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.

Katherine Williams, MD, FACOG, IF

Dr. Katherine Williams is a tireless voice in her field of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is an empowering advocate for women and their health. With 18 years of experience, Dr. Williams’ fastest growing patient populations are those with sexual dysfunction, pelvic pain, and menopause. To better understand their needs, she completed a fellowship with the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health in 2015. In order to give these patients the time and resources needed to deliver the quality of care that they deserve, Dr. Williams founded the Southern Institute for Women’s Sexual Health. The most rewarding aspects of Dr. Williams’ work are helping her patients to feel alive again, to regain the intimacy that they deserve, and to restore their quality of life.

Jack (Jay) Saux III, MD

Dr. Jay Saux is the renowned “Pirate Oncologist” of St. Tammany Parish. He loves to dress in swashbuckling attire as he goes about his day of caring for his patients and helping everyone deal with the heaviness of a cancer diagnosis. SIWSH offers his patients a more fulfilling life. Knowing the risks and benefits of a particular cancer treatment is paramount in helping women decide how to move forward with their diagnoses as they continue to thrive and survive.

Michelle Sierra, PT

Michelle Sierra is a physical therapist with more than 22 years of experience. She is co-owner of Dynamic Physical Therapy with her husband Stephen. They have two state-of-the-art locations in Covington and Marrero. They understand the need to employ innovative, more effective treatments over time to better serve their patients. One of the many things Michelle loves about her work is that she can give back to the community by supporting local charities, empowering individuals to meet their career goals, and helping her patients get back on their feet.

Kelly Brewster, WHNP

Kelly Brewster is a certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) with 26 years of clinical experience. She continues her lifelong passion for helping women in all stages of life. She assisted with the development of SIWSH as she became more focused on working with menopausal patients and those experiencing sexual dysfunction. In her personal time, Kelly volunteers at the Pentecostals of Mandeville, assists with the daily operation of Olga Allen Farms, and works on additional entrepreneurial endeavors such as Healthcare in a Nutshell, a video series for those without access to proper medical care.

Technology

ThermiVa

One of the tools that SIWSH offers its patients is the ground-breaking ThermiVa. This state-of-the-art device uses radiofrequency energy to heal tissue in the vaginal area by generating the production of collagen. It is a non-surgical minimally-invasive option for women who are suffering from vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, loss of vaginal elasticity, and decreased response to sexual stimuli. ThermiVa treatments can be external only, internal only, or both internal and external depending on what problems the woman wants addressed.The ThermiVa treatment sessions take place in the SIWSH office under the care of Dr. Williams and her staff. The appointments take place monthly over a three month period, with symptoms improving after each session. The ThermiVa is available for purchase through SIWSH. Contact Aimee for more information.

Thermi®, an Almirall Company, is a leading global manufacturer of temperature controlled radiofrequency technology. Because the results have been so astonishing and exciting, it has been highlighted by many television shows. The other Thermi line products include ThermiTight, ThermiRase, ThermiSmooth Face, and ThermiSmooth Body, which are not available at SIWSH.

ThermiVa should not be used on patients who are pregnant, have a urinary tract infection or a skin infection in or around the area of treatment. Treating physicians should perform required testing to confirm patient is negative for infection or pregnancy. Patient should be awake and monitored during the procedure for any unexpected symptoms.

da Vinci Robotic Surgery

The da Vinci Surgical System allows surgeons to operate through a few small incisions of laparoscopy. The surgeon operates from a computer console which controls the robot’s four arms and tiny 3-D digital video camera. Small incisions are made on the abdomen (up to 1cm) through which trocars (sleeves) are inserted. The trocars bend and rotate far greater than the human hand. This allows the surgeon to operate with enhanced vision, precision, and control. The result is a much less invasive procedure with a shorter recovery.

Dr. Williams received her da Vinci Robotic Certification in 2009, and St. Tammany Parish Hospital was the first Northshore hospital to acquire the Da Vinci Surgical System. This exciting technology is available for patients right in their own backyard.

Vulvoscopy Microscopic Test

Because there are certain conditions that can only be diagnosed on the microscopic level, SIWSH performs a vulvoscopy on patients when needed. A vulvoscopy allows Dr. Williams to looks for abnormal cells around the vulva which can indicate several conditions. This enhances the effectiveness of each patient’s plan of care.

Southern Institute for Women's Sexual Health

Our Team