Humorously referred to as a "power surge" or "my own private Florida," hot flashes are no laughing matter. They probably are the number one symptom of menopause in Western societies. It's interesting that these sweats are not as common in some Asian countries or Mexico where only about 10 percent of menopausal women suffer from hot flashes. One theory postulates the reason Japanese women have such low rates of hot flashes is due to their high fiber, low fat and high consumption of soy diet.
It's estimated that anywhere from 50 to 90 percent of American women of a certain age experience hot flashes; referred to medically as vasomotor flushes. Nobody really is sure what causes them, but there are a number of speculations.
The most common explanation is that lower estrogen levels and declining ovarian function are causative. (This also can explain the profuse sweating a postpartum woman experiences when her estrogen levels dramatically drop after the baby is born.) But this theory cannot apply to women with low levels of estrogen who do not have hot flashes or women with estrogen excess who get them. The fact that almost 30 percent of women treated with placebos have an improvement in hot flashes also might indicate there is more involved than estrogen.
Other factors that might trigger hot flashes can be explained by the complex neuroendocrine reactions to thoughts and emotions. Spicy food, hot drinks, alcohol, sugar, caffeine, stress, heated environments and tobacco also might be triggers.
Another theory suggests they are brought on by a dramatic, sudden downward normalization of the body's internal core temperature. Since estrogen and progesterone are significant in regulating temperature, a decrease in their levels might contribute to a shift in the body's ability to control temperature. Studies with both natural progesterone creams and prescription estrogen show a significant reduction in hot flashes.
As our clients reach peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause, these flushes or hot flashes can be very uncomfortable, not to mention embarrassing. They seem to occur at the most inopportune times and can be very disruptive of restful sleep. They start as mild to intense heat that spreads through the upper body and face. Red blotchy skin might appear on the face, arms and back or the face might appear flushed. Cardiac rate increases and often copious amounts of perspiration appear, followed by a chill as the hot flash subsides.
They can be short, lasting only a few seconds or as long as 30 minutes, although most diminish after 5 minutes. They can occur every hour or occasionally. They can disturb sleep at night or creep up at any time during the day. And they can drag on for years, well into menopause.
Lifestyle changes are an integral part of any natural approach to treating hot flashes and the massage therapist's first line of defense in treating hot flashes is a soothing massage that increases endorphins and allays stress. Pressing Spleen 3, found at the medial aspect of the feet, posterior and inferior to the head of the first metatarsal, can help balance hormones. Your client should discuss all these suggestions with her doctor before deciding which suits her best.
Some medicinal plants have been used for centuries as female tonics. (Author's note: It's essential that your client discusses any herbal remedies with a naturopathic physician or some medical authority with a knowledge of herbs who can determine which herbs are beneficial and at what doses. Herbs are medicines and it's outside the scope of our practice to diagnose and prescribe medicines.) Herbs that have palliative, soothing effects on the female reproductive system and endocrine glands are black cohosh, motherwort, chaste berry tree, blue cohosh (can potentially raise blood pressure to dangerously high levels when too much is taken; must be avoided by any woman with high blood pressure); red clover, ginseng, dong quai (rich in estrogen), licorice, sarsaparilla and false unicorn.
The effects of black cohosh in treating menopausal symptoms has not received extensive research in the U.S., although the herb has been used often in Europe. The North American Menopause Society condones the short-term use of black cohosh - for use up to 6 months - since it has a low risk of side effects. Long-term effectiveness has not been studied.
Soy and red clover have plant-derived, estrogen-like compounds called isoflavones that mimic a weak form of the body's estrogen. This might explain why women who consume soy-rich diets have fewer hot flashes. Clinical trials in the U.S. have yielded inconclusive results. There also is a concern that isoflavones could cause cancer and those women with breast cancer, or who have had breast cancer, should discuss the efficacy of taking isoflavones with their doctor.
