Low Libido Archives - Dr Elna Rudolph

Low Libido, Men's Health, Sex Life, Testosterone Deficiency

How’s Your Sex Drive?

Published by Bayer Men’s Health SA.

How’s Your Sex Drive? Interview discussion with Dr. Elna Rudolph. Brought to you by Bayer in the interest of men’s health. #owntheoomph

November 13, 2017/by Elna Rudolph

Low Libido, Sex Life, Women's Health

When Your Libido Goes AWOL

By Catriona Ross, for Women’s Health Magazine.

Has your sex drive packed up and headed for the hills? Whether the reason’s medical or you simply need the right touch to get into the mood, you’re not alone.

So, while having lunch at your desk, you suddenly you recall how your man’s chest looked when he stepped out of the shower this morning, sculpted and glistening. Maybe he’ll be up for sex when he’s home from work, you speculate. I could greet him wearing only high heels… You’re smiling, already glowing with the mere anticipation of sex.

Sound familiar? Well, probably not, since statistics show that the norm for many women, especially those in long-term relationships and those with kids, is that they’re generally not in the mood for sex. The National Health and Social Life Survey, published in the US, showed that approximately 32% of women surveyed had experienced lack of libido.

Alexia* used to be proud of her healthy sex drive. An attractive working mom in her thirties with a five-year-old son, ruggedly hunky husband and a love of fast cars, she says her lusty libido has waned over the years and, at times, disappeared completely. ‘I had a lot of resentment towards my husband at one point and I didn’t want him to touch me with a barge pole. Also, having a child definitely affected our sex life and my libido. Eleven years into our relationship, the passion has gone in the bedroom,’ she admits.

There’s a multitude of physiological and psychological reasons why we may lose interest in sex, from high blood pressure to insufficient blood flow to the clitoris, to domestic boredom – but low libido may also simply be the standard mode for women in long-term relationships, experts believe, and your best bet is to cultivate an open mind.

When medication messes with your mojo

‘A few years ago, when I went onto antidepressants, I completely lost my libido, and yes, my husband did complain,’ says Jenna*, 34. ‘I couldn’t feel anything; it was like a local anaesthetic to my nether regions. The medication worked for the depression but not for my sex life: I didn’t want to have sex at all, but we were trying for a baby, so I had sex anyway. Mentally, I couldn’t function properly on this medication either. I told my psychiatrist, and as soon as he changed me to a different type of medication, things came right. It took about two weeks for the new medication to work and the old one to wear off – and all sensation came flooding back. It was lovely!’

Certain prescription antidepressants have a dramatic affect on one’s sex drive; a US report suggests that 33% of women taking antidepressants will experience a loss of libido and difficulty achieving orgasm. ‘The standard class of anti-depressants, SSRIs such as Prozac, are terrible for your libido as they affect your sex hormones,’ says Dr Elna Rudolph, sexual health physician and head of MySexualHealth.co.za.

Other drugs that may suppress your sex drive include antipsychotics, antiepileptic drugs, antihypertensives and diabetes medication, antihistamines taken daily (for hayfever, for instance) and pain medicine that’s taken daily. Of course, not taking medication you need, whether it’s for diabetes or depression, is dangerous, and potentially damaging to your libido. Depression, for example, affects your brain hormones, reducing levels of dopamine which affects your drive in general and therefore lowers libido.

Beware the contraceptive connection. ‘The better your Pill is for your skin, the worse it is for your libido,’ warns Rudolph. ‘The same applies to the patch, and the injection is the worst of all.’ As the authors of a 2011 US study into the Pill’s effects on clitoral and vulvar sensation explain, many women taking low oestrogen-dose combined oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) complain of decreased libido and arousal. OCPs result in decreased biologically-available testosterone, an important factor influencing female sexual drive. In the study, those women on OCPs were found to have significantly lower levels of free testosterone – approximately 38% lower – than those not on OCPs.

What you can do about it: According to Rudolph, anti-depressants such as Agomelatine, Bupropion and Trazodone have a neutral effect on the libido, but it’s essential to consult a professional before changing your prescription. Libido-wise, a better contraception option is the vaginal ring called the Nuva ring, the new oral contraceptive Qlaira, or Mirena – the T-shaped, hormone-releasing intrauterine (IUD) device, which works by not allowing sperm to enter the uterus and doesn’t affect your natural testosterone levels, although that’s not guaranteed for everyone, and it costs a few thousand rand. A copper T IUD device costs approximately R80 and doesn’t influence libido, but increases bleeding significantly, she adds.

The downside of having a baby

Tara*, 34, has been with Jerry* for seven years. They have a toddler, and she’s five months’ pregnant with their second child. ‘Sometimes I wonder, “Will I ever be up for sex again?” she sighs. ‘For the first year after our son was born, I was desperate for sleep, with just enough energy to survive each day; sex was superfluous. Each night I’d go to bed anxious, worrying about how many hours of sleep I could get before the baby woke up. I was so not available at night – night was sacred, for sleeping – so if we had sex, it had to be in the daytime.’

‘I felt resentful of Jerry, and I know he felt rejected, that I loved our baby more than him. We had our son in our bedroom for over a year, then we realised we needed to reclaim the marital bed and moved into the guest room downstairs, where we did have some fun times.’

Pregnancy and new motherhood are legendary libido killers – after all, ‘you’ve moved from being primarily a lover to primarily a mother,’ Rudolph notes. The strong hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding, combined with sleep deprivation and being under so much stress, will cause the natural libido to be suppressed in most women.’

What you can do about it: Make the marriage, and sex, a priority, Rudolph advises. ‘Take time out from your baby, make yourself look pretty and go on a date.’ It also helps not to have your child sleeping in your room. But don’t panic about the lack of sex, she says: ‘You could also choose to see yourself as just giving sex a break for a few months.’

When you’re programmed that way

Some people are genetically less wired for sex than others. Cherie*, a confident, outspoken woman in her forties, says, ‘I’ve never been interested in sex; once a month would be more than enough for me. This caused problems in my marriage almost from the start, especially after we had our two children. I’ve faked more orgasms than you can believe! I’m very independent, and my husband’s controlling ways also made me resentful, which had a huge impact on my already low libido. We had no sex for the last three years of our marriage. He’s a very good man – he remained faithful all those years and still loves me, but I can’t give him what he wants. I’ve been celibate for five years now and do not miss a sexual relationship at all, although I get plenty of opportunities. I like living alone; however, I miss the sharing, the closeness, the cuddling up in bed that a relationship brings. My ideal relationship would be with a man who doesn’t live with me, and who shares my low libido.’

What you can do about it: ‘Sex is all about hormones, and if your hormones aren’t in balance, you’re fighting a losing battle,’ says Rudolph. As a physician, her first approach with a patient is to stabilise her hormones to help her feel good, then suggest lifestyle changes. She runs through possibilities: ‘It could be more oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, dopamine, being on the wrong pill, being menopausal.’ Also, be realistic about who you are. ‘If you’ve never been interested in sex, the chances of your becoming a nymphomaniac are not great,’ she says.

