Vibrators have taken a bad rap. Truthfully, they can be the most useful and easy tool in a woman’s sexual arsenal. And yet, vibrators have been relegated to the sidelines. Is it because sometimes women think of them as “kinky?” Is it because women are afraid that the use of a vibrator will make their …
Continue ReadingThe Challenges of Sexuality in Marriage
If I had to sum up the challenges of sexuality in marriage, it would be a borrowed quote from Dr. Jack Morin, author of “The Erotic Mind”. He defines eroticism as “the interplay of sexual arousal with the challenges of living and loving.” What are challenges of living that can get in the way of sexual …
Continue ReadingThe Perk of Predictability
Sometimes unpredictability makes life more fun, adventurous, and interesting. But when it comes to sexual dysfunction, unpredictability can intensify the emotional pain and lead to continued avoidance and distance. When you can’t trust that your body and mind will show up for sex the way you hope, it may make you want to say, why …
Continue ReadingWhen vaginismus treatment fails after successful vaginismus treatment
During the many years I treated Vaginismus I have also supported a number of women who regressed after successful vaginismus treatment. The most common reasons are: Returning to a busy work program often coupled with failure to continue dilating Lack of sexual interest, low libido, lack of lubrication, anorgasmia (failure to achieve orgasm) Disgust with …
Continue ReadingSAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons. Most of my patients complain that their symptoms begin in the fall, continuing through the winter and end in the Spring. However, some patients feel SAD in the spring or early summer. Symptoms of SAD include: Irritability Low energy Low …
Continue ReadingWhy the FDA approval of Flibanserin is important.
Here is the most significant thing to remember: sex is not just about what happens in the bedroom. My friend used to say that sex in a relationship is like the third leg of a stool. When it’s there, you don’t spend much time thinking about it, but when it’s gone the whole stool starts …
Continue ReadingLack of a message IS a message.
In our work treating female sexual dysfunction, we often see the same phenomenon take place: A woman will come to us for treatment after years of suffering from an issue that prevents her from having an enjoyable sex life. The issue could be anything from low desire, poor arousal, inability to orgasm or painful intercourse. …
Continue ReadingThe rise of arousal.
And the media buzz term of the week is…….female arousal. With the news about clinical trials in the advancement of Lybrido, a new drug being tested that purports to increase sexual arousal in women, the discussion around women’s sexuality has shifted from a whisper to a shout. The idea that a female arousal drug may …
Continue ReadingCan Wellbutrin improve sexual functioning?
Wellbutrin is in a class of drugs known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or NSRI. It is commonly prescribed as an anti-depressant and well known as a drug that can help people stop smoking. Simply speaking, Wellbutrin works by raising dopamine levels. What many people don’t know is that dopamine levels are closely linked to arousal …
Continue ReadingThe difference between desire and arousal.
It happens every few days. A woman comes in and says that she has a problem with “my desire.” Then she goes on to say that she really wants to have sex, but she just doesn’t get turned on or it takes forever to get turned on, “so you see…” she sighs. “I have a …
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