Sexual Dysfunction: “Not Tonight, I Have a Headache”

Sexual dysfunction can affect woman of any age – pregnant or not. It’s a common problem, but one that offers a number of solutions. If the zing has left your relationship, do something about it. Here’s how to get your groove back!

Sexual dysfunction is a problem that can affect women of any age at any time. Women who are between the ages of 35 to 65 however are more likely to suffer from sexual dysfunction. It is at this time of life that women describe a pattern of sexual response that is perceived as a problem by the woman and/or her sexual partner.

The Sexual Response
The human sexual response is complicated. Most women will go through many different physiological changes during sexual arousal. These changes may begin with the initial period of excitement, where the vaginal wall becomes lubricated and the skin becomes flushed. This stage is typically followed by a plateau, where muscle tension is built up and blood congestion occurs in the vagina. This is typically followed by orgasm and resolution, where most women will experience a decline in sexual tension and release

Many Factors can Influence your Sexual Function and Response

Your Environment
Overall Health
Biological and Hormonal Changes
Emotional Well Being
Interpersonal Relationship
Socio-Cultural Influences
Sexuality over the Course of a Lifetime
Most women’s sexuality and sexual response changes and develops over the course of their lifetime. These changes may be the result of personal experiences, interests, cultural attitudes, behaviors and other factors.

The biological and hormonal changes that typically occur during midlife often impact sexuality most abruptly. Understanding these changes may be the first step toward overcoming sexual dysfunction.

One of the hallmarks of midlife is a decline in estrogen, a female hormone produced in the ovaries. As a woman approaches menopause, varying ovarian function often leads to a drop in estrogen levels over time. This can result in a decreased blood flow to the vagina, which may ultimately affect sexual function.

Other changes that result from this decline include vaginal dryness and decreased elasticity of the vaginal wall. The clitoris may also change, becoming less sensitive in some cases and smaller in size.

Most women do not realize that they produce more testosterone, a male hormone responsible for libido or sex drive, than estrogen. Over time the production of testosterone declines in women and may result in contributing to sexual dysfunction.

Men also may experience a decrease in testosterone production over time, which may result in decreased penile sensitivity and diminished blood flow. It is important to recognize this very important fact of aging, so that women realize they are not alone. Such changes in their partner may cause them to withdraw from intimacy, having a profound impact on a woman’s desire and sexual response.

Decreased libido and sexual desire are common among women during the years preceding menopause.

Looking for ways to address sexual dysfunction? Don’t worry. Be happy at Women’s health Care Topics.

 

TIME TO KICK BUTT

Despite known risks of cigarette smoking more than 23 percent of women still smoke, increasing their risk of cervical cancer, heart disease, respiratory problems and more. Smoking is a known killer, but hundreds of thousands of women will die each year from lighting up.
Most women who smoke are between the ages of 25 and 44. Teenage women also make up a significant percentage of smokers in the United States. Second hand smoke is just as damaging, resulting in more than 40,000 deaths every year.

Smoking cessation prevents much of the damage associated with cigarette smoking including heart disease and cancer. There are many benefits of quitting smoking, which we will describe below.

Smoking Cessation Benefits
Women who quit smoking will realize immediate health benefits. Women who quit smoking before they reach the age of 50 reduce their risk of dying of smoking by as much as one-half. Smoking cessation also reduces the risk of heart disease in people exposed to second hand smoke.

The most common side effects of smoking cigarettes
Pulmonary and Respiratory Disorders: Smoking increases your risk of developing a condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The lung damage that occurs from pulmonary disease is not often reversible. However, if you do quit smoking your lung function will not decline further, and you may notice an improvement in coughing and breathing.

Cardiovascular disease: Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease in the United States. Women who smoke more than double their risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Immediately stopping smoking can result in instant improvement in your cardiovascular function and a reduced risk of heat disease. After smoking cessation has continued for at least a year, your risk of developing cardiovascular disease drops by 50 percent. Your risk continues to decline the more years you remain smoke free. Some studies suggest the heart attack risk for smoker’s drops to that of nonsmokers after two years of cessation.

Cancer: Cigarette smoking contributes to developing several different kinds of cancer, including cervical cancer, lung cancer, cancer of the esophagus, mouth, bladder and pancreas. Smoking cessation can improve your survival rate and reduce your risk of developing severe cancers resulting from smoking.

