Women's Sexual Health Myths and Facts

Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Ph. D.
FDS Women's Sexual Health and Relationship Expert

MYTH: Women are well versed in the topic of vaginal dryness and lubrication.

FACT: Vaginal dryness for women is rarely discussed, much like the issue of erectile failure before the advent of Viagra and other drugs. Many doctors, including gynecologists, dismiss such concerns for their patients. Alternatively, women don’t know that the cause is often physiological, so they don’t consider raising their concerns to doctors or other health care professionals.

MYTH: If I have vaginal dryness, it means I am not sexually excited.

FACT: It's a misperception to mistake vaginal dryness for lack of erotic interest. Reduced estrogen levels are a primary cause of vaginal dryness. Estrogen levels fall for a variety of reasons, including menopause, childbirth and breast-feeding, and the impact of radiation or chemotherapy. Medications for cancer treatment, such as Tamoxifen, antihistamines for allergies and certain ulcer, antideNewsants and high blood Newsure medications can also impact lubrication.

MYTH: Women lose interest in sexual activity post childbirth and/or during menopause.

FACT: According to a survey commissioned by FDS™ Intimate Lubricants and conducted by Harris Interactive®, 75 percent of sexually active mothers with children under 18 and 67 percent of sexually active women experiencing menopausal symptoms said their sexual satisfaction was important or very important. These same women were even more concerned about their partner's pleasure in bed – 89 percent of mothers and 86 percent of menopausal women said their partner’s sexual satisfaction is important or very important to them.

MYTH: Using a product to enhance the sexual experience means sex won't feel "natural" and will not be satisfying to myself and my partner.

FACT: Many women do not know that lubricants can be an easy, discreet solution for uncomfortable and, in some cases, painful sex. Sex does not have to be totally "natural" for it to feel natural and be satisfying. Most partners will be happily surprised to see that sex is once again enjoyable for both, and feel as natural as the first time they made love. They will not notice anything different about the sensation of an applied lubricant.

MYTH: Women don't use lubricants because they aren't aware that they exist.

FACT: Most women are well aware of lubricants, but they are either too embarrassed to try them, or had poor first experiences. The original gel lubricants were often messy, greasy and hard to apply. But there have been significant advances and the new and improved products, formulated for women, offer a natural feeling. The new design is discreet, with pristine packaging so women can feel comfortable both purchasing and using the product.

Dr. Pepper Schwartz
A leading authority on the topics of intimacy and sexual health. She is passionate about helping people enjoy more fulfilling relationships.