Simple lifestyle changes include wearing layers of loose clothing made of natural fibers; exercising daily; sipping a cool drink at the onset of a hot flash; avoiding excess alcohol; avoiding spicy food and caffeine; employing stress reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation or a massage; quitting smoking; taking vitamin E; increasing soy intake; taking evening primrose oil capsules; sleep in a cool room; drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
There are many women who choose hormonal therapy when natural approaches are unsuccessful or symptoms are extremely severe. Estrogen or progesterone therapy can relieve symptoms, but personal risks and benefits have to be considered. Taking certain antidepressants might decrease hot flashes, especially when they are from a class known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Brand names might include Paxil, Prozac, Celexa, etc.
An off-label use of the medication Gabapentin (Neurotonin) that is FDA-approved to treat epileptic seizures and the pain
associated with shingles, is known to effectively treat hot flashes. One in 3 women who took a small dosage of gabapentin (300 mgs) and 1 in 2 women who took 900 mgs reported a decline in hot flashes. This medication also requires a doctor's prescription and might not be right for everyone.
Women can't avoid menopause. Whether it was chemically or surgically induced, or just a matter of normal aging, these power surges are an annoying part of it. But women can be more in control of their bodies by adopting simple lifestyles changes and understanding that this, too, shall pass. Now, open a window. Is it hot in here, or is it me?
Thou shalt join the coffee cult
once met an Italian who didn't drink coffee. He made light of the fact but you could see he was tired of having to explain his disability every time some new acquaintance uttered the standard Italian greeting: "Prendiamo un caffe?" ("Fancy a coffee?"). His breezy but faintly passive-aggressive manner concealed, I suspect, deep pools of self-doubt and underground lakes of wounded masculine pride. Vegetarians develop the same nonchalant, yet haunted, look when travelling in places such as Mongolia, where meat comes with a side-dish of meat. But this Italian guy wasn't a visitor, he was local. He was the Mongolian vegetarian.
Coffee is so much a part of Italian culture, the idea of not drinking it is as foreign as the idea of having to explain its rituals. These rituals are set in stone and not always easy for outsiders to understand. As in any self-respecting cult, they are made deliberately hard to comprehend, so that the initiated can recognise each other over the bar counter without the need for a curious handshake (which would only lead to stubborn cappuccino stains).
Some might object that the Italian coffee cult is now a worldwide church with branches in London, Dubai and Bora Bora. But while the Arabica coffee blend is often perfect, the cups just the right size and shape, the machines as "Made in Italy" as they come, Italian coffee bars outside Italy almost always adapt to the host culture - just like the vast majority of Chinese restaurants outside China. If you take your cue from your local high-street espresso purveyor, you risk straying from the True Path on arrival in Italy.
Here, then, for those who fancy going native in true Lorenzo of Arabica style, are the Ten Commandments of Il Culto del Caffe.
1 Thou shalt drink only cappuccino, caffe latte, latte macchiato or any milky form of coffee in the morning - and never after a meal. Italians cringe at the thought of all that hot milk hitting a full stomach. An American friend who has lived in Rome for many years continues, knowingly, to break this rule. But she has learnt, at least, to apologise to the barista.
2 Thou shalt not muck around with coffee. Requesting a mint frappuccino in Italy is like asking for a single-malt whisky and lemonade with a swizzle stick in a Glasgow pub. There are but one or two regional exceptions that have the blessing of the general coffee synod. In Naples, you can order un caffe alla nocciola - a frothy espresso with hazelnut cream. In Milan, impress the locals by asking for un marocchino, a sort of upside-down cappuccino, served in a small glass and sprinkled with cocoa powder, hit with a blob of frothed milk, then spiked with a shot of espresso.
3 Which reminds me, thou shalt not use the word espresso. This a technical term in Italian, not an everyday one. Espresso is the default setting and single is the default dose; a single espresso is simply known as un caffe.
4 Thou can order un caffe doppio (a double espresso) if thou likest but be aware that this is not an Italian habit. Italians do drink a lot of coffee but they do so in small, steady doses.
5 Thou shalt head confidently for the bar, call out thine order, even if the barista has his back to you, and pay afterwards at the till.
6 If it's an airport or station bar or a tourist place where the barista screams "ticket" at thee, thou shalt, if thou can bear the ignominy, pay before thou consumest.
7 Thou shalt not sit down unless thou hast a very good reason. Coffee is a pleasurable drug, but a drug nevertheless, and should be downed in one, standing. Would thou sit down at a pavement table to take thy daily Viagra?