Osteoporosis: Smoking contributes to bone loss, thus increases a woman’s risk for developing osteoporosis. 10 years after smoking cessation a woman’s excess risk for osteoporosis declines significantly.

Breast Cancer: Women who smoke are more at risk for breast cancer. In fact, the risk of developing fatal forms of breast cancer is 75 percent higher for women who smoke than those that do not. The number of cigarettes a woman smokes per day can affect their breast cancer survival rate.

Vulvar Cancer: Women who smoke are also 48 percent more likely to develop a rare form of vulvar cancer.

Smoking may also contribute to many other diseases and problems. It is especially dangerous to pregnant women. Babies exposed to smoking mothers are often born with birth defects and low birth weights. Mothers who smoke are also more at risk for miscarriage, premature rupture of the membranes and placenta previa. Babies born to mothers that smoke often experience withdrawal symptoms during the first week of life. Over time smoking also contribute to skin wrinkling and may even reduce your sexual ability. Quitting smoking improves all of these conditions immediately

Discover more about the dangers of women smoking at Womens Health Care Topics.

Time to kick butt!

This is one phone call you don't want to make - EVER!

Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs are a group of infections that can be caused by any type of sexual contact. Did you know that it is not necessary to have actual intercourse in order to spread an STD? Anyone that has ANY form of sex is at risk for contracting STDs, and that means you if you are sexually active.

I‘m a Teen. Am I at risk for a sexually transmitted diseases? 

STDs are very common among teenagers. Every year more than 4 million teens are diagnosed with an STD. That equates to about one of every four teenagers! About 25 percent of all STDs occur in teenagers. If you are sexually active, particularly if you engage in unprotected sex, you are at risk for contracting an STD.

The teenagers most at risk for contracting an STD are those:

• That have unprotected sex.

   

• That have sex with more than one partner. 

   

• That have sex with someone that has an STD or has had an STD.

   

What are the consequences? Learn more and be safe.

How BMI Is Calculated
Health providers calculate BMI by dividing a person’s weight (in kilograms) by height squared. Typically those with a BMI less than 25 are considered healthy, and those with a BMI over 25 are considered at risk for adverse health outcomes, obesity and more.

A new analysis conducted of more than 250,000 patients showed many with BMI’s under 20 were more at risk for heart disease than those with BMI’s of 30 to 35 (categorized as obese). Ordinarily patients with a BMI of 20 would be considered quite healthy. Not so according to the new study.

Why the conflicting results? For one, researchers believe BMI is a poor assessment of health in elderly citizens. The researchers who plan to publish the results of this study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that many times BMI did not correlate wit the amount of fat a person had, which is a greater predictor of cardiovascular risk. Second, the study shows that someone can have a BMI that is low, but still have a higher overall rate of body fat than someone who is athletic or muscular.

BMI Not Appropriate For Assessing Fat in Elderly
The study, conducted by researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine included 15,000 patients age 75 and older. The study results showed BMI is not an accurate predictor of cardiovascular risk among this health population.

The researchers also noted that waist-hip ratio to some extent is a better measure of abdominal fat, a risk factor for heart disease in most patients.

Is BMI Relevant At All?
The results of the study do not suggest BMI is not a relevant tool for assessing one’s risk for cardiovascular disease. Rather, BMI should be used in conjunction with other measurements including body fat measurements to assess someone’s overall risk for cardiovascular disease and other weight related problems.

The results of the study do show it is possible for someone to have a BMI higher than 25 and actually have more muscle than fat. It is however, also possible for individuals to misinterpreted their BMI results leading to a false sense of security. Someone may for example have a BMI of 24 yet be fatter, and more at risk, than someone with a BMI of 25 or higher in some cases.

Other signs and symptoms may also reveal one’s risk for cardiovascular disease. Examples include high blood pressure, total body fat, cholesterol and more.

How can you use the results of this study to your benefit? Be sure you visit your healthcare provider for an annual fitness examination. Have your doctor assess not only your blood cholesterol and blood pressure, but also your BMI, waist-to-hip ratio and total body fat. These measurements combined may help your doctor determine your risk for adverse outcomes or conditions including heart disease.