Body image blues

When you look in the mirror, do you see only your flaws? If so, chances are you’re obsessing over them in bed too. Women are generally very self-conscious about their bodies, explains clinical sexologist Catriona Boffard: if you have a negative view of your body, you probably won’t feel sexy and confident naked, ‘and it’s therefore less likely that you’ll want to take your clothes off in front of someone, even a long-term partner.’ For a woman, sex is about an emotional connection and feeling safe with your partner, she says. ‘Negative body image can have a direct impact on your libido by hindering your feelings of openness and emotional safety – even if your partner repeatedly tells you how beautiful you are.’

Lizette*, 27, says, ‘Last winter I picked up weight, and then put on more while on holiday in Mauritius. My boyfriend, Jaco*, and I stayed in a hotel where there were buffets, and we ate. My butt is big, man! I can feel my thighs are bigger, and I have cellulite. We were on beaches with people prancing around in their bikinis, and I felt self-conscious and not so attractive and sexually desirable. I need to feel that he desires me, as that turns me on. It’s affected my sex drive; I’ve told Jaco when I’m just not feeling it. He’s sporty and in good shape and he’s learnt not to say anything about my appearance. But when I complained recently about putting on weight, he said, “Maybe exercise a bit more? Go walking?”, whereas I wanted him to say, “You look fine,” and not try to fix me.’

What you can do about it: Get to know your body, intimate bits included, Boffard advises, as ‘understanding your body can help you feel more confident in your own skin. If keeping the lights on isn’t your thing, but your partner wants to see you, light candles and wear a sexy satin slip or lingerie that makes you feel more confident.’ But if deep-seated body issues from childhood are blocking you, book a few sessions with a psychologist.

Maybe you’re normal

For many women, feeling spontaneously horny is the exception rather than the norm, Rudolph says, so don’t think you’re abnormal or ill. Low libido may be a symptom of your too-rushed lifestyle: ‘Busy women see sex as a frivolous activity, so it slips down on your priority list, unless you realise how good it can be, and you see it as a form of stress relief.’

And perhaps it’s time the world stopped regarding low libido in women as a dysfunction. No, we don’t wake up with ‘morning glories’, but we certainly can get into the mood, given the right treatment. For us, the traditional male model of sexual functioning (first you feel horny, then you have sex) isn’t true. First, we need some sexy stimulation, then we start feeling like it. This alternative ‘circular model’ of female sexual response presented by Dr Rosemary Basson, a clinical professor in the department of psychiatry and director of the University of British Columbia Sexual Medicine Program: ‘…many of us, while sexually healthy and satisfied, agree they frequently begin a sexual experience sexually neutral,’ she wrote in a 2001 paper.

Also, women consider that attraction, passion, trust and intimacy are more significant than their genital response, according to research by British biomedical scientist Dr Roy Levin. So, we need to feel happy in a relationship to have good sex – or any sex at all!

What you can do about it:

‘If you’re a low-libido woman, don’t let sex go out the door,’ advises Rudolph. ‘Find ways of doing it for your own reasons, or you’ll eventually hate it if you’re only doing it for your husband’s sake. Besides, men hate “pity sex”; they want their partners fully involved.’

Make time to feed your brain, perhaps with movies or erotic literature that conform to your value system. (Don’t expect hard-core lesbian porn to excite you if you’re more of a romantic Mills & Boon type). This creates positive pathways in your brain regarding sex, making it easier for spontaneous desire to arise, Rudolph explains.

A holiday or weekend away can work some sexy magic, as your mind isn’t cluttered with daily To-Do lists. Anxiety is a passion-killer: overthinking problems causes an overproduction of cortisol, which can actually make sex painful. It helps to accept that you often won’t feel like sex, but stay open to sensitive, satisfying stimulation from your partner that’ll warm you up. Says Rudolph, ‘If, after foreplay, you don’t get in the mood, you can either disengage – or choose to continue with sex because it’s a fun, intimate thing to do, using lube if you’re unlubricated, or participate in a sexual encounter without penetration.’

Teach your man how to touch you, and know where each others’ arousal hotspots are. Melissa*, 30, says, ‘My boyfriend used to do this really deep massage on my buttocks and my inner thighs, which was such a turn-off for me; the lightest, feather-like touch is what gets my erogenous zones going. It took me years to actually tell him.’

*Names have been changed.

October 22, 2017/by Elna Rudolph

Check-ups & Examinations, Low Libido, Men's Health, Painful Intercourse & Vaginismus, Sex Counselling & Therapy, Sex Life, STI's & Genital Infections, Testosterone Deficiency, Transgender Health, Women's Health

Sex Q & A with Dr. Elna Rudolph

Dr. Elna Rudolph answers a few questions about sex.

My partner wants to try anal sex more often, but I don’t enjoy it. I’m worried that if I don’t do it, he will feel unfulfilled…

There are certain no-no’s when it comes to sex in relationships and they are different for each couple. The one might never want to have sex unless she first had a shower, the other will never allow oral sex, and another will not do it with the lights on. These taboos should be respected by the partner, but it does not mean that they cannot shift when the reasons behind them are explored and some basic information with specific suggestions are given in the form of sex education or formal therapy.

When it comes to anal sex being one of the taboos, there are usually two reasons: Firstly some people have religious or moral issues with it. These can be quite difficult to shift and should sometimes just be respected. The other reason is that it is just too uncomfortable and therefore really not enjoyable. Guys expect that they will be able to just penetrate their partners as easily as it looks in porn. The reality is that most people have to go through a process to get used to being stimulated first around and then in the anus. Start with some light touch and rubbing and then move to inserting a well lubricated little finger and then progressively go larger from there. If you are really committed to it, you could also practice by yourself to get used to what it takes for the anal sphincter to relax. Like any muscle, it has the ability, but it takes time. If you perceive the attempt at penetration to be threatening and you anticipate the pain, the muscle will just go into spasm and make it more difficult and unpleasant.

How many times a week is it normal to masturbate? I’m in a long-term relationship and masturbate at least once a week, but my partner says he never does.

It depends on many things. If there is so-called “desire discrepancy” in a couple (which is the case in most relationships!) the partner with the higher desire is left frustrated if he or she does not masturbate. Masturbating is also a form of self-loving and soothing. You might get something completely different from masturbating than what you get from sex and therefore remain to have a need for it although you are in a very sexually fulfilling relationship. More than five times a week probably becomes excessive (according to international definitions anyway). It is also normal to never masturbate if you are in steady relationship. Whatever works for you.

I found a stash of lesbian porn on my husband’s computer and watched a video out of curiosity. It really got me off. What does this mean? Am I a closet lesbian?

Not necessarily. Up to 80% of women get turned on by some girl-on-girl action! You are a lesbian (if we have to use such a rigid term) if you would like to build a life with another woman. If lesbian porn excites you, you have just expanded your repertoire of excitement and fantasy.

