It's that point of 12 months when stores are full of red hearts and other reminders. Valentine Day is approaching. It's a mood booster, not to say a pleasant break from all that winter gray (not less than here in Boston). After all, what would life be without romance, love and sex?
Unfortunately, quite a few health problems — in addition to a few of their treatments — can get in the way in which of sexual desire and functioning. Here's a fast have a look at among the principal sources of trouble and recommendations on what to try first. If these initial strategies don't work, have a heart-to-heart together with your doctor about what to do next. There might not be a fast fix for sexual health problems, but there are steps you possibly can take to assist ensure you possibly can still enjoy your love life while taking good care of the remainder of your health.
Arthritis
Arthritis It is available in many forms, but most types of the disease cause the joints to change into stiff and painful. Mobility restrictions can interfere with sexual intimacy—especially in individuals with arthritis of the knees, hips, or spine.
A standard solution is to try different positions to seek out a strategy to make sex more physically comfortable. Another option is to take painkillers or a hot shower before sex to ease muscle pain and joint stiffness. Or try a waterbed – one which moves with you.
You can read more online by checking it out. Helpful article Posted by American College of Rheumatology.
Cancer
Cancer Treatment can have long-term effects on sexual desire and functioning. For example, surgery or radiation within the pelvic area can damage nerves, leading to lack of sensation and inability to attain orgasm in women and erectile dysfunction in men. Chemotherapy can reduce libido in each men and girls.
When you talk over with your doctor about your cancer treatment, bring up any concerns about sexual function. There could also be ways to switch your treatment to limit its effect on sexual function or to deal with post-treatment problems.
gave American Cancer Society An excellent article on the topic. Sexuality After treatment that's readable.
Mental stress
About one-third to one-half are adults Mental stress (where mood affects the flexibility to operate) having sexual problems. Depression could be each a cause and a consequence of sexual problems. For example, depression may cause lack of appetite. Or sexual problems may develop earlier—perhaps in consequence of one other health problem—that result in depression.
Someone who takes antidepressants for depression can have a double whammy, as a few of these drugs worsen sexuality. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—amongst essentially the most commonly prescribed antidepressants—prevent or delay orgasm in 30% to 40% of men, and erectile dysfunction in 10% of men. produce
If depression is the explanation for sexual problems, treatment for depression should eliminate them. But should you develop sexual problems after you begin taking an antidepressant, the issue is more prone to be the drug. The first step is to attend it out, because sometimes these sexual unwanted side effects subside with time. If they persist, talk over with your doctor about whether reducing the dose might help. It's also possible which you can switch to a distinct antidepressant with fewer sexual unwanted side effects.
Diabetes
with one-third to one-half men Diabetes Difficulty getting or keeping an erection—what doctors call impotence. This disease contributes to erectile dysfunction in not less than two ways: by damaging the nerves and by damaging the blood vessels within the penis. Women with diabetes may also develop nerve and blood vessel problems that affect sexual desire, arousal and the flexibility to attain orgasm.
Carefully controlling blood sugar through a mix of weight loss program, exercise, and drugs (if obligatory) is step one in stopping nerve and blood vessel damage.
gave American Diabetes Association Also offers advice for Men And for Women How to cope with sexual problems brought on by diabetes
Heart disease
Cholesterol-filled deposits throughout the coronary arteries are sometimes at the basis. Heart disease. These deposits will not be limited to the guts but extend to the arteries of the complete body. They are the leading explanation for erectile dysfunction in men (a reason why heart disease and erectile dysfunction often go together), and may also contribute to erectile dysfunction in women.
High blood pressure causes other problems, by damaging the inner lining of the arteries and restricting blood flow to the penis and vagina. To make matters worse, some blood pressure medications may cause erectile dysfunction.
Engaging in regular physical activity — which helps lower blood pressure and improve blood flow throughout the body — can't only help improve your heart health, but additionally improve sexual performance. can (Think of it as one other incentive to get off the couch.) If blood pressure medication is contributing to your sex problems, switching to a different medication may help.
gave American Heart Association What has been published? Brochures and other advice For those that need to remain sexually lively after a heart attack or stroke.
And next time you go for a heart checkup, by all means discuss your concerns together with your doctor. After all, one reason to maintain your heart healthy is because you possibly can share it with someone!
For more information
More information on maintaining a healthy sexual function is on the market through our special health report on aging and coping with health problems. Sexuality in Midlife and Beyond.
Or you possibly can contact any of the advocacy organizations listed below for added information on easy methods to address specific health issues.