Compassionate Treatment for Female Sexual Arousal Disorder & Pain
At The OB-Gyn & Incontinence Center in Arcadia, CA, Dr. Prema Kothandaraman, M.D., provides compassionate care for women experiencing female sexual arousal disorder and related pain. These concerns can impact physical comfort and emotional well-being. Our team focuses on identifying underlying causes and creating individualized treatment plans that may include hormonal evaluation, pelvic therapy, and supportive medical treatments to improve comfort and quality of life. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 622 W Duarte Rd Ste 305 Arcadia, CA 91007.


Table of Contents:
How do hormonal shifts and menopause contribute to female sexual arousal disorder?
Can pelvic floor dysfunction be the hidden cause of my painful intercourse?
What clinical treatments are available to help restore my intimacy and sexual health?
How do I know if my pain during intimacy is a medical issue that can be treated?
How The OB-Gyn & Incontinence Center Restores Sexual Health and Intimacy
Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause can significantly affect sexual function and are a common contributing factor to female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD). As estrogen and testosterone levels decline, many women experience changes such as reduced vaginal lubrication, decreased blood flow to genital tissues, and diminished sensitivity, all of which can make arousal more difficult and sexual activity less comfortable or satisfying.
At The OB-Gyn & Incontinence Center, these hormonal changes are understood as part of a broader neurovascular and endocrine shift, not simply a psychological concern. Lower estrogen levels can also lead to vaginal thinning (atrophy), increased dryness, and irritation, which may further reduce desire due to discomfort. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can impact mood, sleep, and energy levels, indirectly influencing libido and sexual responsiveness.
FSAD is often multifactorial, meaning hormonal imbalance may combine with stress, relationship factors, or underlying medical conditions, making a comprehensive evaluation essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Yes, pelvic floor dysfunction is one of the most commonly overlooked causes of painful intercourse (dyspareunia). The pelvic floor is made up of muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum, and when these muscles become too tight, weak, or uncoordinated, they can cause significant discomfort during intimacy.
At The OB-Gyn & Incontinence Center, pelvic floor dysfunction is carefully evaluated as part of a comprehensive sexual health assessment. Hypertonic (overactive) pelvic floor muscles can lead to muscle spasms, burning pain, or a feeling of tightness during penetration, while weakened muscles may contribute to poor support and discomfort.
This condition is often missed in general evaluations, but specialized urogynecologic assessment can identify whether pelvic floor dysfunction is the primary cause of pain. When properly diagnosed, it is highly treatable with targeted therapies.
At The OB-Gyn & Incontinence Center, treatment for sexual dysfunction and painful intimacy is multifaceted and highly individualized, depending on whether the underlying cause is hormonal, muscular, neurological, or structural. Available clinical treatments may include:
● Hormone replacement therapy (BHRT or localized estrogen therapy) to improve vaginal health, lubrication, and tissue elasticity
● Pelvic floor physical therapy to relax or strengthen pelvic muscles and improve coordination
● Medications to address pain, hormonal imbalance, or arousal disorders when appropriate
● Trigger point therapy or neuromuscular techniques for pelvic muscle pain and spasm
The clinic focuses on a step-by-step, evidence-based approach, ensuring that treatment is matched precisely to the patient’s diagnosis. The goal is not only pain relief but also the restoration of comfort, confidence, and sexual well-being.
Pain during intimacy is never something that should be ignored or considered “normal.” If discomfort is persistent, recurrent, or worsening, it may indicate an underlying medical condition that is highly treatable.
At The OB-Gyn & Incontinence Center, patients are evaluated for common medical causes such as hormonal deficiency, vaginal atrophy, pelvic floor dysfunction, infections, endometriosis, or nerve-related pain conditions. Symptoms that suggest a medical cause include:
● Pain during penetration or deep thrusting
● Burning, stinging, or tearing sensations
● Persistent vaginal dryness despite lubrication
● Pelvic pressure or muscle tightness during intercourse
● Pain that continues after intimacy
A comprehensive evaluation helps determine whether the issue is hormonal, muscular, structural, or inflammatory in origin, allowing for targeted treatment. Most causes of painful intimacy are treatable with the right diagnosis and care plan, and many patients experience significant improvement once the underlying condition is addressed.
At The OB-Gyn & Incontinence Center, sexual health concerns are approached with sensitivity, privacy, and advanced medical expertise. The evaluation begins with a detailed discussion of symptoms, hormonal history, pelvic health, and any contributing factors such as menopause, childbirth, or chronic conditions.
Advanced diagnostic tools and clinical assessments are used to determine whether symptoms are caused by hormonal imbalance, pelvic floor dysfunction, or structural changes in the reproductive system. Based on this evaluation, a personalized treatment plan is created that may include hormone therapy, pelvic floor rehabilitation, or minimally invasive regenerative treatments.
Our team also emphasizes patient education and emotional support, recognizing that sexual health is closely connected to overall well-being, confidence, and quality of life. Follow-up care ensures that treatments are adjusted as needed to maximize comfort and long-term improvement.
By combining urogynecologic expertise, hormone optimization, and pelvic floor rehabilitation, The OB-Gyn & Incontinence Center helps patients restore intimacy, reduce pain, and regain sexual confidence in a safe and supportive environment. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 622 W Duarte Rd Ste 305 Arcadia, CA 91007. We serve patients from Temple City, CA, East San Gabriel CA, San Marino CA, Rosemead CA, Monrovia CA, North El Monte CA, Alhambra CA, Pasadena CA and surrounding areas.


Additional Services You May Need
▸ Urogynecology
▸ Minimally Invasive Gynecology
▸ Monalisa & Medical Aesthetics
▸ Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
▸ Urinary Incontinence
▸ Pelvic Organ Prolapse
▸ Painful Bladder
▸ Urinary Tract Infection
▸ Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
▸ Female Sexual Dysfunction
▸ Urinary Retention
▸ Vaginal Laxity & Prolapse
▸ Postpartum Pelvic Floor Problems
▸ PCOD
▸ Bladder Prolapse Repair
▸ Urgent PC
▸ Fibroids
▸ Excessive Bleeding
▸ Pelvic Pain
▸ Birth Control & IUD
▸ Vaginal & Pelvic Infection
▸ Monalisa Touch
▸ STD
▸ TempsureVitalia
▸ Biote Pellet Therapy
▸ Topical BHRT
▸ Flexsure
▸ Rectal Prolapse Repair
▸ Tempsure ENVI
▸ Minimally Invasive Pelvic Surgery for Incontinence

