Sexual Health

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Dr Kelly Loi

Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

Medical Director & Clinical Governance Officer (CGO) of Monash IVF Singapore

Medical Director of Health & Fertility Centre for Women

Sexual Health

The ability to enjoy a healthy sexual relationship with your partner is crucial not only for fertility and pregnancy, but is also an important aspect of life as a couple. However, very often, the pressure to conceive is the main driving force for couples to seek treatment.

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Pain During Sex & Vaginismus

Sex shouldn't be painful. Causes of painful sex include physical or psychological factors and, quite often, may be a combination of both. Physical causes include vaginal dryness, infections, endometriosis or ovarian cysts.

Often, no obvious cause is found. In such cases, pain during sex may occur due to an involuntary spasm of the muscles surrounding the vagina called 'vaginismus'. Discomfort and pain are experienced unexpectedly during attempts at intercourse. The pain results from the tightening of the muscles around the vagina. Vaginismus is very distressing and in severe cases, can lead to non-consummation of marriages.

Causes of Vaginismus

Vaginismus may be caused by a past history of emotional or sexual abuse, or past physical trauma due to a bad childbirth experience or pelvic surgery. Usually however, there is no explanation. At the root of the problem is fear and anticipation of pain. As the body anticipates pain, it reacts by tightening the vaginal muscles to protect itself. Repeated attempts at sex then lead to a vicious cycle of pain and worsening fear. Under such circumstances, male sexual dysfunction commonly occurs with the male partner experiencing decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.

Treatment of Vaginismus

The treatment of vaginismus involves psychological counselling and retraining of the pelvic floor muscles with pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises). The pelvic floor muscles are trained to contract and relax under conscious control. The aims of treatment include: ability to overcome vaginismus, ability to have normal sexual intercourse, and, for couples hoping to conceive, achievement of pregnancy. Fortunately, with appropriate treatment, success rates are usually very high.

Dr Kelly Loi

Medical Director

BMBCh (Oxford), FRCOG (UK), FAMS (Singapore)

Dr Kelly Loi is the Medical Director of Health & Fertility Centre for Women and Monash IVF Singapore. She is known for her work in fertility and women’s health, with a focus on providing personalised and evidence-based care for women at different stages of their reproductive journey.

Dr Loi’s clinical interests include fertility, gynaecology, obstetrics, as well as minimally invasive laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery. She also has a special interest in women’s sexual health, including the treatment of pain during intercourse and vaginismus.

She has also completed clinical attachments at internationally recognised institutions including Johns Hopkins Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, further deepening her experience in fertility care and reproductive medicine.

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Take the First Step Towards Your Health and Fertility Journey

— Schedule a Consultation at 6235 5066