I sometimes feel like my husband and I are more in the best friend zone than sexually connected. What can I do to get the spark back?

Make sure that you create special experiences when it comes to sex. The longer the relationship, the more difficult it is to create more and more exciting sexual experiences and then you get stuck in a rut.

It is however possible to create a special experience in a different way each time. Take time to make love through sensual massages and external stimulation, do the romantic candle lights and special music thing, make regular dates for love making, increase the oxytocin (bonding hormone) between you by looking each other in the eye, hugging and cuddling – all things to make a concerted effort to say: this is a special relationship with an intimate bond, not merely a friendship.

The more you are like friends, the more difficult these things are, but get started sooner rather than later!

How do I get my partner to go down on me more often?

Ask for it! Make sure you have the hair and hygiene under control and buy some special lubes that taste nice to encourage him. Returning the favor also goes a long way in encouraging him! (His favour might not be oral sex, it might be something else he loves that you are not doing frequently – find out what that is).

My guy doesn’t know how to make me climax – while he’s well-endowed, he’s not an expert at making it work. How do I nudge him in the right direction?

Firstly, you have to be honest about the fact that you are not getting there. Make it about you, not him. Tell him that there is only a specific way that works for you to come and you want to show him how to help you to get there. Show him how you do it and let him get involved in taking over more and more of the stimulation each time.

If he is offended by this and does not want to cooperate, think twice about sorting out a budget or raising kids with him!

How do I tell if he has an STI?

Sometimes you see a discharge, sore, blister, bump or wart in your genital area. It might have a bad smell or burn when you urinate. The reality is that most of the times you won’t even know about it. You will have to get tested.

I’ve just woken up from a night of tantric sex, but I’ve broken out in a nasty rash – I think it might be from the latex condoms we used. Are there any others we could try?

You could get latex-free condoms, but they are very difficult to find. Order them off the internet. It can also be due to oils you used for massaging.

I’m really in love with my partner but I struggle to get turned on by him. What should I do?

Check your hormone levels. Getting turned on is heavily dependent on testosterone. If you are taking an oral contraceptive, it breaks down and block your testosterone and therefore it is difficult to become sexually aroused. Some women just don’t produce enough testosterone. It can be supplemented through the skin, though. Never ever through injections!

My partner is amazing in bed, but he enjoys taking drugs before sex. I sometimes do it with him, but it bothers me that he wants to be high when we’re having sex. How do I tell him?

Be honest about it. tell him that you value the relationship and that you would like to have real intimacy with him and not just a fun, exhilarating experience. Ask him to do it your way every second time.

My partner is always super aroused when we’re in public, and not so much in private. While the thrill of getting caught is sexy, I’m over the riskiness. How do I get him to be as aroused when we’re at home?

It has to do with his sexual arousal template that was probably formed in his brain before the age of nine! He will have to learn that he has a very rigid arousal template and that it can actually be adapted and expanded. He also has to learn that sex is sometimes not that exciting, sometimes it is more special and for the purpose of bonding than for the purpose of that ultimate high. Guys with a rigid arousal template often have problems with real intimacy and if the problem is really severe, it should be addressed in therapy.

I’m very attracted to my partner, but during sex, I get uncomfortable and clamp up. How do I get over this?

That sounds like it could be vaginismus. We are a team of professionals that specialise in helping women deal with this problem. I wish there was a one-liner answer to that one, but unfortunately there isn’t. It’s usually caused by a combination of medical conditions, childhood trauma, religious upbringing with excessive guilt, poor sex education, psychological as well as relationship issues. These all need to be addressed for you to stop clamping up with the man you love.

Help! His penis is too big!

You can use muscle relaxants, better lube, vaginal dilators and even physiotherapy to get over this hurdle! There is also a device from Pure Romance, called Super Stretch Lips, that you can put over his penis to keep a part of it outside of the vagina during intercourse, but it is usually the girth that is the problem. Make sure you have pleeently of foreplay in order for your body to get ready for penetration.

Help! His penis is too small!

Make sure you get satisfied before penetration happens. You can also do kegel exercises and even see a physiotherapist that specialises in the area to help you strengthen your muscles in order to “feel” him better. A device like a We-Vibe also helps to improve the sensation during penetration if you need more than what he ‘has to offer’.

My boyfriend asked me to stick a finger in his bum while we were having sex. At first, I wasn’t keen, but eventually I agreed, and he said he had the most intense orgasm ever. Now he wants to do it all the time. Does this mean he’s gay?

No, not at all! It just means that he has discovered his p-spot. The nerve that supplies sensation this area is the same as the one that supplies your clitoris, so you do the math.

My new boyfriend has marathon-runner stamina in the bedroom. Sex goes on forever. I actually start getting bored and sometimes even chafed. How can I make him come faster?

Ask him to! If he can’t, he has what is called delayed ejaculation. Although it is a difficult condition to treat in sex therapy or sexual medicine, it can be done. Firstly, check if he is not on anti-depressant drugs that may be causing the problem. That can easily be changed to a different type, if it is the case. You can also tell him that you will help him come in another way or he can get himself there (which is usually much quicker) but you are only up for ten minutes of penetration in any one round (the vagina struggles to stay lubricated for longer than that in most women).

I want to do a striptease for my guy but I’m really uncoordinated and I’m worried it’s going to be more comedy than sexy. What’s the best costume to wear that’s easy and sexy to remove?

Probably a man’s shirt, tie and a top hat. Make sure you have the sexy stockings with dispensers and heals that you can still move in to complete the outfit (or at least that is what I’m told by the Carmen Electra Strip Tease DVD that was given by a friend! Not exactly the content covered in a Master’s Degree in Sexual Health!).

I don’t feel pain during sex, but afterwards, I bleed for two to three days, as if I’m having a period. What’s up?

You probably have an infection. See a gynae or doctor who knows something about this as soon as possible! Worst case scenario – it might be a cancer, so don’t wait!

I had my period twice last month. Google says it may be due to stress and my diet. But now I’m feeling some pain below my stomach. What could it be?

Ovarian cysts can cause abnormal bleeding and lower abdominal pain. You need to see a gynae or at least get a pelvic ultrasound done.

What can I do to reduce wetness before and during intercourse?

It may sound a bit strange, but you can just be practical about it and keep a towel handy to remove some of the excess moisture. We also compound a special cream to be applied into the vagina prior to sex to reduce the lubrication. Just also check for an infection. Sometimes the wetness is not lubrication but actually from an infection. Another option is to go onto a low dose estrogen contraceptive. That often causes vaginal dryness which could help in your case.

How do I tighten and strengthen my vaginal muscles?

You can get lots of information about Kegel Exercises on the internet – with different variations and programmes. Many women find it difficult to isolate these muscles and end up squeezing everything but their vaginal muscles. There are physiotherapists who specialise in this area. They will teach you how to do it through biofeedback.

My husband is 63; I’m 31, but he wants sex every day – sometimes twice a day! I can’t keep up. What should I do?

