
