Female Sexual
Health
As a woman, with age your hormonal production diminishes. Your care the lining of your vaginal wall thins and may become more
rigid, and the production of vaginal lubrication drops significantly. This latter change can contribute to pain during and after
intercourse in many senior women.
Sexual health refers to sexual function, reproduction, desire, ability and enjoyment. It involves relevance in and effect on your
overall life and health status.
“Experts in the field of sexual medicine agree that sexual function can be related to overall health, especially heart
health.”
Your sexual health is an integral part of your life. Feelings and experiences of a healthy sexual relationship are important factors to develop
and maintain social and interactive skills, as well as contributing toward a healthy heart and circulation.
Factors affecting sexual health may include one or many physical, psychological and emotional issues. Health conditions that affect these areas
can impact your sexual health as well as your relationships and self-image. If you are not feeling happy with your life, are constantly ill,
tired, or suffer from chronic illness or disease it is unlikely that you will be able to fulfil a satisfying and stimulating sexual
relationship.
Hormones
Estrogens and testosterone are the major sex hormones essential in sexual functioning.
Both classes of hormones are present in males and females alike, but in different amounts.
Men generally produce around 6-8 mg of testosterone per day, compared to most women who generally produce around 0.5mg.
Estrogens are also present in both sexes, but of course in larger amounts for women.
Premature aging, illness, certain medications and chronic illness all affect your body's hormonal balance, sometimes causing drastic changes in
sexual interest and ability.
More awareness has been gained regarding the importance of sexual health since the World Health Organization (WHO) stated over 25 years ago that
"There exist fundamental rights for the individual, including…freedom from organic disorders, diseases and deficiencies that interfere with
sexual and reproductive function."
However, even today there are still many obstacles that prevent this from becoming a reality. This is a general lack of understanding of the
relationship between your general health and your sexual function and abilities.
Various factors limit your sexual interest and capacity as you age. Heart disease, diabetes, depression, obesity, hormonal and nervous system
disorders can all seriously lower your abilities and confidence in the sexual arena.
The American Association of Retired Persons has done numerous studies and surveys to find out how non-prevention of such problems in early years
has effected lives latterly (in both general health and sexual function and enjoyment).
As well as producing many individual facts and figures, their overall findings can be summarised in one sentence…
“Sexual health is not only an important part, but an essential element of the quality of life of adults over the
age of 45.”
Revelations regarding the effects of prescriptive treatments are also continuously brought to our attention. Preventative measures, general
nutritional health, lifestyle and exercise continually prove to be the way ahead to maintain your level of sexual health throughout life.
- More people seek help for sexual health matters than any other condition (37% up from 26% in
1999).
- More people agree sexual activity is a critical part of their relationship (60% up from 55% in
1999).
- Almost 40% of men and 15% of women rate their sex lives as currently being at the bottom of the
satisfaction scale.
- Healthy and physically active people are generally more satisfied with their sex lives than those
with a medical condition. (AARP)
- 31% of men believe that better preventative and curative measures for their overall health would
increase their satisfaction with their sex life. (AARP)
- The majority of middle aged and senior people don't receive adequate information on prevention and
cure for the growing variety of both acute and chronic conditions. This affects their sexual health as part of their overall health and
well-being. (AARP).
As a woman, with age your hormonal production diminishes. Your care the lining of your vaginal wall thins and may become more
rigid, and the production of vaginal lubrication drops significantly. This latter change can contribute to pain during and after intercourse in
many senior women.
Despite these occurances surveys show that a woman's capacity to achieve orgasm can remain at near peak levels well into her senior years, even
though the length of time needed to achieve orgasm may increase. Studies also confirm that women who remain sexually active may actually be less
likely to experience some or all of the folowing:
Menopausal problems
PMS
Painful intercourse
Cervical cancer
Breast cancer
Female infertility
This is the most dramatic organic change that you will undergo as you age.
Menopause occurs between the ages of 45 - 55, although it is possible to begin earlier. A significant reduction in the production of estrogen
brings about this change to signify the end of ovulation, menstruation and fertility.
This does not mean that your sexual desire, energy and enjoyment has to end also. On the contrary, it has become clear that not only does
interest and capacity for sex continue well beyond menopause, but that many women report an increased enjoyment of sex at this time, due to the
absence of concerns regarding unwanted pregnancies and menstruation problems.
The major sexual impact of the menopause can include vaginal shrinkage and thinning of the vaginal walls, along with a loss of elasticity and
decreased vaginal lubrication during sexual arousal.