It can be that he just has a very healthy appetite but it can also be that he has a discomfort in his pelvic area that is released through intercourse, something called persistent genital arousal disorder, or it might be that he has an addiction. With professional help, it can be established which one of the three it is. The point however, is that his high desire cannot be your responsibility. You can have sex as many times as you are willing and able to, but the rest of the time, he will have to sort it out himself.

It can also be a hormonal imbalance which can be addressed medically, so get help if you are taking strain.

I lost my brother six months ago, but am still feeling the loss so I have bouts of depression that kill my sex drive to the point where I don’t even want to be touched or kissed, and its taking strain on my marriage. I can’t take anything hormone based as I have a factor 5 laiden disorder. Is there anything I can do or try to help me out my slump?

One the one hand you just have to be patient with yourself and give yourself time to get over this extremely traumatic life experience. It takes time and it is normal to lose your libido when you have depression.

On the other hand, make sure you get professional help. See a psychologist and take an anti-depressant that does not take your libido away. Something that works very well, but only if you are not anxious, is a drug called bupropion. It can actually boost your libido even if you don’t have depression.

My cramps before and during my period are awful! Is there anything I can do to ease them?

You can go onto the pill or have the Mirena inserted. Natural medicine like Premular or Femiscript also helps. Many women find benefit from using Evening Primrose Oil.

My IUD cut my guy during sex. Is something wrong?

Yes, definitely! It is falling out and probably not effective as a contraceptive anymore! Have it removed and replaced immediately. Sometimes when the strings are cut too short, they sting the partner, but if he got a cut, it was from the actual device itself and it should be removed.

My partner and I are both virgins. How can we make our first time really special?

By taking it really slow. Make sure you have covered base one, two and three before you try to have sex. Also make sure he can insert two fingers into your vagina without hurting you. Don’t expect to have orgasms, just enjoy the uncharted waters of really being one for the first time. You can add more movement and stimulation as time goes on.

My friends say they love having their nipples played with. Mine aren’t sensitive so I don’t really enjoy it. Is there something wrong with me?

No, you probably have other areas that get you going, focus on those and make sure you partner knows about them. If they are not very sensitive, normal kissing and sucking might not feel like much to you. Try a bit more pressure that goes towards pain (but not painful) – that could be very intense and pleasurable for women with nipples that are not very sensitive. Vibration also makes a difference.

What does an orgasm feel like?

It is different for every women – some say it feels like sneezing and others like dying! You have to find out for yourself. One thing that all orgasms have in common is a climax (or a few of them) and then a fall. There is a definite point where you can feel that you are experiencing a release. If the release is gradual or the pleasurable sensation just kind of weans off, you did not have an orgasm. You will know if you did.

I keep getting yeast infections, but my guy won’t treat himself at the same time.

Yeast infections love the vaginal pH, they usually don’t survive on a guy’s penis. The fact that you are getting recurrent infections is not due to him not being treated, it is most likely due to you not being sufficiently treated, or it might not a yeast infection but bacterial vaginosis or even an STI. If it is an STI, he will need to be treated as well. Guys get candida only if they have very low immunity like with HIV or diabetes.

Getting rid of yeast infections often require repeated regular dosages of oral anti-fungal medication, restoring the balance of the pH in your vagina and removing triggers for yeast infections like bubble baths and food that is high in sugar.

We often see atypical yeast infections like candida glabrata. You should get a vaginal swab MCS and ask for specific culture and sensitivity for the candida.

October 15, 2017/by Elna Rudolph

Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Low Libido, Men's Health, Premature Ejaculation, Sex Life, Testosterone Deficiency

Bad Sex is a Health Warning

By Mary Bradley

Weak erections or premature ejaculation, while a “downer” literally, can also be a sign of serious underlying health issues. If you’re going more than a month with no mojo, you should check it out with a doctor.

Guys are often accused by women of obsessing about sex, including the hardness and staying power of their erections, not to mention how often they get it up and, for that matter, get it on. The thing is men may be onto something with their focus on their member, … if for the wrong reasons.

Like the canary in the coal mine, not being able to get it up, keep it up, or shooting too quickly or not quickly enough may be a sign, sometimes the first, of underlying health problems, including cardiovascular disease, hormonal imbalances and neurological problems among others.

Dr. Prithy Ramlachan, co-author of a study on male sexual dysfunction published 2014 in South African Medical Journal explains that for healthy erections a lot must be working right, including a healthy vascular system, good blood supply, balanced and adequate hormones including testosterone and thyroid hormones, and a satisfying psycho-social world. According to Ramlachan, a fraught relationship with one’s sexual partner; negative cultural or religious attitudes about sex; depression and anxiety; as well as self-esteem issues including job loss and financial stress can affect a man’s erections for the worse. The last are significant issues for many South African men with the country’s high unemployment rate and economic uncertainty.

When any of the above factors are out of whack or not up to snuff, the result can be problems in the bedroom including weak erections, ejaculation difficulties, low libido and, possibly, serious underlying health problems.

Tellingly, many of the risk factors for male sexual dysfunction are the same for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and include high blood pressure, overweight especially the roll around the belly, high LDL cholesterol, raised blood sugar including diabetes and insulin resistance, smoking, and poor diet, advancing age and stress and depression. You’ve heard ‘em before, when it comes to your heart, but these risks also affect your penis. Talk about cutting close to the bone!

Experts estimate 40% of men will suffer erectile dysfunction (ED) at some point in their lives. While rates are much higher among older men (52% of men aged 40-70, cited in a 2013 article in The Journal of Royal College of Physicians), 14% to 20% between ages 18 and 40 experience sexual problems, according to a 2011 study of European males. Dr. Ramlachan, conducting an exploratory study at a primary healthcare clinic in KZN, found a prevalence of 64.9% in a sample of more than 500 men aged 18 and over. That’s both guys on either side of you at the rugby game suffering ED, excluding yourself of course!

Why the connection between CVD and a happy penis? The answer is a matter of good plumbing. Erections require good blood flow and pressure, and top-notch piping, aka, vascular system. Weak erections can be a first sign of otherwise silent CVD.

Why would CVD show up first in the penis? Penile blood vessels are much narrower at 1-2 mm diameter than vessels elsewhere, including the coronary (3-4 mm) and carotid (5-7 mm) arteries; it follows, the penile artery will exhibit effects of arthrosclerosis – cholesterol-laden fat deposits combined with inflammation – and high blood pressure – sooner than larger blood vessels. Anything that inhibits healthy blood flow will inhibit erections.

Not surprisingly, ED is an independent risk factor for heart disease, and here’s the kicker; it’s especially indicative of CVD in younger men.

A study published in 2009 Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that men aged 40-49 with erectile dysfunction were twice as likely to develop heart disease as men without ED. Indeed, ED sufferers have an 80% higher risk of heart disease than dudes who don’t have erection problems. Experts have concluded that a guy with organic, as opposed to psychological, ED is at risk of experiencing a major cardiovascular event within 3-5 years of the onset of ED symptoms.

….so that’s the bad news.