8 Thou shouldst expect thy coffee to arrive at a temperature at which it can be downed immediately as per the previous commandment. If thou preferest burning thy lips and tongue or blowing the froth off thy cappuccino in a vain attempt to cool it down, thou shouldst ask for un caffe bollente.
9 Thou shall be allowed the following variations, and these only, from the Holy Trinity of caffe, cappuccino and caffe latte: caffe macchiato or latte macchiato - an espresso with a dash of milk or a hot milk with a dash of coffee (remember, mornings only); caffe corretto: the Italian builder's early-morning pick-me-up, an espresso "corrected" with a slug of brandy or grappa; and caffe freddo or cappuccino freddo (iced espresso or cappuccino) - but beware, this usually comes pre-sugared. Thou mayst also ask for un caffe lungo or un caffe ristretto if thou desirest more or less water in thine espresso.
10 Anything else you may have heard is heresy
Penis Enlargement
Normal anatomy of the penis
Sexual self-conciousness and dysfunction
Penis enhancement
Penile lengthening
Penile girth enhancements
Normal anatomy of the penis
The penis forms part of the male external genitalia and is the common outlet for urine and semen. It consists of an internal root, and the externally visible body and glans.
The root of the penis is composed of three erectile tissues: the bulb, and the right and left crura. These are partially surrounded by muscular tissue. As the erectile tissues continue into the body of the penis, the crura become the corpora cavernosa and the bulb becomes the corpus spongiosum. The corpus spongiosum then expands, forming the glans. The body of the penis is surrounded by loose skin, which is reflected upon itself to form the foreskin covering the glans. The urethra enters the penis via the erectile tissue of the bulb and continues in the corpus spongiosum until it ends at the external urethral orifice.
Each of the erectile tissues contain tiny spaces that can fill with blood. When the penis is flaccid, these spaces are collapsed. When a man is sexually stimulated, a reflex triggers the relaxation of the blood vessels supplying these tissues. This allows greater blood flow and as a result the erectile tissues fill with blood, causing penis enlargement and erection.
The external portion of the penis (the body and glans) typically measures 7.6–13 cm in length and approximately 8.5–10.5 cm in circumference when flaccid. When erect, this increases to 12.7–17.7 cm in length and 11.3–13.0 cm in circumference
Sexual self-consciousness and dysfunction
Sexual self-consciousness has the potential to negatively impact our sexual experiences. It is believed that sexual self-consciousness:
Increases appearance-related anxieties;
Interferes with attention, focus and concentration;
Impairs physical performance; and
Reduces awareness of our own arousals, leading to sexual dysfunction.
While studies are limited, it has been shown that male sexual dysfunction can negatively impact the sexual function of female partners. One study showed that women who had partners with erectile dysfunction had significantly lower sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain and total sexual function scores than those who had partners without erectile dysfunction. Later in that study, a large proportion of the men with erectile dysfunction underwent treatment. Following treatment, sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm and satisfaction were all significantly increased. It was concluded that female sexual function is impacted by male erection status, which may improve following treatment of male sexual dysfunction.
Penis enhancement
It seems that penis size has been a source of male anxiety throughout history and across cultures. Weights have been used by the Sadhus holy men of India and by the males of the Cholomec tribe in Peru in order to increase penile length. Members of the Dayak tribe in Borneo pierced their penises and used decorative items to increase their partners' pleasure. Topinama tribesmen in Brazil used poisonous snake bites to enlarge their penises.
Today in our society, the only consensus regarding such procedures is for the surgical correction of a micropenis – a smaller than average penis than is structurally normal. However, most men requesting penile enhancement surgery have a penis of normal size and function. Typically, these patients interpret normal appearances as abnormal; this is known as psychological dysmorphism.
The indications for enhancement surgery are ill defined and the measures for success are still unclear, but the procedures are frequently performed, often in private settings.
Penile girth enhancements
Some consider penile girth enhancement to be even more controversial than penile lengthening. Indications for the use of these procedures are lacking in the medical literature. Increased symmetry and uniform girth would provide an optimal result, though this is often a significant challenge given current techniques.
