The Science
Defining sexual health
Plain and simple. Our company is focused on the science of better sex.
For many women, especially those entering menopause, hormonal changes in their bodies cause extremely painful symptoms like vaginal dryness, low libido, and genital pain that impact their sexual health. We’re here to help!
- Defining Sexual Health
- Who We Help
- Our Validated Approach
- Our Clinically Effective Products
- Medical Information on Vaginal Estrogen
- Symptoms of Vaginal Atrophy
- Sex & Relationship Coaching
- Results with Odela
- Appendix & Methodology
The gap
we’re here for a reason
Women's sexual health is under-prioritized, and as a result women aren't getting the care they need in the space.
Just 3-10 hrs
Average medical school student, over the course of 4 years, receives just 3-10 hours of sexual health education [1]
Only 13%
of patients are asked about their sexual satisfaction [2]
we’re here for you
You’re not the only one. Many women have symptoms affecting their sexual satisfaction.
Vaginal Dryness
50% of women in menopause experience vaginal dryness [3]
Painful Sex & Sexual Discomfort
Up to 45% of women in menopause have reported having painful sex [4]
50% of women in menopause experience sexual discomfort [5]
Low Libido
52% of menopausal women report low libido [6]
The facts behind the symptoms
your symptoms are telling you something
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness results in women not having not having the best sexual health experience
Healthy vaginal tissue is thick, well-lubricated with great blood flow. During the years leading up to menopause and after menopause, the tissue of the vagina become thin, dry and easily inflamed which occurs because the body is producing less estrogen. Over a 17-year long study that tracked 2,435 midlife women in the US, 60% reported vaginal dryness. Of the women who reported vaginal dryness, 50% did not even think to ask their healthcare provider, thinking that it was just part of aging and being a woman. [7]
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Painful sex & Sexual discomfort
It’s normal. Every woman undergoes similar declines in their hormonal levels, and we’re here to help.
The most well-known effects of the menopause are due to the decline of estrogen & testosterone. Reductions in sexual motivation, sexual arousal, vaginal lubrication, and increase in pain and discomfort are all associated with decreasing hormone levels. By supplementing these hormones vaginally, we’re able to improve satisfaction during sex and reduce pain.
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Low Libido
Physical changes that women experience during menopause impact desire & libido
Hormonal changes caused by menopause have an impact on libido and sexual desire. In addition, other common symptoms associated with menopause can decrease desire for sex, such as brain fog, weight changes, quality of sleep, and night sweats.
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Sexual health is health.
*Multiple studies have shown a strong positive association between sexual function and health-related quality of life.
The need
Sexual health for women is broader than pregnancy and toys.
The current offering of sexual health for women has been limited to fertility, common infections, and toys.
We started Odela because we know that women’s sexuality is multifactorial, impacted by psychological, biological, relational, & social factors.
We look at the whole woman
Our approach
Sexual health applies to more than just your physical health
We look at more than just your physical symptoms when addressing sexual health, we use a biopsychosocial approach. This means we focus on the mental, physical, and social aspects of your life, which could be impacting your overall sexual health & satisfaction.
BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL
We look at physical symptoms that could be disrupting your sexual health, such as vaginal dryness, pain during sex, and discomfort.
The Odela Way:
Customized treatements delivered to you by mail
BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL
Our experts work with you to understand what's holding you back, unblocking paths to optimal orgasms, higher desire & libido, and more.
The Odela Way:
1:1 sex coaching sessions & nurse practioner recommended treatments focused on more than just prescriptions
BIOPSYCHOPSOCIAL
We help you work with your environment and relationships, fostering a community of women striving to achieve their best sex life.
The Odela Way:
Community content & relationship coaching focused on sexual health and wellness
what is estrogen?
An important group of hormones with extensive effects.
Estrogens are a group of hormones that play an important role in the normal sexual and reproductive development in women. Estradiol is the main form of estrogen found circulating in the female body, and it’s what Odela prescribes.
Symptoms of low estrogen
Vaginal Dryness
aka ‘vaginal atrophy’ where the tissues shrink
Decreased Sex Drive
Irregular or No Periods
Amenorrhea
Mood Changes
Frequent UTIs
due to thinning of the vaginal tissues
Painful Intercourse
Hot Flashes & Night Sweats
Weak/Brittle Bones
Fatigue & Sleeping Problems
Headaches
Treatment Details
Vaginal Estrogen (Estradiol)
Estrogen (estradiol) is a hormone primarily found in the ovaries. Over time, the ovaries decrease production of estradiol which causes the various undesirable effects encompassing menopause. Vaginal estrogen works to restore the health of the tissues in the vagina and vulva. The estrogen in the medication binds to receptors of the vaginal tissue cells and causes the same action as the hormone naturally occurring prior to menopause, leading to the relief of symptoms of a postmenopausal or low estradiol state.
Only 4%
of women affected with vaginal dryness actively use any of the many proven therapies that include vaginal estrogen tablets, creams, and rings that alleviate these pain points.
how vaginal estradiol works
Vaginal estrogen is the safest way to replenish hormones lost in the vaginal tissues.
The estrogen in the medication binds to receptors of the vaginal tissue cells and causes the same action as the hormone. Estradiol is a hormone that is identical to the estrogen produced by our bodies that is plant-derived and FDA-approved.
The benefits of vaginal estrogen
Decreased Pain during Intercourse
Increase Vaginal Blood Flow & Lubrication
Use & Application
Vaginal Estrogen Suppositories
Vaginal estrogen suppositories improve vaginal estrogen levels. They are small and look pill-like. Patients insert suppository into the vaginal canal at night time.
Use & Application
Vaginal Estrogen Cream
Vaginal estrogen cream can be used on the vaginal tissues (labia minora, labia majora, introitus or opening of the vagina, and inside the vaginal canal).
What is sex & Relationship Coaching?
Sex & Relationship Coaching is a goal-oriented approach, designed to improve your sex life.
Sex coaches are professionals with special expertise in helping individuals address sexual health goals by providing information, improving communication, and giving instruction in specific exercises to improve intimacy and pleasure. Unlike other couples therapy solutions, working with a professional coach can help you to reduce stress and strengthen your relationships. Our goal at Odela is to provide a 360 approach to sexual health, which includes the sociological aspects of health.
We’ve created a judgment-free environment whereby individuals can become more sexually informed and empowered.
The benefits of sex & Relationship coaching
Unlock Barriers in Your Sexual Health Life
Whether it’s shame, stigma, or trauma from the past, work with your coach to define, discuss, and heal what’s holding you back in your sexual health journey. Move forward with vulnerability and trust.
Improve Your Relationship with Sex
Learn what you need for the best sex life. Understand the psychological barriers holding you back, and become more sexually informed and empowered.
Strengthen Your Relationships
Embrace intimacy and improve your relationship with yourself and your partner(s).
Appendix
- PubMed, Summit on medical school education in sexual health: report of an expert consultation
- Journal Of Sexual Medicine, What We Don’t Talk About When We Don’t Talk About Sex
- National Library of Medicine, Factors associated with developing vaginal dryness symptoms in women transitioning through menopause: a longitudinal study
- NAMS, Prevalence and association between objective signs and subjective symptoms of vaginal atrophy: the AGATA study