The good news is that, you’ve got a 3-year window, after first experiencing bad sex, to take preventative action, through lifestyle changes and medical treatment. If the side-effects of turning your health around, include avoiding a major CV event and improving your sex life; that’s terrific news!

The bottom line is that the younger you are and experience ED, the more important to take action now, get screened and lower your risk of CVD.

Occasional softness or inability to get it up or keep it up once in a while is generally not a concern. That’s part of life in the 21^st century fast-lane. However, don’t write-off repeated soft erections or bad sex as merely a result of overwork or not enough sleep. Dr. Elna Rudolph, medical doctor and sexologist at My Sexual Health Clinic, advises that, if symptoms persist a month, get screened by a doctor for underlying health problems. Dr. Ramlachan says that too often men discount symptoms as a result of overwork, stress or aging and delay or avoid seeing a doctor, because they don’t think it’s serious.

Sex problems may not suggest only CVD. They can be a sign of blood sugar imbalances including insulin resistance, which can put you at risk for diabetes. According to a 2007 study in The American Journal of Medicine, diabetic men had more than 2.5 times the rate of ED than non-diabetics. High blood sugar and insulin levels can damage blood vessels and result in poor penile blood flow, as well as damage nerve function needed for A-1 erections. Not surprisingly, CVD can be a knock-on effect of untreated insulin resistance, especially when it comes in the form of metabolic syndrome.

Men with metabolic syndrome have a higher incidence of ED. Metabolic syndrome is that constellation of symptoms that include high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, cholesterol abnormalities and insulin resistance. So, if you’re suffering ED, be on the lookout … Metabolic Syndrome increases your chances of heart disease and diabetes.

As well, diabetes and insulin resistance are linked to lower testosterone in men. While testosterone levels gradually decrease with age, eating too many refined and sugary foods or being sedentary or over-weight can affect testosterone levels for the worse. Sometimes it’s not a problem of too little testosterone but too much estrogen, caused by excess body fat, among other factors. Excess estrogen can overwhelm the testosterone you’ve got, leading to signs of low testosterone like weakness, fatigue, low libido and ED. Dr. Justin Howlett, urologist at UCT Private Academic Hospital, routinely tests testosterone levels in patients with ED.

ED, ejaculation problems and low libido can be a sign of poor thyroid function. The thyroid gland and its hormones govern metabolism and energy levels. They affect pretty much every system in your body including production of sex, stress and blood pressure hormones. When the thyroid is out of whack, you can suffer a cluster of symptoms including fatigue, weakness, hair loss, ED and, in the case of too much thyroid hormone, anxiety and premature ejaculation.

Depression can also lead to sexual dysfunction and vice versa. Another side-effect of low testosterone, along with sexual dysfunction, is depression. The chicken and egg relationship of mood and sexual performance continues; SSRIs, commonly prescribed drugs to combat depression, include ED as a side-effect.

SSRI’s are not the only drugs that may affect a guy’s mojo. Beta-blockers can do the same. Cape Town cardiologist J.P. Smedema explains that a side-effect of many drugs, including over-the-counter meds, can include sexual dysfunction. The important thing, Smedema says, is to let your doc know immediately of any changes in your sex drive or erections after starting a new medication. Often alternate meds won’t cause symptoms.

Similarly, stress and anxiety can contribute to ED, ejaculation problems and lack of desire.

Conditions like Parkinson’s, kidney disease, brain and spinal cord injury can impact sexual performance including stroke, dementia and prostate and rectal surgery. A study reported at the 2008 Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons found rates of sexual dysfunction among patients under 50 who’d suffered traumatic injury of any kind in the past year was triple the normal population!

Excess porn viewing has been linked to erectile dysfunction. Rudolph suggests that it is not porn itself but the intimacy problems watching too much can reinforce. She notes that porn addiction and resulting sexual dysfunction are some of the toughest problems to treat and can wreak havoc on a man’s sexual relationships.

So, what to do, if you’re unhappy with your sexual performance?

Lots!

Dr. Rudolph says that, in this day and age with the pharmaceutical advances and expanded knowledge of the effects of lifestyle on sexual health, there is seldom reason for a man to suffer bad erections.

The first step, if you’re noticing poor performance, is to visit your doctor and be screened for health issues that could cause or contribute to the problem.

She’ll ask you what’s up or, as the case may be, what’s not up and want details about the nature of the problem and how and when it began. ED with gradual, as opposed to sudden, onset may suggest different causes. Whether you experience spontaneous nighttime erections is clue to the cause and resolution of sexual dysfunction.

Howlett explains the initial blood tests for ED include blood sugar, cholesterol and testosterone. Depending on levels, he will check prostate specific antigen (PSA), thyroid hormones, as well as inflammatory markers and kidney and liver function. He routinely checks blood pressure. If he discovers markers for heart disease, he’ll refer to a cardiologist for treatment and, depending on the severity, begin treating the sexual dysfunction with lifestyle changes and meds, as appropriate.

After addressing lifestyle issues, he explains, the first line of treatment for ED is usually a PDE-5 inhibitor, the most familiar being sildenfal, aka Viagra. If these fail, penile injections are the next treatment of choice and have a high success rate. Nevertheless, their use must be monitored for side-effects like prolonged erections (Priapism) that can cause permanent damage.

The next treatment in South Africa is likely vacuum pumps. These devices draw blood into the penis creating an erection. Should they not work, according to Howlett, penile prostheses are an option. Interestingly, the greatest need for penile implants in his practice stems from patients who’ve bought penile injections on-line and not been adequately supervised by a physician.

Howlett strongly urges men avoid herbal or “natural” remedies to resolve sexual problems. Unlike pharmaceuticals, supplements are unregulated. Some have been found to contain ingredients not on the label, including PDE-5 inhibitors. “If you are treated with nitrates for chest pain and don’t know you’re on PDE-5 inhibitors, the result could be fatal,” he explains.

Dr. Rudolph’s practice includes clinical psychologists on-site who treat psychological issues that may cause or exacerbate a man’s sexual dysfunction. Howlett, Rudolph and Ramlachan see psychological factors as key when treating the patient with performance issues and may, or may not, use depression or anxiety meds as part of that.

Bottom line, there is a lot you can do to prevent and resolve penis-performance problems that don’t involve medical treatment or drugs.

