Women Care About Sex Too

For hundreds of years men suffered impotence in silence. The very word implied weakness, so it’s no wonder the topic was taboo.
Then Viagra brought a new terminology. Bob Dole introduced “erectile dysfunction” on prime time television. With Levitra competing head to head with Viagra, the whole issue of male sexuality is now out in the open.
The focus on medicine for men has left women out of the equation. But they are just as likely to suffer sexual difficulties. Readers young and old have shared their frustrations:
“I’m a female, 26 years old, married for eight years with one child. Since I had my child, my sex drive has vanished. Over the last four years I have lost all desire and sexual responsiveness. I am too young to be deprived of this part of life. This problem is stressing my husband out and putting a real strain on my marriage.”
Hormonal changes after childbirth may reduce some women’s libido. It is unusual for interest in sex to be reduced for so long, however.
Some doctors now prescribe testosterone for women who lack interest in sex. Studies suggest that this male hormone may help boost libido in some women.
But testosterone carries risks. For one thing, it can masculinize a woman, causing both facial hair growth and a deepening of the voice. To avoid such complications, Dutch researchers have tested special dosing regimens.
In one study women who were given testosterone under the tongue reported feeling sexier and were more aroused three to four hours later (Arch. Gen. Psych. Feb. 2000). Women would not have to take the hormone daily, only on the days when they wished to engage in sexual activity.
Menopausal women may also experience sexual difficulties, as another reader wrote:
“My husband and I are 56 years old and in good health. We exercise regularly and are not overweight. Over the past few years we have experienced a reduction in interest in sex, and this concerns us. We don’t want to lose this part of our relationship but find it is just not ever on our minds. In our younger years this was not at all the case.
“I take Avalide for my blood pressure. My husband takes Lipitor for cholesterol, Effexor for depression and verapamil for his blood pressure. Could any of the medications we are taking contribute to our problem? Is there anything we might take to increase our libido?”
Medication is one of the more common causes of both lowered libido and erectile dysfunction. The blood pressure pills this couple takes might affect their sex life. Even the cholesterol-lowering drug and the antidepressant could interfere with sexual enjoyment. Trying to counteract side effects with a different drug can be complicated.
We offer interested readers our Guides to Sexuality plus an interview with leading physicians who specialize in treating such problems. Anyone who would like this hour-long CD and the Guides may send $17 in check or money order to Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. CDY-318, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
Solving sexual problems requires collaboration with a knowledgeable health professional. Communication and selective use of appropriate drugs can help eliminate the need for anyone-male or female-to suffer sexual side effects in silence.