Do You Want
to Talk About Sex?
If you are
an average American woman, the answer is “No”.
Sexual dysfunction affects 45% of American women and
worsens with age. Compare that to 30% of men. This is hard to believe with the
plethora of media ads selling erectile dysfunction medications. (Usually, while
my children are watching TV).
Here’s the Problem
There is no FDA
approved medication for female sexual dysfunction in the United States. Given
the multitude of health benefits, not only should there be medication, sex
should be mandatory to lower the overall health risks of our nation!
Ok,
sometimes I get a little overzealous but, seriously, think about this:
Benefits of Sex
·
Relieves
stress
·
Lowers
blood pressure
·
Improves
depression
·
Excellent
cardiovascular exercise
·
Twice
or more a week reduces the risk of heart attack by half
·
Boosts
self- esteem
·
Orgasm
releases Oxytocin, the “love hormone”, which builds trust and promotes bonding
with your partner. Oxytocin also promotes sleep and what middle aged woman
doesn’t need that?
·
Releases
Endorphins to naturally relieve pain
·
Strengthens
pelvic floor muscles which minimize incontinence.
With all this great stuff, every
woman in America should be as interested in sex as we are in going to the Gym
or watching our Carbs.
Unfortunately the female sexual
response is so complex you could say we are engineered more like a Bugatti versus
the man’s Kia. There is lack of interest, lack of arousal, inability to reach
orgasm, pain, and desensitized sex organs.
These problems may stem from decreased levels of estrogen, progesterone,
testosterone, serotonin, and nitric oxide. Also, increased levels of
inflammatory compounds such as cytokines and monoamine oxidase can destroy
dopamine which is a pleasure enhancing compound in the brain. The altered hormonal levels not only affect
the brain but also change the anatomy of the vagina decreasing the pleasurable
nerve response.
What Can Be Done
Every woman must make the decision that is best
for them as to whether to replace lost hormones or not. The biggest panic came in 2002 with the
results of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). The study showed an increased
risk of Breast cancer of 24% at 5 years.
At the same time, they found 60% lower Coronary artery calcium in
patients treated with Estrogen, 30% decreased hip fractures, 44% decreased colorectal
cancer and a decreased rate of Diabetes. Since this time, a large French study
used bio-identical hormones in a younger population and showed many benefits. Hormones are replaced using bio-identicals
which include Estradiol, Estriol, Progesterone, DHEA and Testosterone.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a hormone released in the
brain in the posterior pituitary. It is released by both men and women during
orgasm. Oxytocin is used in women who have difficulty reaching orgasm. It is
supplied both intranasally and sublingual.
“Is there a Viagra for Women?”
How many times have I heard that
one?! And the answer is Yes. It is used
at a lower dose and, just as the above medications, it is not FDA approved for
women.
Scream cream
No, I didn’t make that up. That’s what the Compounding phamacists call a
combination of medications that when applied to the clitoril area, increase
blood supply and sensitivity. The actual ingredients vary from physician to
physician. Mine is top secret but you
can make an appointment and find out.
Herbals and Supplements
Ginseng, Ginko, Damiana, L-Arginine,
Tribulus Terrestrius, and White Peony have all been used to increase
circulation and increase desire all with varying degrees of effectiveness.
The G-spot or the Grafenberg spot named for the German physician who discovered it,
is the area of the vagina responsible for producing vaginal orgasms. If you are a woman who is already
comfortable with her body, you may already know exactly where your G-spot is.
The G-Spot (4)
is reportedly located one to three inches into the vagina, at the side of the
urethra (6) and the urinary bladder (2).
This area can be enlarged using
dermal fillers or fat transfer for greater stimulation.
Vaginoplasty is a fancy name for
tightening the vagina back to its more youthful state. The end goal is to
create greater friction and sensation for both you and your partner. This is an
outpatient procedure commonly done with a laser or radiofrequency modalities.
It does require 6 weeks of pelvic rest to recover.
Your overall sexual health is crucial
for your overall health and aging process. In addition to all the above
treatments, there is no replacement for a healthy diet full of nutrients and
antioxidants, regular exercise, proper sleep and consistent stress reduction.
All of these release serotonin which just plain makes you happy!
“Happy” and healthy are key goals at
Terese S. Harris , M.D.
For appointments, call today:
Terese S. Harris, M.D., FACOG
19671 Beach Blvd. #315
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714-794-1818
http://www.tereseharrismd.com/