Healthy Diet. – Make sure you eat heart-healthy food– The Mediterranean Diet is what the 2012 Princeton III Consensus Recommendations for Management of ED and CVD specifically recommends. That diet emphasizes fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes, whole grains, fish, lean meat, poultry and dairy and polyunsaturated oils. Avoid trans and excessive saturated fats and sugary and refined foods.
Regular Exercise – Studies have shown improved erectile function for men who are physically active compared to coach potatoes. In one 2012 Journal of Sexual Medicine study of men between 18 and 40, those who were physically active had not only improved erectile function but better orgasms and overall sexual satisfaction.
Butt out – Smokers have 1.5 to 2 times greater risk than non-smokers of ED. Smoking damages blood vessels and cigarettes are not the only problem. Howlett has seen recreational drugs, including cannabis, negatively affect patients’ erections.
Keep Trim – Being overweight, especially abdominal obesity, is linked to worsening ED. Obese men were found to have ED twice as often as normal weight guys.
Manage Stress – Stress and anxiety can lower testosterone as well as your libido and sexual performance. Anxiety can cause PE and ED.
Watch the biking – Studies have found that excessive bicycling can cause erection problems, due to chronic friction and pressure in the penile region. Interestingly, studies indicate that horseback riding is not a problem. Go figure!
Limit Porn – While studies conflict, there appears a link between excessive porn viewing and sexual problems, especially among younger men, some of whom watch in excess of several hours a day of the hot and horny stuff on-line. A review published in the 2016 issue of Behavioral Sciences observes how men exposed to excess porn may exhibit signs of ED, delayed ejaculation and decreased libido and sexual satisfaction. The authors speculate that the limitless novelty and extreme nature of some porn eventually desensitize men to sex with real partners and hamper arousal.

Improve your Sex Life

Stop Smoking,
Do regular vigorous exercise
Maintain a normal weight
Eat a healthy diet
Maintain a healthy LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio

Common Risks for ED

High Blood Pressure
Cardiovascular Disease
Medications including SSRI’s, Beta blockers and many other meds
Smoking
Overweight especially abdominal obesity
Low testosterone (hypogonadism)
Blood sugar problems including insulin resistance and diabetes
Psycho-social factors including self-esteem issues, depression and anxiety
Increasing age

September 8, 2016/by Elna Rudolph

Low Libido, Men's Health, Women's Health

Afternoon Express: How to deal with stress

Afternoon Express Episode #269, aired on 27 June 2016.

We’ve all been stressed in our lives, but what happens to our bodies when we expose ourselves to stressful environments over a prolonged time? What can result is burnout and today we’re joined by Dr Elna Rudolph, to chat about the dangers of burnout and how we can treat it.

Forward to 8:30 on the YouTube clip to skip the cooking session!

August 23, 2016/by Elna Rudolph

Low Libido, Men's Health, Painful Intercourse & Vaginismus, Sex Counselling & Therapy, Sex Life, Women's Health

RSG: Pynlike Seks en Lae Libido (Podcast: Painful Sex and Low Libido)

RSG: Seks en Jy, 22 Julie 2016.

Martelize Brink gesels met Dr. Elmari Mulder Craig en Dr. Elna Rudolph oor seksuele disfunksie by vroue, met die fokus op pynlike seks en lae libido.

July 28, 2016/by Elna Rudolph

Low Libido, Sex Life, Women's Health

‘‘Viagra’’ vir vroue?

“Just close your eyes and think of England.” Glo koningin Victoria van Engeland se raad oor bedsake aan ‘n pas getroude dogter in die laat negentiende eeu.

Dus: Dis jou plig teenoor volk en vaderland om vir ‘n nageslag te sorg, maar moenie verwag dit gaan pret wees nie. Die oordrewe preutsheid het plek gemaak vir ‘n groter openheid oor seks, die wete dat vroue ook seks kan (en asb, ja, wíl) geniet.

‘‘Make love not war’’, was die slagkreet van die blommekinders in die jare sestig. Stomende liefdestonele is deesdae alledaags op die silwerdoek/kassie. Die Fifty Shades of Grey-trilogie het swepies en boeie sexy gemaak.

Almal doen dit. Of so voel dit soms. En jy, is jy nie lus nie? Wat is fout met jou?

As jy skuldig voel: Jy is nie alleen nie. Brenda (36), is getroud met ’n “liefdevolle beer” wat haar met geskenkies oorlaai. Hulle is meestal in hul vrye tyd saam. Sy is lief vir hom, maar sal enigiets doen om seks te vermy. Die lus ontbreek, daarom kyk sy saans laat TV en kruip dan saggies langs hom by die huweliksbed in. Jy sal verbaas wees hoeveel vroue daarmee kan identifiseer.

Dis wêreldwyd só: Vroue se seksdrang is aan’t kwyn. Dalk omdat hulle te veel balle in die lug moet hou, die eise van ’n loopbaan, kinders en eggenoot moet hanteer.

En farmaseutiese maatskappye werk kliphard op soek na die nuwe “heilige graal”- ’n pil (of plakker of sproei) om tot hul redding te kom, nes Viagra en kie baie mans se sekslewe omgekeer het.

So pas is die eerste pil dan ook in Amerika goedgekeur om ‘n gebrek aan begeerte by vroue te behandel. (Die farmaseutiese maatskappy wat dit bemark, moet nog besluit of hy dit Suid-Afrika toe wil bring en dan by die Medisynebeheerraad daarvoor aansoek doen. Dit kan etlike jare duur voordat dit hier beskikbaar is.) Addyi, die handelsnaam, is pienk teenoor Viagra se blou. En dadelik die etiket van vroulike ‘‘Viagra’’ omgehang. Die enigste ooreenkoms is egter dat albei bedoel is om skop in jou sekslewe te sit.

Viagra is vir erektiele disfunksie en vermeerder bloedvloei na ‘n man se geslagsdele. Dit help hom dus om ‘n ereksie te kry en te behou.

Addyi fokus op jou kop: Dit teiken die breinboodskappers wat gereken word betrokke by seksuele begeerte is: Dopamien, nor-epinefrien en serotonien. Dis aanvanklik teen depressie ontwikkel. Toe kom proefpersone agter hulle is steeds depressief, maar hul seksdrang is beter, volgens time.com.

“Dit probeer die brein oorreed om lus te wees vir seks,” sê dr. Elmari Mulder Craig, president: die Suider-Afrikaanse Vereniging vir Seksuele Gesondheid (SASHA), seksuoloog en verhoudingskenner van Pretoria.

Ongelukkig moet nog baie geleer word oor Addyi en is seksuoloë dit eens dat die newe-effekte ernstig kan wees, sê sy. Dit moet daagliks geneem word en newe-effekte kan lae insluit lae bloeddruk (veral saam met alkohol), floutes en slaperigheid. Dit kan nie vir postmenopousale vroue voorgeskryf word nie.

‘‘Viagra’’ vir vroue

Viagra doen dit helaas nie vir vroue nie. Toetse het getoon daar is wel ’n groter bloedvloei na die geslagsdele, maar vroue word nie seksueel meer geprikkel nie.

Want die seksuele respons vir ’n vrou lê in méér as net wat in haar vagina en klitoris gebeur. Die fokus het geskuif — na wat in jou kop aangaan. Daarom was daar groot afwagting op ’n pil soos Addyi, wat die plesier-sones in jou brein teiken.

Ongelukkig moet nog baie geleer word oor Addyi en is seksuoloë dit eens dat die newe-effekte ernstig kan wees, sê dr. Mulder Craig. Dit moet daagliks geneem word en newe-effekte kan lae insluit ernstige lae bloeddruk en floutes, wat deur alkohol vererger word. Ook lomerigheid, naarheid en duiseligheid. Dit kan nie vir postmenopousale vroue voorgeskryf word nie.

