Q: I've been experiencing pain during intimacy for months but feel too embarrassed to bring it up with my doctor. Is this something I should just accept as normal aging, or could there be treatable causes? And how do I even start this conversation with my healthcare provider?

A: Pain during intimacy is never something you should accept as normal, regardless of your age or life stage. As a physician who specializes in women's sexual health, I can tell you that this is actually one of the most common concerns women bring to me—often after suffering silently for months or even years. The truth is, painful intercourse (dyspareunia) can stem from several treatable conditions including hormonal fluctuations, pelvic floor dysfunction, or insufficient arousal time. Many women experience immediate improvement once the underlying cause is identified. I recommend tracking when the pain occurs, what makes it better or worse, and being specific with your provider about the location and severity. Don't hesitate to request a pelvic floor assessment if initial treatments don't provide relief.

Want to discover the other five most common intimate wellness questions women ask me in the privacy of my exam room? Read the full article here to learn how to advocate for your sexual health needs and join our community of women prioritizing their whole-body wellness.

We also have a complete discussion on this topic in our magazine. Click here for your free copy.

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Women in Wellness 2025: Meet Akeira Johnson, MD at Beyond The Stethoscopes

I'm excited to share some big news! I was recently featured in the "Women in Wellness 2025" special in Natural Awakenings Milwaukee! The article highlights my work at Beyond The Stethoscopes, where I'm providing comprehensive wellness education with a special focus on lifestyle as an approach to medicine & women's health across all life stages.

The feature discusses my unique approach of blending evidence-based medicine with mindfulness and personalized care, particularly focusing on how I help women interpret their body's signals and address concerns that are often dismissed elsewhere. I'm especially passionate about women's sexual health, hormonal transitions, and creating personalized health plans that align with real-life functional goals.

What makes my approach different is the focus on whole-person care rather than treating isolated symptoms, and providing unrushed sessions where women feel truly seen and heard.

The most exciting part? I'm growing a community with my weekly blog, newsletter and quarterly women's health magazine! As part of the feature, I'm offering a free 30-minute personalized lifestyle wellness plan to the first 10 people who mention the article. I'd love for you to check out the feature in this month’s issue and share it with anyone who might benefit from this approach to women's wellness.

It's been a journey to create this platform, and I'm thrilled to have it recognized while expanding my reach through supportive exposure. Thank you all for your support along the way!

Check out the feature here:

Meet Akeira Johnson, MD at Beyond The Stethoscopes

Women’s Health News You Can Use

Celebrating Women's Health Week | Comprehensive Women's Health Strategies for Mind-Body Wellness

5/12-5/15/25 is national women’s health week!

Research shows that women who take a proactive, integrated approach to their health experience better outcomes across both physical and mental wellbeing. This evidence-based guidance emphasizes five key pillars: regular provider communication about screenings and maternal warning signs; balanced nutrition including folic acid for those of reproductive age; consistent physical activity (aiming for 150 minutes weekly); prioritizing mental health through stress management and social connection; and maintaining healthy habits during hormonal transitions like menstruation and menopause. What distinguishes truly effective health management is the interconnection between these elements—addressing sleep quality, substance avoidance, and finding personally meaningful activities creates a foundation for resilience.

How to use this information in your own health planning: Create a quarterly wellness calendar that schedules not only standard preventive appointments but also dedicated time for physical activity, mental health practices, and sleep hygiene assessment, particularly during hormonal shifts when these elements become even more crucial for symptom management and overall vitality.

Share your best balanced wellness efforts in the comments and let’s learn from one another collectively!