SIWSH provides hope to women
suffering from complex
pelvic and vulvar pain disorders.
SIWSH can help you.
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How is SIWSH changing lives?
Dr. Williams and the SIWSH team discuss how SIWSH began.
Our Team
The Southern Institute for Women’s Sexual Health (SIWSH) offers women comprehensive diagnosis and effective treatment of pelvic and vulvar pain, ending the suffering that so many women endure in silence. Complaints regarding sexual function are one of the most common concerns heard by gynecologists, but often the last thing mentioned by patients. At SIWSH, Dr. Katherine Williams eases her patients’ pain by addressing it directly and empowering her patients to achieve pain-free intimacy.
Dr. Williams is an expert in accurately diagnosing and effectively treating sexual pain disorders, disorders of the skin around the vulva, and sexual side effects experienced after chemotherapy, menopause, childbirth and contraceptives.
While the first step for all patients is an appointment with Dr. Williams, the SIWSH team includes Katherine Williams, MD, FACOG, IF, Jay Saux III, MD, Michelle Sierra, PT, and Kelly Brewster, WHNP.
Technology
Appointment Info
A typical SIWSH appointment is much more intensive and thorough than a normal gynecological visit, with Dr. Williams spending at least three times as long with each of her patients. Patients who suffer from pelvic and vulvar pain or dysfunction need additional time, attention, and tests to determine the best course of treatment. At SIWSH, Dr. Williams strives to help women achieve the intimacy they deserve. SIWSH has two office locations, in Covington and in New Orleans. To reach either office, please call (985) 871-0707.
Initial Visit
Each new patient is asked to fill out an extensive questionnaire several days before her initial visit so that Dr. Williams has time to review it thoroughly. It allows her to really understand the patient’s concerns and medical history; it’s the littlest details that are most concerning.
During the appointment, which may take 1 – 2 hours, Dr. Williams reviews the questionnaire again with the patient. This is followed by a pelvic evaluation which includes a variety of tests, including a vulvoscopy (examination of the area around the vagina under a microscope), a physical exam, and possible culture to test for infection. After reviewing the results of the tests, Dr. Williams discusses her findings with the patient and shares her recommended plan of care (POC). The POC can include some combination of regular prescriptions, compounded medications, blood work, a physical therapy referral, ThermiVa treatments, or surgery.
Follow Up Visits
The patient is usually seen 10 weeks after her initial visit to monitor progress and to adjust her POC if needed. SIWSH, upon request, provides a detailed follow up report for the patient to take to her personal physician to continue long-term care. Continue reading “Appointment Info”
In the News
Metro Fitness Magazine 
Pick up a local issue of Metro Fitness to see what my doctor, Dr. Katherine Williams, is doing to help raise awareness for women’s sexual health! Make sure you check out her articles. A new one will be published in each month’s magazine for the rest of the year!
You Night Events
Read more in The Time Picayune about You Night and about Dr. Williams’ involvement.
Dr. Williams’ OBGYN practice, The Center for Women’s Health, is the top-rated OBGYN clinic in West St. Tammany according to readers of Northshore Parent.
Dr. Williams was featured in Sophisticated Woman Magazine in 2014.
Blog
Can the Pill Actually ‘Castrate’ Women?
The birth control pill, or oral contraceptive pill (OCP), which is made of synthetic hormones, became the first “lifestyle” drug prescribed to women for personal, family planning… Read more “Can the Pill Actually ‘Castrate’ Women?”
Does the Birth Control Pill Castrate Women?
The birth control pill, or oral contraceptive pill (OCP), which is made of synthetic hormones, became the first “lifestyle” drug prescribed to women for personal, family-planning reasons… Read more “Does the Birth Control Pill Castrate Women?”
When Sex Hurts: Moving From Ow! to Wow!
“The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.” -Leonardo daVinci When you think of the word sex, do you associate it with pleasure? What if you’re first association was… Read more “When Sex Hurts: Moving From Ow! to Wow!”
Testimonials
“To all women who are experiencing pain, dryness, scar tissue, lack of sexual desire, hormone issues, please see Dr. Williams as soon as possible! I have seen several doctors, male and female, and they all told me the same thing. I was experiencing all of these symptoms and everyone told me that I was getting older and that I will have to deal with them. That is Not True! I tried to tolerate the pain, but it started to affect my marriage and my well-being. I was very unhappy! I knew they were wrong and I was too young to put up with this. I was going to find a doctor that would help me. My first visit with Dr. Williams was very encouraging. She gave me a few options, adjusted my medications and offered Physical Therapy. Physical Therapy really intimidated me and I was too embarrassed to go at first. I am so sorry I put the PT off. It was not nearly as bad as I imagined. Lauri Banks, PT was extremely professional, she made me feel very comfortable and most important she reached the goals Dr. Williams set. Dr. Williams is always researching and continuing her education to assure her patients the best care possible. She is devoted to her patients care and well-being and works very hard to make sure everyone gets the treatment and results they are looking for. Dr. Williams, by far is the most devoted and knowledgeable doctor I have seen in a very long time. If you are having any problem please don’t put off seeing Dr. Williams, she will find a solution for you.”
“I had never heard of Lichen Sclerosus, until I was diagnosed with it. A condition that once was the cause of severe discomfort, adversely affecting my ability to be intimate with my husband, is now almost all cleared…thanks to Dr. Williams. We tried changes in my diet and the products I use, and also tried different medications, with some relief in my symptoms, but the symptoms always returned. However, due to her persistence and determination, it appears she has developed an aggressive regimen which has almost completely cleared me of active disease. Once clear, I can just go on a maintenance regimen. I am profoundly grateful to her for giving me such a vital part of my life back! I can’t thank her enough.”
Contact Us
SIWSH has 2 convenient locations:
SIWSH at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery
1717 St. Charles Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 985-871-0707
SIWSH at the Center for Women's Health
104 Innwood Dr.
Covington, LA 70433
Phone: 985-871-0707
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Katherine Williams at SIWSH, please call 985-871-0707. You can also email appointments@siwsh.com if you would like for us to contact you to set up an appointment, or complete the online form for New Patients to better communicate your needs. Please let us know how we can serve you best!
Email Us
Email is a quick and efficient way to communicate with SIWSH. Our staff members are knowledgeable and reliable. Please email info@siwsh.com with any questions you may have or complete our on-line Information Request Form. We look forward to working with you!