| An article from Rebecca J. Hulem, RN, RNP, Certified Menopause Clinician… WHERE, OH WHERE DID MY LIBIDO GO? If there's one topic that's "very hot", no pun intended, it's sexual dysfunction in women. It's something many of us can moan about. In fact, women who have attended my seminars on menopause have been "treated" to me singing the following limerick as I introduce the topic of Female Sexuality and Aging. Where,
oh where did my libido go? Millions of women who are now passing through menopause are complaining and, very surprised to discover, that they have absolutely no desire to have sex anymore. If this is how you feel, know that you are not alone! Even though the lack of sexual desire is the most commonly heard complaint of a woman in menopause, doctors and sex therapists have now divided sexual dysfunction into four categories. These are:
Keep in mind that even if you can identify with any or all of the above categories, it's not considered a sexual disorder unless you're distressed about it, or it negatively affects your relationship with your partner. There are four factors that may cause or contribute to sexual dysfunction. These factors are:
When treating sexual dysfunction in women it is important that all four factors be taken into consideration and explored before any treatment is prescribed. It is tempting in our "pushbutton", "quick fix", "hurry-up-and-get- it-done" society to jump on the hormone bandwagon. However, hormones may or may not solve the problem, and so should not be considered lightly. Remember that for women, sexual response is complex and involves a mind-body connection. Yes, indeed, women are complex creatures…unlike their "simplistic" male counterparts, who manage to have a sexual thought every 7 - 9 seconds!!! If after careful consideration, hormones (or lack of them) do appear to be the main culprit, the following guidelines may apply:
Examples of commercially-made estrogen products that can be used locally, i.e., inside the vagina, are Estring® and Vagifem® tablets. Ask your health care provider for more information. Testosterone presents a trickier situation. Most commercially-made testosterone products on the market right now are intended for men and are at much higher doses than women can tolerate. Estratest®, which is FDA-approved for hot flashes, has been given to women for libido problems. However, the results have been disappointing. Bio-identical, compounded testosterone is another option which can either be applied locally (to vaginal and clitoral tissue), or taken by pill or capsule. There are also promising new possibilities waiting in the wings for FDA approval. An example of this is a testosterone patch. In its trials so far, it does appear to be proving an increase in the sexual desire so many women long for. Stay tuned. Talk frankly to your nurse practitioner, nurse midwife or doctor about the different courses of treatment they recommend, and talk frankly about what you can expect as you age. Then communicate this knowledge to your partner. Remember, you never outgrow your need for affection, emotional closeness and intimate love. The need for intimacy is ageless and essential. So communicate openly and honestly with your partner, and it will free you both to discover a deeper, more satisfying level of sexual intimacy than you may have ever imagined. I'll leave you with this great quote from Agatha Christie: "An archaeologist is the best husband a woman can have; the older she gets, the more interested he is in her!" For more information about sexual changes during menopause, check out the chapter entitled "Where, Oh Where Did My Libido Go?" in my book, Feelin' Hot?. You'll find a more detailed explanation of the causes of decreased libido, and an eye-opening discussion about the differences in how men and women approach sex. Plus, you'll also learn how to create the "Perfect Sex Date" with your partner! Rebecca J. Hulem has 28 years experience in the medical community and is the author of Feelin' Hot and contributing author to two additional books. To sign up for her free menopause newsletter or for further information, please refer to her website at http://themenopauseexpert.com.
|
| ||||||
 |
Health Topic: Tummy Tuck Surgery: What No One Tells You Medicare Part D: Everything you need to know How to choose the best weight loss program | ||||||
|
Information obtained from MamasHealth.com™ should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner, nor should it be inferred as such. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about a specific condition.
Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms
of Use. If you want a review of your product featured on MamasHealth.com, let us know. ©2000 - 2008 MamasHealth.com™. All rights reserved | ||||||
|
 | ||||||