The reaction from women is mixed. Some feel the ruling is a benefit to women who are at risk for unwanted pregnancy and who may be too embarrassed to get contraception from a clinic. However, it also presents the opportunity for people to acquire (more easily) and potentially abuse the morning after pill.

The morning after pill is not a replacement for appropriate contraception and birth control. Some fear young women will get the idea that the morning after pill is the only pill women need to prevent unwanted pregnancy. However, proponents of the new legislation point to the need to promote women’s reproductive rights, and this is certainly a step in that direction.

The Decision on Plan B
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration still requires girls younger than 18 to get a prescription for the morning after pill. Still, providing the pill over the counter will make it easier for young women to acquire the morning after pill illegally if necessary.

However, many women’s rights activists feel providing the morning after pill is a great step for women in the right direction. Many women are encouraging the government to reevaluate their guidelines and offer the pill OTC to even younger women. Advocates including those from Planned Parenthood believe allowing greater access is a positive step in the right direction toward women’s reproductive rights.

Still other health advocates including private gynecologists agree. The morning after pill, Called Plan “B” doesn’t interrupt a pregnancy. Instead, it prevents pregnancy from occurring by preventing implantation.

Members of Right To Life groups however, fear that younger women will ask older siblings or peers to acquire the pill for them without a proper doctors consultation. In addition, some pharmacies may decide to forgo stocking the Plan B pill.

The Answer Lies in Education
The answer may lie in education. Many agree it is far better to teach young women about the dangers of not only unwanted pregnancy, but also sexually transmitted disease. The message that should be delivered is one promoting safe and consensual sex, according to many.

Plan B should be promoted as an emergency alternative only, to women who don’t want to get pregnant but are at risk. As long as educators work to inform and educate women, many, including the US FDA, believe Plan B will not be abused, and will be used correctly and safely. It will provide many women with a safe and helpful alternative in the event they need emergency contraception.

Still, it is likely controversy about Plan B, and contraceptives in general, will likely continue. As long as there are “right to life” advocates poised against “freedom of choice” there will always be controversy surrounding pregnancy, contraception and women’s reproductive choices.

What is important? You make informed decisions, and learn as much as you can about your reproductive rights, health and ability to choose the best method of protection for you, your life and lifestyle.

Gardasil, helps protect against HPV and cervical cancer

The new vaccine provided by Merck & Company, Gardasil, may be useful for protecting men and women alike against human papilloma virus. In June the U.S. FDA licensed a new vaccine targeting women between the ages of 9 and 26 at risk for human papillomavirus or HPV. The reasons for this include the increased risk of cervical cancer associated with exposure to HPV virus in women.

The vaccine, Gardasil, helps protect against the four types of HPV most likely to cause cervical cancer in women. An advisory committee recently approved recommendation of Gardasil for women aged 11-12 as well as women who have abnormal pap smears or other sexual transmitted conditions.

New Information Prompts Recommendation for Male Vaccine
An associate professor at University of California at Irvine recently suggested the vaccine may be beneficial for both sexes, no matter the person’s risk factors for contracting HPV or cancer. This makes sense, considering young sexually active boys are just as likely to contract HPV as young women.

Representatives suggest doctors and researchers should adopt a new model of thinking that includes promotion of the HPV vaccine as a universal vaccine, helpful for preventing HPV and cancer without regard to one’s risk factors or gender.

Clearly this news is making an impact, as some groups are opposing requirements that girls or young women get shots to attend school. The vaccine controversy however, is one that has long been hotly debated, and not limited to STD vaccination.

Ultimately, many believe parents should have the right and final say to decide whether their children should or should not be immunized, whether for an STD or any other disease. Bradley Monk, a representative from the University at Irvine, suggests men are just as at risk as women as they can pass the HPV virus to their partner, even without active symptoms. The vaccine is also just as likely to prevent HPV warts in young boys vaccinated as young women, even if young boys aren’t at risk for cervical cancer.

Controversy Surrounds HPV Vaccines for Children
Some argue that greater promiscuity among young teens may result from a vaccine that promotes protection against a common STD threat. However this again is an old argument, one akin to the argument against providing condoms to teens. Just because you provide young adults with protection does not suggest they will act recklessly.

