Dr Sharon Vasey
Specialist General Practitioner Women's Health | Medical Educator
Dr Sharon Vasey sees patients at Elara Women's Health, Joondalup.
Sexual Health & Wellbeing
Compassionate, sensitive care for sexual health concerns affecting your quality of life and intimate relationships.
Table Of Contents
Your Sexual Health Matters
Sexual health is an important part of overall wellbeing, yet many women find it difficult to discuss concerns about painful sex, low libido, or vulval and vaginal health. At Elara, we provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can talk openly about these issues.
Our doctors take a sensitive, thorough approach to understanding the underlying causes of sexual health concerns and developing effective, personalised treatment plans.
Painful Sex (Dyspareunia)
There can be a variety of reasons for painful sex, ranging from infections, tight pelvic floor muscles, low libido, anxiety or low oestrogen causing vaginal discomfort/dryness.
Our doctors will conduct a careful history and sensitive examination to find the cause and formulate an appropriate management plan, sometimes involving referral to our excellent pelvic floor physiotherapists for more in-depth treatment plans. In some cases, topical oestrogen can be very helpful with menopause related vaginal discomfort/dyspareunia.
Common causes include:
- Vaginal dryness (often related to menopause or breastfeeding)
- Tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles
- Infections (thrush, bacterial vaginosis)
- Endometriosis or pelvic pain conditions
- Anxiety or past trauma
- Skin conditions affecting the vulva
Treatment options may include:
- Topical oestrogen for vaginal dryness
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy
- Treatment of underlying infections
- Psychological support
- Lubricants and moisturisers
- Management of underlying conditions
Loss of Libido
This can cause relationship problems and has many causes, including psychological/stress, relationship issues and perimenopause/menopause.
Treatments can include psychological therapy, psychosexual therapy, relationship counselling and menopause hormone therapy and or topical testosterone such as Androfeme.
Factors that can affect libido:
- Hormonal changes (perimenopause, menopause, postpartum)
- Stress and fatigue
- Relationship difficulties
- Mental health concerns (depression, anxiety)
- Medications (antidepressants, contraceptives)
- Chronic pain or illness
- Body image concerns
Management approaches:
- Addressing underlying hormonal factors
- Menopause hormone therapy when appropriate
- Topical testosterone (Androfeme)
- Psychological or psychosexual therapy
- Relationship counselling
- Lifestyle modifications
Vulval and Vaginal Health
Vulval skin is sensitive and can be easily irritated by skin care products or even panty liners. Skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus or psoriasis can sometimes be a problem, and in older women, occasional vulval cancers can develop.
Our doctors can advise on vulva skin care and appropriate topical steroids with referral for more complex cases.
Common vulval conditions:
- Lichen sclerosus
- Lichen planus
- Vulval dermatitis or eczema
- Psoriasis
- Recurrent thrush
- Vulvodynia (chronic vulval pain)
Symptoms to watch for:
- Persistent itching or burning
- Changes in skin colour or texture
- Lumps or lesions
- Pain or discomfort
- Unusual discharge
We provide:
- Thorough examination and diagnosis
- Vulval skin care advice
- Topical treatments (steroids, oestrogen)
- Referral to dermatology or gynaecology when needed
- Long-term monitoring for chronic conditions
Our Sexual Health & Wellbeing Team
Dr Aye Kinzanar Kyaw
Specialist General Practitioner Women's Health
Dr Aye Kinzanar Kyaw sees patients at Elara Women's Health, Joondalup.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are a specialised women’s health service delivered by a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals dedicated to evidence-based care and advanced women’s health expertise. Meet our team.
Dr Sharon Vasey holds the Diploma of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (UK), and Dr Aye Kinzanar holds the Diploma from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). Both doctors are members of the Australasian Menopause Society.
If you would like the opportunity to discuss your health issues with one of our doctors and receive guidance on next steps for your health journey we can offer a bulk billed video discovery call. Find out more.
Women’s health can be complex and require a longer appointment. At Elara we offer appointments ranging from 15 minutes to an hour.
For or latest fees, check out our pricing page.
1/165 Grand Boulevard, Joondalup.
Review our contact page for full contact information and how to find us.
For answers to more questions, check our frequently asked questions pages for patient information, menopause, endometriosis and contraception.
Why Choose Elara for Sexual Health?
Safe, Non-Judgmental Space
We understand how sensitive these issues are and provide a compassionate, confidential environment to discuss your concerns.
Thorough Assessment
We take the time to understand all potential contributing factors—physical, hormonal, and psychological.
Holistic Treatment
We address sexual health concerns from multiple angles, including medical, physiotherapy, and psychological support.
Get Expert Care for Your Hormonal Health
Our comprehensive assessment allows us to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses your symptoms while supporting your long-term reproductive and overall health. You deserve answers and effective management.