Injectable materials
Fat injection
This procedure involves collecting fat cells from the abdomen and then injecting them into several areas of the penis. An increase in circumference of 2.6 cm has been reported with the injection of 40–68 mL of fat. During the injection process, a large number of fat cells rupture or are resorbed, so that only ~10% of the fat cells remain intact.
There is often a trade off between increased size and side effects. If smaller amounts of fat are injected into multiple locations the side effects are minimal; however, only a small increase in girth is gained. As larger amounts are injected, the risk of side effects increases. Complications include the formation of nodules, increased curvature of the penis, unsymmetrical results and other rare conditions. If large volumes of fat cells survive, patients can complain of decreased erectile stiffness as the increased fat overwhelms the firmness of the erectile tissues.
Silicone injection
The use of liquid injectable silicone has not been recommended for penile girth enhancement due to reports of severe complications. Some of these are related to the large volumes required, and others to drifting or distant migration, swelling and distortion, and other reactions. There is also an increased likelihood of damaging the blood supply and nerves, resulting in loss of sensation and erectile dysfunction.
In a recent study involving 324 patients, large volumes of silicone were injected to achieve an increase in penile circumference of 2.6 cm without any reported short-term complications. All patients were reported as fully satisfied; some reported increased erectile function and prolonged time to ejaculation. However, this is only one small study and the results should be evaluated further.
Hyaluronic acid gel injection
The use of this injectable material was reported to increase the size of the glans penis; the injection of 2 cm3 results in a 1.5 cm increase in glanular circumference after one year. Post-operative satisfaction was high with no serious adverse events. However, some believe that glanular enhancement as a separate procedure may be problematic.
Graft procedures
Dermal fat grafts
This procedure involves grafting skin and subcutaneous tissue from the abdomen or folds near the buttock onto the penis. The results are largely dependent on the amount of fat tissue that remains intact. Published studies show inconsistent results one year after the operation, though a 2.5–5.1 cm increase in girth is generally achieved.
Grafting is quite a long procedure; it takes roughly seven hours and has high rates of post-operative complications. Some of the complications include persistent penile swelling, skin injury, increased penile curvature, shortening of the penis and asymmetry, as well as cosmetically unpleasant scarring. There is also a significant risk that the grafted skin may be rejected by the new site, leading to impaired healing.
Allografts
The use of alloderm, a substance created from donated human skin, has several benefits compared to dermal fat grafting. There is greater success in achieving penile symmetry and a lower incidence of adverse effects. However, this procedure is still associated with some adverse events, including fibrosis, infection, and skin and graft loss.
Venous grafts
Venous grafting involves enlargening the corpora cavernosa using segments of a vein normally found in the leg. The penile girth is increased in the erect state only; hence it is more suitable for those men with dysmorphophobia related to the erect state.
In the first report of this procedure, there were no signs of post-operative complications in any of the 39 men who underwent the procedure. However the results have not yet been reproduced, and the technique is still considered experimental.
Nutrition and Brain Health
Introduction to nutrition and the brain
Energy demands of the brain
Food and behaviour
Food and psychological wellbeing
Food and cognition
Neurodevelopment
Ageing
Specific nutrient qualities
Dietary lipids
Carotenoids and flavonoid
Micronutrients
Essential fatty acids
Mediterranean diet
The importance of our diet
Introduction to nutrition and the brain
The effects of different foods on our behaviour and cognitive performance have been known for years without needing to be examined closely – caffeine stimulates the brain; when kids have too much sugar, they turn "hyper"; and chocolate makes us all feel good. For centuries these experiences have been known and our dietary behaviours reflect this.
In recent years the idea of nutritional effects on the brain have been developed further and extensive research into effects of food on brain functions that are not clearly evident or observable have emerged. The effect of certain foods on brain development, mood disorders, cognition (thinking), disease states and ageing has promised to be an essential area of research, development, non-pharmacological treatment and preventative measures.
Energy demands of the brain
The brain is an extremely active organ which demands an extremely high percentage of the overall daily energy requirements supplied by food. PET scans and MRIs show which brain areas are utilising the greatest amount of energy by monitoring the glucose utilisation. This has enabled us to understand of brain development and maturation at different ages.
