Women's Health: Dr. Somi Javaid Shares Expert Advice for Women on Managing Their Sexual Health

“Women’s sexual health is not just about reproduction or the years during which that takes place for most patients. It is not just discussions about contraception and treating STIs. It’s about your quality of life, your mental health, and your overall emotional well-being for your entire life. Today’s woman dreamer, Dr. Somi Javaid is a board-certified OBGYN and founder and Chief Medical Officer of HerMD, an integrated, evidence-based model revolutionizing the future of women’s healthcare. For our Women’s Health series, she shares what every woman should know about managing their sexual health, common misconceptions and more.

1. Tell us your story. You are a Leading women’s sexual health care provider and thought leader, and the founder of HerMD. What inspired your interest in women's health? 

I nearly lost my mother when she was 45 years old - she was dismissed repeatedly by her healthcare providers. Thankfully she is alive to this day; but, unfortunately, her story is not unique. 

My unwavering belief that women’s healthcare is inadequate led me to specialize in sexual health and menopause. For far too long, patients have been dismissed or rendered invisible by the healthcare system. Too many barriers existed for patients who were seeking out care, and those same barriers existed for providers trying to deliver quality care. We collectively deserve better as patients and as providers. We must return back to the true practice of medicine where we have enough time and resources to give patients the care they deserve. 

When I founded HerMD, I made a commitment to myself and those around me that we would change that status quo. Three centers later, with another two on the way in 2023, it’s safe to say that dream has become a reality. 

2. What are some common misconceptions women often have about sexual health? 

Women’s sexual health is not just about reproduction or the years during which that takes place for most patients. It is not just discussions about contraception and treating STIs. It’s about your quality of life, your mental health, and your overall emotional well-being for your entire life. Sexual health should address female pleasure, desire, arousal, and orgasm. Sex should not be painful. You also should not accept that your sex life is “over” past a certain period. We see many patients who come to us with sexual dysfunction after being seen by other providers, and they were told to be “grateful to be alive,” “have a glass of wine,” or “find a new partner/husband.” You deserve to have great sex without shame or stigma, without pain, and with pleasure. 

3. Going into 2023, what is your key piece of advice for managing their sexual health? 

Sexual health care is healthcare, period. Stigma, taboo, and shame have no place in the bedroom or any other location we desire to be intimate. There are treatment solutions for a multitude of female sexual health care concerns. You are not alone. 

4. You are a Board Certified ObGyn with over 20 years of experience. When you decided to start your own practice, what were some of the challenges you faced in launching Her MD, and how did you overcome them? 

The larger community, outside of the medical community, did not understand the need for sexual health care or menopause care. I was laser focused on my mission and my commitment to patients to push through those barriers through education and advocacy for my patients.

5. What is your advice to women who are hesitant to ask about sexual health issues? Do you find that some groups are more hesitant than others to open up for these conversations? 

Do not be afraid to ask questions! It may seem overwhelming at first since a lot of sexual health topics up until recently were considered taboo, but I encourage you to explore your curiosity. We’ve found, at HerMD, if you create the space to have these conversations, patients will feel empowered to take control of their sexual health concerns. 

If you don’t know what questions to ask but are interested in learning more, visit HerMD.com. We offer education on all of our sexual health services.

Thank you Dr. Javaid for sharing your expertise with us. We are excited to have you in our global women’s network!

Dr. Somi Javaid is a board-certified OBGYN and pioneer in the women’s sexual healthcare space. She is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of HerMD, an integrated, evidence-based model revolutionizing the future of women’s healthcare. HerMD centers provide a safe, welcoming space for patients to discuss all their health care needs - shame and stigma-free. Providers at HerMD are hyper-focused on the underserved specialties of menopause and sexual health. The expert team of board-certified OBGYNs, healthcare providers, aestheticians, and a wide network of referral partners are here to help patients make informed decisions about their health concerns nationwide. They offer in-person and virtual care for sexual health, menopause, gynecology, medical aesthetics, and more.