On the 119th Episode of the Urology Care Podcast, we explore sexual dysfunction with Dr. Akanksha Mehta on today’s episode of the Urology Care Podcast. Dr. Mehta is Assistant Professor of Urology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. She is also a member of the Urology Care Foundation’s Reproductive and Sexual Health Committee. #UrologyCarePodcast #SexualHealth #UrologyCareFoundation
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Thanks to certain trendy television commercials, it is common to hear of men with sexual dysfunction, but did you know that women also struggle with this issue? Sexual intimacy is a key part of an adult relationship, but sometimes there are problems in the bedroom. If you struggle with a low sex drive, you are not alone.
Low sex drive, also known as sexual dysfunction, is a common issue for both men and women and can happen in adults of all ages. It is predicted that up to 70 percent of couples have a problem with sex during their relationship. People suffer in silence as they’re often too shy to talk about it or don’t know where to get help. The good news is there are tools to help you enjoy a healthy sex life.
Different sexual issues touch men and women. Erectile Dysfunction, or ED, is when a man has trouble getting or keeping an erection. Sometimes ED is the result of prostate cancer treatments like a prostatectomy (the surgical removal of all or part of a man’s prostate). Other health problems like high blood sugar, heart disease or trauma to the pelvic area can also cause ED. If you have problems getting or keeping an erection, have less of a desire for sex or other issues that keep you from enjoying sex, talk to your doctor. There are care plans that can help with many of these.
In women, sexual dysfunction may involve painful sex, low arousal or a problem reaching sexual peak. Health issues like cancer, high blood sugar or heart disease can contribute to these type of sexual problems. Changes in hormone levels, mainly after menopause, can also be a cause. Lower estrogen (female sex hormone) levels after menopause can lessen the amount of blood flow to the genital area. This can cause vaginal dryness, thinning or swelling. It can also lead to painful sex and make it harder for women to get aroused or enjoy sex. Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a diagnosis given to women when they have problems in their sex life that cannot be explained by pills, life events or other health issues.
The good news is that many of these issues have treatment options that are available from your health care provider. There is also more attention and awareness to women’s sexual health today than ever before. The Office of Women’s Health is a government agency that offers national leadership and coordination to improve the health of women and girls through policy, education and model programs, many including sexual health. In the past, much of the sexual dysfunction research focused mostly on men. Many drugs and gadgets were approved to help men reach greater sexual intimacy. Today, women are being more proactive about their sexual health and advocating for ways to help them have meaningful sexual lives.
Mental and emotional issues such as anxiety, depression and past sexual traumas can also lead to sexual problems in both men and women. For instance, stress at work or in your relationships can make it hard to enjoy sex. If you are having these types of issues and they alter your sex life, then speaking with a mental health expert may help. Licensed social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists may also offer useful tips for you. During these sessions, you can talk about your feelings relative to sex and closeness. Some health care groups have sexual health programs where you can get referred to see a sex health expert. Ask your health care provider about such programs.
For men, a primary care provider or urologist is a good place to start. For women, a primary care provider, urologist or gynecologist is a good place to start. Visit the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors & Therapists (AASECT) at www.aasect.org for more facts. For further information about ED symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment, please visit UrologyHealth.org/Educational.Materials.
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