For infants, 87% of their daily energy intake supplies the brain. In children between the ages of 6-12 years, 30 - 45% of their energy is utilised in the brain. During infancy to early childhood synaptic connectivity is at its greatest rate and therefore glucose utilisation is high. By adulthood, cortical organisation is relatively stable and accordingly the energy demands of the brain decrease to 20-25%.
Food and behaviour
The effect of certain foods on behaviour has been a recent area of interest with the rising number of children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It has been found that a high proportion of children with ADHD are iron deficient or essential fatty acid (EFA) deficient or both.
Other theories regarding nutritional disturbances associated with the aetiology of ADHD include general under-nutrition and the increased amount of junk food that children are consuming from a very young age.
Psychological wellbeing
The effect of poor nutrition can lead to suboptimal functioning indirectly by exacerbation of stress, sleep disturbances and fatigue. Although these states are not considered "diseases" they are daily stressors that effect psychological wellbeing. A flow-on effect exists between fatigue and suboptimal cognitive functioning, in other words, our ability to think is affected. This in turn has a negative effect on self esteem and performance. This is a classic example of a psychological cycle. All aspects of the cycle impact psychological wellbeing which feeds lower self-esteem. It is becoming more necessary to evaluate the function of diet on these factors before turning to medicines. Food and cognition
Perhaps one of the greatest effects of nutrition on brain functioning is on our cognition (thinking). The effects of poor diet on sleeping patterns, energy and mood all indirectly affect day to day functioning of the brain at work or school. Cognition is also indirectly affected by the development of other brain functions, for example nutrition is essential for the development of the sensory systems such as hearing and vision and the integration of these processes, the sensorimotor system. Sensorimotor systems are the coordination between sensory functions and motor (movement) functions. An example of a sensorimotor function would be seeing a ball (sensory) and putting up hands to catch it (motor). These processes mature before cognition as they are essential components needed for learning and memory. Therefore without full and healthy development of these systems, optimal cognitive maturation is not achieved.
Direct effects of nutrition on cognition are seen during neurodevelopment and then again during the ageing process. At these times especially, nutrients are of utmost importance to optimise the way the brain thinks and functions.
Neurodevelopment
Neurodevelopment begins before birth and continues throughout life. Neurodevelopment is development of the nervous system including the brain. Cognitive maturation is a process of neurodevelopment which involves ‘fine-tuning' the brain into a mature functional thinking system. During life, millions of connections (synapses) are made in the brain as we learn, this is called synaptogeneisis, and is a very important aspect of neurodevelopment. Other important aspects of cognitive maturation are myelin formation (to aid conduction of nerve impulses through the neurons) and dendrite formation (to aid the transfer of information from one synapse to another). The hippocampus as well as frontal and prefrontal cortex are the major areas of brain development required for cognitive maturation.
Nutrients are thought to act as a "trigger" for these brain development processes, without which development is stunted and brain physiology and structure are impaired. This impairment can be temporary if the availability of the essential nutrients are only deprived in the short-term. However, in critical periods of development it may only require deprivation of essential nutrients for a short time before permanent damage occurs.
The nutritional requirements throughout the pre-, neo-, and postnatal stages influence immediate and long term cognitive maturation and performance. At this critical stage of neurodevelopment any insult or stimulus, or in the case of nutrition the lack of, has the potential to permanently damage the brain. The greatest brain growth occurs 3 months before birth up to around 2 years of age. It is at these stages that synaptic plasticity is at its peak and the energy requirements of the brain are maximal. The synaptic connections made during this time impact the way the brain is structurally and functionally organised (cortical organisation) throughout life. Ageing
A lot of recent attention has been directed towards the effects of nutrition in neurodegeneration. Neurodegeneration can be thought of as the opposite of neurodevelopment. It is the breakdown of synapses and shinkage of the brain (atrophy). Neurodegeneration is an ageing process and is associated with dementia.
The lack of certain nutrients is thought to be toxic to the brain (neurotoxicity), especially in the elderly brain. Undernutrition leads to processes which predispose the brain to shrinkage and neurodegeneration such as uncontrolled neuron (brain cell) death, amyloid-beta toxicity, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Research has been focussed on nutrients that may have the potential to protect the brain from oxidation and atrophy, such as EFAs and folates.