Addyi se pad is dan ook met omstredenheid besaai. Dis reeds twee keer vantevore deur die Amerikaanse voedsel-en-medisyne-owerheid (FDA) afgekeur. Toetse het naamlik getoon dit het nie juis ‘n beter effek as die plasebo’s waarmee dit vergelyk is nie. Drukgroepe het egter luid verkondig dis seksisties dat daar nie enige pil vir vroue met ‘n gebrek aan libido is nie.

Die uiteindelike goedkeuring daarvan het ’n groot debat ontketen. Daar word gevra of dit die regte redes vir ’n gebrekige libido teiken. Kritici sê die farmaseutiese bedryf, gretig om nuwe markte te ontgin, wil ’n tipiese lewensprobleem amptelik as siekte verklaar, skryf die Duitse dagblad Die Welt (www.welt.de). ‘‘Ons het gewoond geraak daar is ’n pil vir elke kwaal. Die farmaseutiese bedryf se ambisie ontmoet dus eenvoudig mense se verwagtinge.’’

Maar die pad na vroulike begeerte loop eenvoudig nie deur ’n botteltjie pille nie. Daarvoor is vroue se seksualiteit te kompleks. Dis baie meer in die brein gesetel as mans s’n. Vir húlle is dit makliker – selfs net ’n kykie na ’n sexy vrou kan hulle prikkel. Vroulike seksualiteit daarenteen, is steeds ietwat van ’n raaisel. Dis ’n komplekse wisselwerking tussen sielkundige, fisieke en hormonale faktore. Dus: Jou verhouding, liggaam én kop moet gesond wees, berig die Britse koerant The Observer (www.theguardian.com/observer).

Inderdaad, sê dr. Elna Rudolph, mediese dokter en seksuele gesondheid-spesialis van Pretoria (met takke in Johannesburg en Kaapstad). Moet egter nie die baba saam met die badwater weggooi nie. Syself beskou die ontwikkeling van produkte soos Addyi as positief. ‘‘Dit beteken daar word moeite met navorsing oor die vroulike seksdrang gedoen. As daar eers klaargespeel is met fisieke probleme wat ’n gebrek aan libido kan veroorsaak, is dit soveel makliker om kop-dinge te takel: ’n konserwatiewe opvoeding, molestering, ens.’’

Testosteroon, die sogenaamde libido-hormoon, word byvoorbeeld dekades al gebruik vir vroue met seksuele probleme. As jy geen testosteroon het nie, kan jou liggaam nie fisiek op seksuele stimulasie reageer nie. Dit kan met transdermale testosteroon-room behandel word. Jou hormone word vooraf met ’n eenvoudige bloedtoets getoets. (Nooit testosteroon-inspuitings vir vroue nie, sê dr. Rudolph.)

Testosteroon-aanvullings lei tot een keer meer se seks per maand, nes Addyi, wys navorsing.

Wat gebeur in jul verhouding?

Feit is, daar is nie kitsoplossing vir seksprobleme nie, sê dr. Mulder Craig. Die oorsaak van die probleem moet opgespoor en behandel word.

Geen pil gaan help vir ‘n swak verhouding, swak selfbeeld, seksuele molestering as kind, of depressie nie. As daar probleme in die slaapkamer het, moet julle waarskynlik goed na die gehalte van jul verhouding kyk. Want ’n vrou se seksdrang is afhanklik van hoe gesond haar verhouding is. En seksuele probleme is dikwels die eerste simptoom dat dinge nie reg is nie. ’n Pil vir seksualiteit sal dan ook net die simptoom behandel en nie die onderliggende probleem nie.

Vroue is geweldig sensitief vir wat in verhoudings aangaan. Jy gaan nie vanaand in die bui wees as jy voel jou man behandel jou die res van die dag sleg nie. Mans en vroue verskil: Hy sal ná ’n argument met seks wil wys hy is nog lief vir jou, sê sy.

Onlangse navorsing wys ook sommige vroue het eers stimulasie nodig (arousal) voor sy ’n drang of motivering vir seks het, gaan sy voort. ‘‘Jy gaan dus nie noodwendig ‘n spontane behoefte na seks hê nie.’’

Moenie ook nie gehalte-seks met kwantiteit verwar nie. Dit gaan nie oor hoe dikwels (hoeveel keer per dag/maand/jaar) jy seks het nie, maar hoe goed daardie ervaring is, volgens dr. Rudolph.

Gehalte-seks is as jul albei se behoeftes bevredig word, beaam dr. Mulder Craig. Maar dan moet jy weet wat jou behoeftes is. Soos: “Ek hou van romanse’’ of “dis gehalte-tyd saam, die hele aanloop tot seks”. Baie vroue het egter nog nooit gedink wat hul behoeftes is nie.

“Seks is ’n spanpoging en julle moet daaroor praat. Seksualiteit is hoe julle kommunikeer, bind, kreatief kan wees, ’n energie-inspuiting kry. Dis ’n manier om te groei: Jy, jou maat en jul verhouding.’’

Om te weet

Leer jou liggaam ken. Masturbeer, ontdek waarvan jy hou en vertel jou maat.
Werk aan jou seksuele selfbeeld. Versorg jouself goed.
Fokus op jou goeie eienskappe en beklemtoon dit. Vergeet van jou selluliet of rekmerke. Mans kyk met ander, sagter oë na vroue. Hy sien dikwels nie die dinge raak wat jou pla nie.
Práát oor seks. Verkieslik nie in die slaapkamer nie, maar in ’n neutrale omgewing. Bespreek jul behoeftes, voorkeure en afkeure. Wees eerlik oor jul verwagtinge. Lees saam seksueel opvoedkundige boeke en leer om gemaklik daaroor te kan praat.
Bepaal jou prioriteite. Jy is moeg en gestres en jy voel jou man wil meer seks hê as wat jy kan gee. Beplan jou sekslewe. Ruim tyd in vir spesiale, sensuele samesyn — veral as julle kinders het.
Die brein is jou belangrikste seksorgaan: Gebruik dit. As seks meganies en geroetineerd raak, kan fantasie dit weer laat opvlam. Fantaseer oor iets waarmee jy gemaklik voel. Jy kan só in ’n veilige omgewing met nuwe erotiese idees eksperimenteer.
Wees romanties en kreatief. Blomme, kerse, wyn, musiek, verrassings en bederfsessies (soos om mekaar te masseer) verrig wondere. Sorg vir afwisseling en wees sensueel én seksueel kreatief.
Gaan kompromieë aan. As jou maat se seksdrang baie hoër of laer is as joune, kan sensuele liefdespel ’n alternatief vir seks wees. Spontaneïteit, wedersydse buigsaamheid, eerlike kommunikasie en ontvanklikheid vir moontlike alternatiewe sal bydra tot ’n gelukkige, vervullende sekslewe.
Wees realisties. Moenie jou sekslewe vergelyk met wat jy in boeke lees of op TV sien en dan wroeg omdat joune saai en sonder oemf lyk nie. ’n Seksuele verhouding moet vertroetel word. En die groei en ontwikkeling daarvan is ’n lewenslange proses.
Soek moontlike oorsake vir probleme. Maak seker daar is nie ‘n liggaamlike rede soos diabetes, ‘n ystertekort of hormonale wanbalans nie. Pyn (algemeen of tydens gemeenskap), vaginale infeksies, moegheid, oormatige alkoholgebruik, medikasie soos antidepressante en kalmeermiddels, onopgeloste konflik, stres en ’n gebrek aan emosionele intimiteit kan ‘n negatiewe invloed op jou seksdrang hê. Praat met jou dokter oor ’n antidepressant wat nie die libido onderdruk nie. Soek hulp as seksuele probleme jul verhouding beïnvloed of as julle nie meer openlik, kalm en eerlik oor jul probleme kan gesels nie.