What is important is parents, teachers, health care providers and community members come together to warn children of the dangers of STDs and reckless behavior and provide them the tools they need to act safely and be protected. If a child is sexually active, it’s far better they are protected from STDs and aware of the risks than if they are ill informed or educated.

Many believe education is actually the best way to prevent children from engaging in promiscuous events. The less mystery surrounding an issue, the less intrigue and the less likely children are to act out or explore forbidden territory.

Still, the idea of vaccinating children against STDs is one that is controversial and likely to remain so for some time. It is important that parents educate themselves about the risks of HPV and the benefits of vaccination against HPV and other critical viruses or diseases. Ultimately the decision lies in the hands of parents. The more well informed you are, the better capable you are of making the decision that is best for you and your family.

This groundbreaking study involved more than 300 patients with a history of coronary heart disease and more than 400 without between the ages of 40 and 68. The researchers also found that study participants remaining active after initiating a physical exercise program were less likely to be diagnosed with serious ailments including heart disease later in life.

The results of this study are good news for people who did not exercise early in life. The volunteers participating in this study showed that starting an exercise program even as late as age 40 can produce many benefits, including a reduced risk of coronary heart disease.

From Sedentary Lifestyle to Active
Former studies suggest coronary heart disease is among the worlds leading killers. Each year in the U.S. alone more than 35 million people are diagnosed with heart disease according to a National Health Interview Survey conducted in 2004. Other studies suggest that heart disease is the number one killer in the United States, with roughly 230+ deaths per 100,000 citizens.

Part of the reason for the increase in heart disease is increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Increasing conveniences have caused many to forgo routine walks or activities. Simply eating while watching television can increase your risk of heart disease, because those who do so may be less likely to engage in regularly physical fitness.

The good news is not only can you benefit from exercising later in life; you don’t have to exercise vigorously. The first steps toward leading a healthier lifestyle and reducing your risk of coronary heart disease involve nothing more than taking a brisk walk a few days each week.

This is a great and gentle way to initiate an exercise program. If you have never engaged in an exercise program before, you should consider consulting with your primary healthcare physician. A routine physical can rule out any problems and assess your risk for heart disease in advance. Your doctor may also evaluate you for other risk factors including high cholesterol.

Other healthy habits that may reduce your risk of heart disease include eating a well-rounded diet. Try eating as many whole, unprocessed foods as possible. Good examples include whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Anything that comes in a box or can is likely processed in some way. Processing can reduce the nutrient value and result in many additives, all of which can contribute to poor health.

Most people find they not only feel better, they start looking better and having more energy once they start a simple exercise program. If your concerns involve motivation, grab a partner to tag along on a walk for you. You’ll have someone to talk to while you improve your odds of a long, healthy life.

Though evidence in the past suggests the efficacy of condoms at preventing STDs is uncertain, new study suggests women who consistently use condoms are less at risk for contracting human papillomavirus, the leading cause of cervical cancer and genital warts in women. The study suggests that women who engage in intercourse with male partners who always use condoms demonstrated a decreased infection rate than women whose partners only used condoms part of the time.

This study, conducted among students attending the University of Washington suggests that women may reduce their risk of contractive HPV by as much as 50% with regular use of condoms.

While small, the study provides new hope for women who are at risk for HPV transmission.

HPV The Controversy
Condom use and vaccinations may help reduce women’s risk of cervical cancer, but they are certainly no cure all.

Recently the FDA released a license for a vaccine that may help prevent HPV in women. This vaccine however, will only protect women against four strains of the virus causing genital warts and cancer. There are actually more than 100 strains of HPV that exist. Thus, while women may get vaccinated to protect against some of the more severe forms of human papillomavirus, it is still vital they take action to protect themselves from infection.

The findings of this study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, confirm prior evidence suggesting consistent use of condoms is beneficial for prevention of many sexually transmitted diseases, not simply papillomavirus.

This is important as earlier studies sparked a degree of controversy suggesting that the degree of protection afforded women by condoms was somewhat unpredictable. This new study suggests there is firm evidence that women can protect themselves from unwanted sexually transmitted diseases including HPV simply by using a condom every time they have sex.