Specific nutrient qualities
Different foods provide different nutrients which have different actions in development, maturation, growth and protection of the brain.
Dietary lipids
Dietary cholesterol from dairy products and egg yolks have been associated with brain functioning at all ages. Lipids make up 10% of the weight of the brain and are essential for the proper formation of membranes and myelin. Importantly though, excess cholesterol can build up in the blood leading to disease.
Carotenoids and flavonoids
These powerful antioxidants combat oxidative stress in the brain and this is believed to have a protective effect in the ageing processes. Carotenoids are found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables especially but all fruits are good sources of flavonoids
Micronutrients
Micronutrients including iron, zinc, choline, selenium, iodine, magnesium, B vitamins, and vitamins A and C play key roles in energy metabolism as well as neurological enzymatic reactions and processes. Micronutrients are specifically involved in producing functional brain lipids, neurotransmitters, DNA and RNA.
Iodine
This micronutrient is essential for the enzymatic formation of thyroxin, without which can lead to mental retardation any age, although it is especially influential during infancy.
Salt and seafood are the best sources of dietary iodine.
Iron
A deficiency of iron is common, especially in females. Fatigue, lethargy, irritability, inattention, decreased IQ and apathy are seen in iron deficient individuals and have been linked to the symptoms of ADHD in children. The inattentive symptoms may be explained by the cognitive maturation delay found in studies of animals deprived of iron in their diets. Furthermore the fluidity of membranes is hardened in iron deficient individuals.
Lean meat and fish are the best sources of iron but other protein rich alternatives also provide this mineral such as eggs, nuts and legumes.
Protein
Protein intake is essential for the production of vital neurotransmitters including; dopamine, noradrenaline, histamine and glycine. One such protein is tryptophan, a precursor for serotonin which has effects on mood and memory.
Protein is largely found in meat, fish, poultry, eggs, liver and kidney, legumes, nuts, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.
Folate
Low levels of folate (also called folic acid or vitamin B9), a nutrient found largely in leafy green vegetables, are hypothesised to be toxic to the brain, causing brain atrophy. This is especially prevalent in the cerebral cortex of patients with Alzheimer's Disease.
Folate levels have also been associated with positive effects on mood.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 deficiency is related to brain atrophy. Lean beef, salmon and eggs are good sources of vitamin B12.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D has recently been determined to be an important neurosteroid and its receptors are widespread throughout the brain. A deficiency of vitamin D is sometimes accompanied by depression, psychosis and anxiety. Accordingly vitamin D therapy has been shown to provide mood-elevating effects.
A vitamin D-rich diet has been associated with a reduced risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) and has been utilised as an adjunctive treatment in early MS patients. Epilepsy has also been associated with a deficit in vitamin D which suggests its use may be developed as a potential adjunctive treatment for the disease in the future.
Vitamin D is also thought to play a role in the regulation of behaviour. The receptors for this micronutrient are widespread through areas of the brain known to be responsible for mediating behaviour, such as the limbic system.
The best sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, eggs and margarines fortified with vitamin D.
Essential fatty acids
Essential fatty acides (EFA) cannot be synthesised by the brain and are therefore an "essential" part of our diets. Found largely in fish, EFA are necessary for the induction of myelination and providing components of the myelin sheath, which present these nutrients as important regulators of membrane fluidity. Animal studies have found that deficiency of fatty acids can lead to altered blood brain barrier functioning. EFA are also involved in producing neurotransmitters and other important peptides.
Importantly EFA are associated with auditory and visual development. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential omega-3 fatty acid necessary for normal neurogenesis and neurological function. DHA is specifically important for visual signalling pathways. Consumption of high levels of DHA during infancy are associated with better visual development.
The effect of EFA in neuropsychiatric diseases such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and dementia are under investigation Mediterranean diet
Many studies have focussed on the improved cognitive and mood elevating effects in adults who consume a Mediterranean diet; namely a diet primarily comprised of fish, fruits and vegetables. People who adhere to the diet describe better self-rated health which has been found to influence overall energy and vitality The importance of our diet
The body of evidence to support the positive effects of a healthy and varied diet is large and is an active area of research and development. It is important at all ages to focus on consuming a well rounded diet with all the essential nutrients. This is especially important for infants and children during times of neurodevelopment and then again during ageing when neurodegeneration can compromise health and vitality.
