Real Solutions for Sexual Health Concerns in Men and Women

By Martyna, Nurse Practitioner at Joy Wellness Partners

Hi everyone, I’m Martyna Erskine—a board-certified Nurse Practitioner and functional medicine provider at Joy Wellness Partners. I’ve been with this incredible team for nearly seven years, and during that time, I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of individuals and couples navigate something that affects so much more than we talk about: sexual health.

We don’t talk about intimacy enough, especially not as part of a person’s overall wellness. But here at JWP, we know that sexual health is vital—not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and relationally. It impacts how we connect with our partners, how we feel about ourselves, and how we experience life.

That’s why I want to have a real conversation with you today. Let’s talk about the concerns I see most often from both men and women—and most importantly, the solutions that are available. There is hope, and there are options that work.

Why Sexual Health Matters (and Why It’s Often Overlooked)

Sexual health concerns are incredibly common, but they’re also incredibly isolating. Whether it’s erectile dysfunction, low libido, or pain during intimacy, these issues can affect everything—from mood and confidence to relationships and even career performance. And yet, many people still feel embarrassed to bring them up.

Let me reassure you: these concerns are normal, and you are not alone.

Erectile Dysfunction: More Than Just “Performance Issues”

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects over 30 million men in the U.S. alone. It’s the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfying intercourse. While it often becomes more common with age, I’m seeing more and more younger men dealing with it—and it’s not always about age.

ED is often a symptom of something deeper:

• Cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure or atherosclerosis
  
  
• Diabetes, which damages the small blood vessels essential for erections
  
  
• Hormonal imbalances, especially low testosterone
  
  
• Mental health concerns like anxiety and depression
  
  
• Lifestyle choices—poor diet, smoking, alcohol, and yes, vaping (more on that later)
  
  

If your body can’t deliver sufficient blood flow to the penis, an erection just won’t happen. That’s why ED is often the first sign of heart disease. When your heart health suffers, so does your sexual health.

But that doesn’t mean it’s permanent—far from it.

Low Libido: What’s Really Going On?

Low libido is a lack of desire or interest in sex—and it’s something that affects both men and women, though often in different ways.

For men, low libido is often tied to low testosterone. That’s a fairly straightforward fix once we’ve confirmed it through labs. But for women? Oh boy, it’s more complicated.

In women, low libido can be caused by:

• Hormonal imbalances (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone)
  
  
• Antidepressants and birth control
  
  
• Postpartum hormone crashes
  
  
• Menopause or perimenopause
  
  
• Chronic stress and fatigue
  
  
• Poor body image
  
  
• Pain during sex due to dryness or pelvic trauma
  
  
• Past experiences, trauma, or even cultural shame around sex
  
  

It’s so important to know that this isn’t just in your head—but also, the mind does play a huge role. Libido for women is tied up in emotional connection, mental clarity, and feeling safe in their bodies and relationships.

So, when we treat libido issues, we need to take a full-person approach.

The Impact of Hormones (and Why Vaping Is Worse Than You Think)

Our hormones rule everything. Estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, progesterone—they don’t just affect reproductive health. They influence:

• Blood flow
  
  
• Energy
  
  
• Mood
  
  
• Motivation
  
  
• Sensation
  
  
• Desire
  
  

And here’s the kicker: vaping is a huge libido killer. It introduces xenoestrogens (fake estrogens) into your body and acts as a vasoconstrictor, reducing blood flow to your genitals. So if you’re vaping and wondering why your sex drive is in the tank…there’s your answer.

Let’s Talk Solutions

You don’t need to accept low libido or ED as your “new normal.” There are amazing, non-invasive, evidence-based treatments that can restore your sexual health—and your confidence.

1. Shockwave Therapy

This is one of my favorite tools. It uses acoustic sound waves to stimulate blood flow and promote angiogenesis—the formation of new blood vessels. More vessels = better blood flow = stronger, longer-lasting erections and enhanced sensation.

It works for women too! We use it to stimulate blood flow and nerve regeneration in the vaginal and clitoral area, especially after childbirth or menopause.

2. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections

For men, it’s called the P-Shot. For women, it’s the O-Shot. We draw a small amount of your blood, spin it down to extract growth-factor-rich plasma, and then inject it into targeted areas (the penis, the clitoris, the G-spot). This promotes tissue healing, sensation, lubrication, and incontinence improvement for women.

Don’t worry—we numb you thoroughly beforehand, and the procedure is quick with very minimal downtime.

3. Supplements That Actually Work

• Vascanox: Boosts nitric oxide production for improved blood flow
  
  
• Arterosil: Repairs the inner lining of your blood vessels
  
  
• LibidoStim-F: Designed for women to increase energy, mood, and testosterone
  
  
• PT-141 (Bremelanotide): A peptide that increases sexual desire in both men and women
  
  
• 5-HTP: Supports serotonin and mood, especially helpful for women with PMS or depressive symptoms
  
  

We tailor these based on your needs. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach here.

Hormones: The Foundation of Sexual Wellness

For long-term improvement, we often combine intimacy treatments with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. This is especially powerful for:

• Men with low testosterone
  
  
• Women experiencing perimenopause, menopause, or postpartum hormone crashes
  
  

By restoring natural hormone balance, we’re addressing the root cause—not just the symptom.

Our Wellness Bundles: Everything You Need in One Plan

We know this journey can feel overwhelming. That’s why we created wellness bundles—curated packages that combine treatments, supplements, and follow-up care.

Here’s a quick look at a few:

For Men

• Executive Bundle: Includes P-Shot, shockwave, supplements, and tune-ups—our Cadillac option.
  
  
• Elite Bundle: No needles! Just shockwave and vascular support supplements.
  
  
• Elevated Bundle: P-Shot + shockwave, perfect for men without cardiovascular risk.
  
  
• Essential Bundle: One-stop-shop. P-Shot + shockwave + year of supplements.
  
  

For Women

• Executive Bundle: O-Shot + shockwave + customized options like PT-141, oxytocin nasal spray, or scream cream.
  
  
• Elite Bundle: No needles. Just shockwave and tailored supplements.
  
  
• Elevated Bundle: O-Shot + shockwave, focused on physical health.
  
  
• Essential Bundle: In-and-out appointment with O-Shot, shockwave, and take-home products.
  
  

These packages are discounted 20–40%, and even more during Wellness Week. You’ll get everything you need in a structured, supportive way.

Ready to Start? Here’s How.

If anything in this blog resonated with you, let’s talk. We offer free 15-minute consultations where we’ll listen to your goals, concerns, and history—and help you figure out what’s best for you.

This isn’t about just fixing one part of your body. It’s about reconnecting with yourself and your partner. It’s about confidence, comfort, and joy.

Thank you for reading, for being curious, and for taking your wellness seriously. You deserve to feel good—physically, emotionally, and intimately.

With Joy,
Martyna Erskine, NP AAFM