Bron: Elmari Craig, seksuoloog en huweliksberader.

Die statistiek

Dit voel of almal dit doen, net nie julle nie? Ontspan. Die gemiddelde paartjie in ‘n stabiele, langtermyn-verhouding, het sowat drie keer per maand seks, volgens die nuutste navorsing, wat in Brittanje gedoen is. In 1999 was dit gemiddeld 5 keer per maand. Dat sosiale media is waarskynlik die rede waarom dit afneem, is verlede jaar (2015) by die Wêreldkongres vir Seksuele Gesondheid in Singapoer berig. (Julle gaan saans met jul selfoon/rekenaar bed toe en jul sekslewe ly daaronder.) Dit wil voorkom asof mense wat slenterseks (casual sex) het, meer gereeld die ding doen, verduidelik dr. Rudolph.

En dr. Lorraine Becker, mediese dokter en seksuele gesondheid-spesialis van Johannesburg, sê: ‘‘Jy is normaal, jy hoef nie aanmekaar seks te hê nie. Seks is belangrik vir ’n verhouding, maar beslis nie die begin en einde nie.’’

*Author and publication unknown – Please contact us if you have any details regarding the original publication of this article: info@mysexualhealth.co.za

June 22, 2016/by Elna Rudolph

Low Libido, Men's Health, Sex Counselling & Therapy, Sex Life, Women's Health

7 Ways Brain Health can improve your Sex Life

7 Ways Brain Health Will Improve your Sex Life

Written by: Annie Lizstan for My Sexual Health

Make no mistake; the brain is indeed the ultimate sex organ. The response to sexual stimulation ultimately begins in the brain, and this is true for most women. The brain is the center point of all thoughts and emotions, and it is a complicated and intergraded network of neurotransmitters that are responsible for many things, including sexual desires and the response to such desire. The brain sends signals throughout the body that will begin a chain reaction that leads to the arousal of the genitals. Sexual arousal begins in the mind because arousal can begin by just thinking about sex, which brings us back to the first point, that the brain is an ultimate sex organ.

Many women will agree, that is difficult for them to get “in the mood” if they are distracted, have a long to-do list, or are physically and mentally exhausted. If they feel unappreciated by their lover, many women will not feel amorous toward her lover. When you understand that the brain is a sexual organ, your love life may improve.

In general, sex affects emotional, physical, and social aspects of a person’s life. Recent studies have concluded that in addition to “mindful meditation” and computer memory training games, sex may make you more intelligent.

Below are several more reasons that a healthy brain will improve your sex life, and a healthy sex if will improve your brain power:

Exercise with your lover, as this can be incorporated into a type of sexual foreplay. Couples bond mentally and physically when they do activities together, such as enjoying a vigorous game of tennis. Couples will grow closer if they go to the gym together on a regular basis. Yoga is an excellent activity to do with your partner. Remember, regular exercise will have you feeling more energized and looking better, which will have a positive effect in the bedroom. Also, men who regularly exercise (which is a natural way to keep your brain healthy) are less likely to have ED (erectile dysfunction).
Sex is like a drug, and brain enhancement supplements may not be necessary to increase the enjoyment of sex. Sex is a pleasurable act that feels good, because a neurotransmitter (dopamine) is naturally released, and triggers the part of the brain that registers a reward. Researchers conclude that the “feel good” hormones (dopamine and oxytocin) may improve the connectivity as to how the brain communicates.
“I have a headache” may not be a valid excuse to avoid sex. In fact, recent research shows that sexual intimacy may relieve minor symptoms of pain. A research study, conducted in Germany, showed that 60% of migraine sufferers who had sex during an episode reported pain relief.
Sex may be a natural memory booster. A controlled laboratory study, conducted in 2010, reported that when rodents were allowed sex on a daily basis for two consecutive weeks, more neurons grew in the hippocampus (the area of the brain that is directly associated with memory function). A second laboratory controlled study backed up this conclusion. It is inconclusive if this is true in humans, but you can certainly study this theory for yourself.
Sex will make you sleepy, and this is great news because your body needs to rest for your brain to function at maximum capacity. When the body is completely rested, your energy levels increase and your mood is elevated. Also, a well-rested body and mind are one of the most popular ways to increase stamina during intercourse. Scientists think they understand why men have the tendency to get sleepy directly after sex. The prefrontal cortex will shut down after ejaculation, and this along with the release of feel-good hormones (serotonin and oxytocin) may account for some men rolling over and quickly falling asleep.
As we know, there are specific ways to keep the brain healthy, such as eating right (by avoiding processed foods and eating more fruits and vegetables), and engaging in mentally stimulating activities (like doing crosswords puzzles, learning to play a musical instrument, and learning a new language). But recent clinical studies have shown that having sex later in life (over the age of 50) can boost brain health and ward off signs of dementia.
Sex is relaxing. Frequent sexual encounters mean a less stress-filled life. People who had sex on a regular basis were less mentally stressed when faced with anxiety (such as faced with having to speak publically). How does sex decrease stress? Basically, by lowering a person’s blood pressure.

References:

Author Bio:

Annie Lizstan works as a health and beauty consultant for online websites and an independent researcher by profession. She had completed her studies from university of Arizona and live in Wasilla, Alaska. She always like to explore her ideas about health, fitness, beauty .Recently, she got an opportunity to work on joint health product beneflex .She has experience researching as a passion as well as profession. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Note: imagery courtesy of Google

May 4, 2016/by Elna Rudolph

Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Low Libido, Men's Health, Painful Intercourse & Vaginismus, Pregnancy & Infertility, Sex Counselling & Therapy, Women's Health

No sex, no baby

By Dr. Elna Rudolph. Published in The Specialist Forum, Jan/Feb 2015.

For those who do not desire to fall pregnant, it seems almost unavoidable and for those couples who would desperately like to have a child, it can feel almost impossible. We have some of the most advanced treatment technologies for the management of the infertile couple in SA, but in some cases it is not necessary. We just need to help the couple have successful intercourse.

Read the full article here.

February 21, 2015/by Elna Rudolph