Nine Health Issues That Can Impact Sexual Satisfaction
Here's the good news, the bad news, and some more good news about Americans' sexual health: Most (64 percent of Americans, according to one recent study) are satisfied with their sex lives. But many health issues can get in the way of having a good sex life, from prescription medication side effects to depression to sexually transmitted diseases.
In many cases, physicians can work with their patients to improve the situation, whether by changing the dosage of a medication, helping to treat depression or other medical conditions, or by providing sound medical advice for people who have STDs."For people who are not satisfied with their sex life, they really should talk to their primary care physician," . "He or she may be able to diagnose something that was previously undiagnosed, change medications, or offer some lifestyle recommendations. In many cases, the patients can improve their sexual satisfaction."
Here, nine health issues can affect sexual satisfaction
1. Prescription medications.
Many common drugs can have side effects that impact sexual health, including medications that treat blood pressure, heart conditions and depression.Diuretics ("water pills") that treat heart and blood pressure conditions can cause erectile dysfunction among men. ACE inhibitors and other calcium channel blockers, which are used to treat some heart-related problems, also have been found to cause erectile problems.For patients whose depression is being treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) medications such as Prozac, Paxil, Celexa and other drugs or other antidepressants, side effects can include a loss of interest in sex and ejaculation problems.With all of these types of medication and any others that may cause sexual side effects, Rockwell says, patients can talk with their doctors about possibly lowering the dosage, adding a second drug to combat some of the side effects or changing to a different medication. 2. Cardiac health.First,
. "I think the most common fallacy is that having sex is going to cause a heart attack," she says. "The good news is it really isn't the case."The majority of people with cardiovascular disease don't need to alter their sex lives, she says. Some people may need to be careful about all physical activity immediately after a heart attack, or after the implantation of a pacemaker or cardioverter defibrillator, but even then, sex generally is safe as soon as the patient's physician gives the go-ahead to resume physical activity. 3. Depression.
Untreated depression, , can lead to many sexual difficulties. "People can experience lack of pleasure, lack of desire and lack of ability to perform," she says.Adding to the challenge is that some people with untreated depression have heard that antidepressants can negatively affect their sex lives. In reality, Rockwell says, most people on antidepressants don't experience these problems. For those who do, doctors often can prescribe different dosages or different drugs to minimize the side effects. 4. Alcohol.
As anyone who has ever seen a beer commercial knows, alcohol and sex are linked in the minds of many people. Indeed, , many people believe that alcohol will "get you in the mood."While a few drinks initially lower one's inhibitions, drinking can lead to risky sexual behavior not just for people with serious alcohol problems, but also among people who only occasionally have too much to drink. Additionally, Rockwell says, it doesn't really help with one's enjoyment of sex. "Overall, it decreases sexual pleasure because alcohol lowers your sensations," 5. Sexually transmitted diseases.
For people with STDs such as HIV, the human papillomavirus (HPV), or hepatitis, sex isn't out of the picture. In fact, Rockwell says, "people with STDs can certainly have healthy, satisfying sex lives."Protection is a must, she says, and condoms must be used 100 percent of the time. An important caveat is that with HPV, which can cause cervical cancer, condoms do not necessarily protect one's partner against contracting the virus. 6. Stress.
Got stress? If so, then you may have more trouble experiencing an enjoyable sex life."Stress often has effects on our sex lives. When we are consumed with time management, working, raising children and providing for our families, we often don't leave a lot of time for ourselves," . "What happens is the libido goes down, and the ability to accept and give pleasure decreases. People who suffer from unsatisfying sex lives may not even realize that it could be caused by stress." 7. Pregnancy.
