Sexual Vibrancy Can Be Restored

Q. I am in my mid-60’s and in good health except for asthma I’ve had since I was a child. I take Advair, Prempro and Lipitor.
My husband and I have been married for 44 years with four children. As I have gotten older I don’t experience the orgasms I did when younger. My husband and I love each other very much and do want to keep our sexual vibrancy as long as possible.
I recently went to a new OB/GYN since mine retired in June and told him my story. He changed my medication from Prempro to Estratest and Prometrium. I have no idea what these are for, except one has testosterone in it. The doctor assured me I wouldn’t grow extra hair or have a deep voice from it.
I haven’t tried them yet as I am a bit fearful of the change. The two new prescriptions also cost more than Prempro.
I have heard of the Eros appliance. Would it be just as good?
A. Estratest is a combination of estrogen and testosterone. Prometrium is progesterone. In essence, your physician replaced the Prempro with similar hormones and added testosterone.
This male hormone has a reputation for improving libido in women, but there are potential side effects. Tell your doctor if you notice facial hair growth, hoarseness or acne.
Eros is a device about the size of a computer mouse. Its small cup applies a gentle vacuum pressure to the clitoris. This is not a sex toy, but an FDA-approved device that requires a prescription. Researchers found about 75 percent of users had improved sexual satisfaction.
Some insurance companies cover the cost of the Eros-CTD, but it is expensive. For more information, pharmacists or patients can call the toll free number: (877) 774-1442.
We are sending you our Guides to Female Sexuality and Treating Sexual Dysfunction for more information. Anyone who would like copies, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. PZ-9, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
Q. I can’t go into details, but I am desperate to know if diphenhydramine interacts with alcohol. The diphenhydramine is an over-the-counter sleep aid. What would happen if a person consumed both?
A. Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine found in Benadryl. It is also found in nonprescription sleeping pills such as Nytol, Sleep-eze 3, Sominex or the “PM” pain relievers (Tylenol PM, Excedrin PM, etc).
Both alcohol and diphenhydramine can interfere with a person’s reflexes and judgment while driving. Many people don’t realize that the OTC sleep aid can affect driving performance as much as alcohol. The combination should be avoided. One individual suffered severe muscle breakdown and kidney damage after washing several diphenhydramine pills down with alcohol.
Q. There’s a product called Liquid Bandage that is very popular, but pricey. I read that Super Glue could be used instead to seal small cuts. Is this true?
A. Some physicians have used products like Super Glue to close small wounds in a pinch, but there are now much safer alternatives. One is Liquid Bandage. Another is Dermabond. They seal wounds without causing irritation to the tissue, which may occur with instant glues that are used for household repairs.