It is important however, women realize condom use cannot effectively eliminate the risk of disease transmission 100%. Many times HPV infections can be transmitted via other interactions aside from intercourse.

This recent study included 82 female students attending University of Washington between the ages of 18 through 22. The study followed women from their first sexual encounter with a male partner. The women filed information regarding their daily condom use and sexual behaviors. All women participating in the study were tested every four months for HPV and cervical changes that may suggest cancer.

HPV Vaccine
It is important to note that the vaccine recently approved by the FDA can successfully prevent HPV infection, but only from high risk strains of HPV known to cause cancer, including strains 16 and 19. Studies have shown thus far the vaccine is 100% effective at preventing these strains of HPV. Researchers are not 100% certain as yet how long the vaccine is effective for, however researchers believe the vaccine should protect women for five to 10 years.

While universal use of the vaccine may help reduce a woman’s risk of cervical cancer, consumers should realize that roughly 30 strains of HPV exist that can cause cervical cancer. Thus it is important women take precautions and try to prevent transmission of HPV to begin with.

The results of this study suggest even among women who are vaccinated, regular use of condoms may be beneficial for reducing the risk of cervical cancer.

What Are The Warning Signs Of A Urinary Tract Infection ( UTI ) During Pregnancy?

UTI Infections Common During Pregnancy
Urinary tract infections or UTI’s also commonly referred to as bladder infections, are common during pregnancy. They typically result from an inflammation or bacterial infection in the urinary tract. Pregnant women are more at risk for urinary tract infections during pregnancy than at other times, particularly during pregnancy weeks 6 through pregnancy week 24.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of UTI During Pregnancy
Pregnant women are more at risk because as their uterus grows and expands, it compresses the bladder. This sometimes results in a block of urine from the bladder preventing urine from draining properly. This can lead to an infection.

Here are some of the more common signs of a UTI during pregnancy:

•  Burning, pain or itching on urinating.
•  Lower abdominal cramps or pain.
•  Frequent need to urinate without producing much output.
•  Pain on intercourse in the lower abdomen or cervix.
•  Fever or chills.
•  Frequent leaking of urine.
•  Change in the output of urine.
•  Foul smelling discharge or urine that seems very strong.
•  Pain or pressure at or around the bladder or lower abdomen.
•  Back pain, nausea and vomiting, typically occurring when the infection spreads to the kidneys. This is a serious complication of UTI’s during pregnancy and requires prompt medical attention.

How Do I Treat A UTI During Pregnancy?
If your doctor suspects a UTI they will test for it and treat it immediately. A UTI can pose a danger to your baby if left untreated, as it can develop into a more severe kidney infection. A kidney infection may put you or your baby at risk. The more common risks include premature rupture of the membranes, delivery or low birth weight.

Your doctor will usually perform a urinalysis to test for a UTI during pregnancy. If you do have a UTI, your doctor will likely recommend a course of antibiotics to help clear up the infection. There are many antibiotics your doctor can safely prescribe during pregnancy to help treat your infection and reduce your risk for a more serious infection.

Preventing Future UTI’s During Pregnancy
There are some simple steps you can take to help prevent a UTI during pregnancy. These include:

•  Drink eight glasses of water every day.
•  Consider adding cranberry juice to your diet especially if you have a history of UTI’s.
•  Eat less processed foods and more whole foods.
•  Take a vitamin C supplement daily, up to 500 mg to help prevent infection.
•  Always urinate the moment you feel the urge to help prevent an infection.
•  Use the bathroom immediately following intercourse to help prevent infection.
•  Avoid harsh chemicals, soaps and douching during pregnancy.
•  Be sure to wipe from front to back.
•  Wear cotton underwear that is breathable during pregnancy.
•  Avoid tight clothing or undergarments that can worsen a UTI or contribute to other infections including a yeast infection.
•  Avoid soaking in long tubs more than once each day, as this can contribute to UTI infections and yeast infections.

These simple strategies are often all that are necessary to help prevent UTI infections in women. Your doctor may recommend additional strategies if you experience frequent or chronic UTI infections.

Be sure you  let your doctor know your health history so they are on the lookout for UTI infections if you have a history of them. Fortunately with early treatment most women will go on to deliver health, full term babies even if diagnosed with a UTI during pregnancy!