"Physically, there is no barrier to sex during pregnancy," Rockwell says. Intercourse will not harm the fetus or the woman, unless she has a medical problem and has been advised by her physician not to have intercourse. Levels of desire can vary. The use of lubricants and changes in positions as the pregnancy progresses may be necessary.8. Menopause.Some physical limitations may affect a woman's enjoyment of sex after menopause, but that doesn't mean a woman's sex life is over. "Many women can experience a very healthy sexual life after menopause," Rockwell says. "There is no reason that menopause should mean an end to your sex life." Topical estrogen cream and lubricants may help after the drop in hormone levels that occurs during menopause.9. Poor body image and self esteem.A woman's self esteem can significantly affect her sexual satisfaction, and low self esteem based on a poor image of her body can detrimentally impact her enjoyment of sex. "Some studies show that as little as five pounds of weight loss can greatly improve a woman's sexual satisfaction,"
Blurrrgh! Dealing with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
It's always unpleasant when your food comes back to haunt you, but when it happens every day it can be downright horrendous. Up to 85% of pregnant women will experience the unpleasantness of regular nausea. It's known as morning sickness.
Where does morning sickness come from?
Anyone who has ever been pregnant will tell you morning sickness doesn't just happen in the morning – it can happen any time of the day or night. It should be called 'round-the-clock' sickness. The term 'morning sickness' is used to describe any nausea or vomiting experienced as a symptom of pregnancy, not just nausea in the morning.
It is thought that morning sickness comes from the hormonal changes happening in the body because of pregnancy.
Some women are more likely to get it than others. Women who are more susceptible are younger, pregnant for the first time, due to give birth to a little girl, obese or have a poor diet. If you get nausea while you're on the Pill, migraines or motion sickness, then you might be headed for some toilet time during pregnancy.
If your mum or sisters complained of morning sickness while they were pregnant ... well, it's not good news for you either. The good news, though, is that morning sickness usually 'backs off' around the 16th week.
Should I be worried about my morning sickness?
Mild morning sickness is normal and although it's annoying and unpleasant, it won't be doing your foetus any harm. Morning sickness can get more serious, though, and sometimes the vomiting is so severe that a woman starts losing weight when she should be gaining extra baby kilos. This is malnutrition.
Malnutrition will harm your baby, so if you notice you are not gaining weight, not keeping much down, or you are loathe to eat in case you'll bring it back up, then see your doctor immediately. Doc will get you back into the burritos in no time and baby will be a happy camper down there!
Depression: Not a morning person
There's nothing worse than hearing that your pregnancy has given you a 'beautiful glow' after you've just been hurling in the toilet for 45 minutes. When you consider this, it's little wonder that morning sickness sometimes causes women to feel depressed.
Vomiting and nausea can be so severe that it causes some women to consider terminating the pregnancy. This is why psychological and emotional treatments are just as important as medical ones.
Get your doctor on the case
Even if your symptoms are mild, you may benefit from a doctor's reassurance and advice. By seeing your doctor and telling them the severity of your symptoms, you can be treated both in your head and stomach – so when you're told you have 'that glow', you can feel good about it.
Your doctor can also help you reduce morning sickness. If your symptoms are mild, they may simply recommend changes to the diet to reduce morning sickness. But there are also medicines that can be prescribed if dietary changes fail to improve your morning sickness.
Food for thought
There are many dietary modifications that might help. You don't have to make eating the enemy. In fact, you can 'let food be thy medicine' and use it to your advantage.
For instance, get enough vitamin B into you – that means red meat and dairy (or vitamin B12 supplements). Throw out the coffee and bitter drinks for the moment and let water be your saviour, because keeping your fluids up will certainly help the rest of your body to feel better.
As far as foods go, eat plenty of carbs. Try eating a cracker at night or first thing in the morning. Eating smaller meals more frequently can help, as you may not feel as affected by your food. Try eating food cold – it will bring those nasty, nauseating smells right down!
If you really can't eat, try yummy fresh fruit juices with high nutritional content, or even make your own fresh ones. Stay away from spicy, hot or dangerous foods, especially soft cheeses and deli meats, because getting a dose of listeriosis is the last thing you need.
Troubled tummies
Don't let morning sickness get you down. If you are experiencing trouble, either tummy-wise or head-wise, know that your doctor can help. Morning sickness has been around as long as women have been giving birth, so you're not alone and it will end eventually. Just more proof why women are the tougher of the species!
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