Sexual Dysfunction Treatment in India

Patient Name: Priya Bhatia. Age &...

Patient Name: Priya Bhatia. Age & Background: 42-year-old senior software engineer, married for 15 years, mother of two. Symptoms/History: Over the past 18 months, Priya has experienced a complete loss of libido and significant vaginal dryness causing pain during intercourse. This began after she entered perimenopause. She feels exhausted, irritable, and has begun avoiding intimacy with her husband, causing tension and feelings of guilt. Doctor Recommendation: Her internist, after a thorough evaluation including blood tests to check hormone levels (estrogen, testosterone, thyroid) and ruling out other causes like depression or medication side-effects, diagnosed her with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). The doctor recommended a multi-faceted approach: topical vaginal estrogen therapy for the dryness and pain, and a referral for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address the psychological and relational aspects. Treatment Experience: Priya started using a low-dose estrogen cream applied vaginally three times a week. She also began attending CBT sessions, both individually and with her husband. The treatment was initially awkward and felt like a clinical reminder of her 'failure,' but she persisted. Post-Procedure Recovery Outcome: After 8 weeks, the physical symptoms improved dramatically. Intercourse was no longer painful. The CBT helped her and her husband communicate openly about stress, parenting, and intimacy, rebuilding their emotional connection. Her libido gradually returned, though not to pre-perimenopause levels, which she learned to accept as a new normal. Emotional Journey: Before, Priya felt broken, ashamed, and like she was failing as a wife. She mourned the loss of a part of her identity. After, she felt empowered by understanding her body's changes. She regained a sense of control and intimacy in her marriage, which became more emotionally fulfilling. The journey shifted her focus from performance to connection.