Women’s Sexual Health Consultation Service
Women’s sexual health is an important and often ignored aspect of wellness across the life span. Many women experience sexual issues for years with limited guidance from their healthcare team, and often do not know where to turn for consultation and treatment. These concerns may include changes in sexual desire, pain with intimate activities, and a range of other challenges impacting sexual well-being.
While there are many products, procedures and services available that claim to cure sexual problems, few deliver consistent results. As an evidence-based, multidisciplinary, women’s sexual health consultation service, we know that addressing sexual satisfaction is often complex and involves several aspects of a woman’s life.
At CU Anschutz, our evaluations include the assessment of physical conditions, medication use, relationship health, emotional well-being, current and prior trauma, knowledge and understanding of sexuality and sexual health, and other issues that are important to our patients. Many women do best when they receive multidisciplinary care that may include specialists from OB-GYN, clinical health psychology, psychiatry, urogynecology, primary care, oncology, physical therapy, and other health providers.
A multidisciplinary solution to improve sexual health
Many women have sexual issues for years, don’t seek help & often don’t know where to get treatment. Our sexual health consultation services can help.
Sexual health conditions we treat, from low sex drive to intimacy anxiety
- Low sex desire.
- Difficulty with penetration.
- Pain with sexual activity.
- Difficulty/absence of orgasm.
- Postpartum sexual health changes.
- Sexual changes related to infertility.
- Sexual concerns during or after menopause.
- Sexual issues during and after cancer treatment.
- Sexual changes related to other physical conditions and their treatments.
- Anxiety about sexual intimacy.
- Persistent genital arousal.
- Other sexual concerns.
Treatment approaches
- Education and guidance.
- Physical exam and treatment of gynecologic conditions related to sexual symptoms.
- Medication treatment or adjustment.
- Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants.
- Vaginal dilators/devices.
- Physical therapy.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- Sex therapy for an individual and/or couple.
- Relaxation techniques.
- Coordination of care with other healthcare providers.
- Other treatments as needed.
Our Providers
In a joint effort between the departments of OB-GYN, psychiatry and colleagues from other departments and services at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, Lauren Harrington, MD, FACOG, and Winnifred M. Hunter, PhD, have established a multidisciplinary sexual medicine consultation service for women across the life span. Providers routinely consult with experts from specialties including primary care, urogynecology, medical/surgical/radiation oncology, physical therapy, colorectal surgery, psychiatry and others.
Lauren Harrington, MD, FACOG, (she, her, hers)
Co-director of the Women’s Sexual Health Consultation Service
Dr. Lauren Harrington earned her medical degree from the University of Colorado Anschutz and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Stanford University. Dr. Harrington chose obstetrics and gynecology because she is passionate about helping individuals lead healthy, informed and empowered lives. She quickly builds rapport and trust with each of her patients. Throughout each visit with a patient, Dr. Harrington has an open and curious mind, a warm demeanor, and a trauma-informed approach. Dr. Harrington is a member of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), The Gold Humanism Honor Society, and the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.
Winnifred M. Hunter, PhD (she, her, hers)
Co-director of the Women’s Sexual Health Consultation Service
Dr. Winnie Hunter is a senior instructor/clinical psychologist, Women’s Behavioral Health and Wellness Service Line, department of psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine. She is also collaborator for the Women’s Sexual Health Consultation Service. She provides interdisciplinary behavioral healthcare, specializing in helping patients optimize their sexual health and well-being. Dr. Hunter’s experiences and training include the Sex and Couples Therapy Service in Montreal, Canada. While there, she developed her expertise in the treatment of vulvodynia as well as other psychosexual concerns. Dr. Hunter provides evidence-based therapy, drawing from cognitive behavior, relational-cultural, and acceptance and commitment therapy to promote recovery, resilience and well-being. Dr. Hunter received her PhD from McGill University, Montreal. She interned at the University of Texas at Austin Counseling and Mental Health Center. She is a member of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health and of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Dr. Hunter has practiced as a clinical psychologist in integrated primary care clinics, hospital in-patient settings and private practice. Dr. Hunter is a bilingual psychologist, providing therapy in both English and French.
Making an appointment at the Women’s Sexual Medicine Service:
Sexual medicine consultations are offered at the CU Medicine OB-GYN – Central Park clinic.
To schedule an appointment, please call (720) 553-2850.
CU Medicine OB-GYN – Central Park
3055 Roslyn Street, Suite 230
Denver, CO 80238
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Interested in one of our speciality clinics?
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
Interested in one of our speciality clinics?
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.