Dr. Somi Javaid highlights disparities in sexual health

In a recent interview with Contemporary OB/GYN, Somi Javaid, MD, FACOG, a board-certified OB-GYN and expert in menopause and sexual health, discussed gender disparities in sexual health awareness and treatment.

Javaid highlighted that historically, women's sexual health has been overlooked in medicine, with women primarily seen as either vehicles for male pleasure or vessels for childbirth. Despite sexual health being a fundamental aspect of overall well-being and recognized as a basic human right by the World Health Organization, systemic barriers such as lack of education, data, female leadership, provider training, and funding have resulted in significant gender disparities in sexual health care. Additionally, a dismissive attitude within the medical community often leads to the neglect of these concerns, despite the availability of treatment options for other non-life-threatening conditions.

Javaid also addressed limitations in traditional sexual health treatments for women. A stark disparity exists between FDA-approved treatments for men vs women, with 29 medications available for male sexual health and only 2 available for women. High costs and stricter regulatory requirements for female-specific treatments further exacerbate this issue. Many women remain unaware that their decreased sexual desire could be linked to treatable conditions such as hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

Even when treatments exist, insurance coverage remains biased, often reimbursing providers significantly less for female conditions vs male ones. For example, Viagra, a well-known male sexual health drug, is widely covered, while female-focused treatments such as Addyi remain underutilized because of lack of awareness, advertising restrictions, and insurance denials.

Javaid shared a striking example of this disparity. A patient struggling with sexual pain was denied insurance coverage for a prescribed vaginal suppository, while her husband’s Viagra was fully covered. The insurance company deemed female sexual health treatment as "elective," reinforcing the systemic bias. These inequities highlight the urgent need for improved education, awareness, policy changes, and a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach to ensure equitable sexual health care for women.

This video is part 1 of a 3-part series. Check back tomorrow for part 2.