YOUR SEX LIFE VERSUS YOUR REAL LIFE
A LOVE HATE STORY
When your desire to finish laundry trumps the desire for sex
Causes
-
Medications like anti-depressants, especially SSRIs like Prozac, Paxil, and Lexapro, are huge culprits. Anti-anxiety and sleep medications like Valium, Xanax, and Ativan can also tank your desire.
-
Exhaustion is a major contributor here, sex is not always the first thing on the mind after a long day of work or taking care of the kids...or both.
-
Lack of sleep.
-
STRESS
-
Relationship issues play a big role. Problems communicating = trouble in the bedroom.
-
Illness or recovery from surgery.
-
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause - vaginal dryness and/or atrophy.
-
Vaginal infection.
-
Endometriosis.
-
Vaginismus.
-
Prolapse of pelvic organs.
-
Thyroid disorder.
-
Depression/anxiety/poor body image.
The Pill and Low T
Most birth control pills contain the female hormones estrogen and progestin. Many pills lower your testosterone. That’s the hormone that makes you want to have sex. You probably think of testosterone as a guy hormone. Women have it, too, just not as much. Most women who take the pill still make enough testosterone to have a healthy love life. But if you’re low to begin with, your sex drive could take a hit.
Treatment
LIFESTYLE
-
Sleep - Try to get at least 8 hours a night.
-
Choose Dark Chocolate: is an excellent source of bioflavonoids, which supports the circulatory system, allowing for engorgement of sexual organs, arousal, and lubrication.
-
Stress reduction - Pure some Dr. Teal's Epsom salt in a hot bath and RELAX.
-
Hydration.
-
Exercise - Take a walk, get out, see some nature, and turn off your technology.
-
Have a date night once a week; that's right, you heard me, doctor's orders. You find time to schedule manicures, go shopping, and grab a coffee. Why not do the same for sex?
-
Acupuncture - it can't hurt, well maybe it can- but if it helps...
-
Counseling - relationship.
-
Sex therapy. Rachel Wright provides sex therapy for couples.
HERBS
-
Maca from the native Peruvian maca root plant has been used for centuries to enhance fertility and sex drive.
-
Korean red ginseng (KRG): ginseng may encourage blood flow to your genitals, which might improve arousal, orgasm, and vaginal health.
-
Red clover may help with vaginal health, libido, and sexual function.
LUBRICATION
-Available online. You do NOT need a prescription.
-
Zestra Essential Arousal Oil --- Blend of botanical oils and extracts with no chemicals, hormones, parabens, or drugs. Peaks in just 10 minutes and lasts up to 45 minutes!
MEDICATION
-
Vaginal DHEA: Nature’s Naturopathic ReNewed Vaginal Suppositories.
-
Intrarosa: A prescription vaginal DHEA used in women after menopause to treat moderate to severe pain during sexual intercourse caused by changes in and around the vagina that happen with menopause.
-
Estrogen: Pill, vaginal insert, or ring.
-
Bupropion.
-
Osphena: For vaginal dryness.
-
ADDYI: A newer medication that is indicated for the treatment of premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
-
Oxytocin: Regulates the arousal level of our nervous system.
-
FSC Cream/Scream Cream/Screaming O Cream.
-
DIM Detox: Frees up bound testosterone and optimizes estrogen balance.
MACHINES
-
Vibrator --- Applied to the clitoris, labia, and vagina.
-
Vaginal dilators
-
Clitoris Vacuum Therapy: The Eros Device FDA-approved treatment for women’s sexual arousal and orgasmic disorders. It is a small, hand-held device that can be used by the patient at home with or without her partner. It works by applying a gentle vacuum to the clitoris, restoring blood flow to the genital area. Repeated use may improve or restore natural sexual response. The Eros is available by prescription only. The device was tested on 25 women, 15 of whom complained of sexual arousal disorder. Of those 15 women, all 15 experienced increased sensation, 7 reported more orgasms, 12 more satisfaction, and 11 more lubrication. No adverse effects were reported from the device.