Some women experience only slight changes in sexual function, while others have severe symptoms and discomfort from dryness and pain with
intercourse, or genital soreness for a few days after sexual activity.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a collection of physical, psychological and emotional symptoms that many women experience during the one or two
weeks before a menstrual period.
Symptoms may be related to cyclic changes in female sex hormones, pituitary hormones, prostaglandins and certain brain chemicals known as
neurotransmitters. Magnesium deficiency could play a role.
Lifestyle is also thought to play a significant role in PMS, especially if you smoke, lead a stressful life, rarely exercise, sleep too little or
have a diet high in caffeine, alcohol, salt, red meat or sugary foods.
Increasing the general health of your diet and lifestyle will prove significant as part of any type of treatment regime.
Dyspareunia is the experience of pain during or after sexual intercourse. It can involve the vagina, clitoris or labia. You may
experience pain at the entrance of the vagina, deeper pain during penetration, or tightening of the vaginal muscles.
Common causes of such pain include:
- Vaginal dryness
- Side effects of drugs such as antihistamines
- Endometriosis
- Inflammation of the area surrounding the vaginal opening
- Skin diseases
- Urinary tract infections.
The cervix is located at the top of the vagina. It is the entrance to the uterus.
Cervical cancer begins with abnormal changes in cells in the outer layer of the cervix that continue to multiply.
Virtually all cervical cancer is caused by infection with HPV human papilloma virus.
Cervical cancer does not display any symptoms in its early stages, which is why it is recommended to have regular smear / pap tests every few
years.
Treatment for cervical cancer will depend on how far the cancer has spread through any part of medical stages 0 to 4.
At stage 0 the following options may be considered:
- Laser surgery
- Cryosurgery
- Conization
- Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).
Through stages III IV radiation and chemotherapy are the usual routes of conventional treatment.
Breast cancer manifests as a growth of abnormal cells that can develop in one of several different areas of the breast.
Types of Breast Cancer:
- Invasive ductal carcinoma — develops in the milk ducts.
- Invasive lobular carcinoma — originates in the milk-producing lobules.
- Medullary, mucinous and tubular carcinomas — slow-growing types of breast cancer.
- Paget's disease — starts in the milk ducts of the nipple and can spread to the areola (dark circle around the
nipple).
- Inflammatory carcinoma — the most aggressive and difficult to treat, because it spreads so quickly.
Treatment will depend on the stage of the disease.
Most couples are able to achieve a pregnancy within one year if they have intercourse frequently, but between 10% and 15% of
couples will continue to have difficulty conceiving after one year of trying. Infertility is when pregnancy is slow or unable to occur.
Infertility can be caused by health problems. In approximately 20% of couples more than one cause of infertility is found.
Normal aging reduces a woman's ability to become pregnant. Aging begins to reduce fertility as early as age 30, and pregnancy rates are very low
after age 44.
You can help to diagnose your own potential problem by taking your body's early-morning core temperature and/or using an ovulation predictor
test.
Your healthcare practitioner can also take blood tests to confirm normal ovulation by measuring a high progesterone level in the later part of
your menstrual cycle. Blood levels of two additional sex hormones, follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol can also help to show whether your
ovaries are functioning well.
Causes of sexual problems in females are dependent on the individual problem. Continually growing proof supports the expert
evidence that our sexual health is dependent on our overall health and wellness (see above).
When referring to the menopause you must be aware that there comes an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, so blood pressure and heart
function should be regularly checked.
Blood tests are often employed in female sexual health conditions to check various hormone levels.
Screening tests such as for blood pressure, cholesterol level and thyroid function is often recommended, along with mammograms and regular pap
tests.
Testing bone density for osteoporosis is recommended if you are in a risk category or approaching/experiencing menopause.
Your healthcare practitioner will ask you about your symptoms, your family history, the general quality of your life, review your medical history
and possibly ask about any medications that you are taking.
He / she will likely wish to examine you to check for other medical or hormonal problems, also examining any discharges and particular organs of
concern.
For more potentially serous problems he / she may wish to do a pelvic exam, a full gynecology examination, or even a biopsy to investigate and
rule out potential causes. An ultrasound and/or biopsy may also be recommended for conclusive results.
Menopause
The levels of both female hormones estrogen and progesterone begin to fall and the symptoms of menopause are mainly the result of these falling
levels.
Lifestyle, diet and activity all seem to play a role in the severity and type of symptoms experienced.
Other symptoms include:
- Menstrual bleeding becomes irregular
- Skipped, late or scanty periods
- Heavier-than-normal bleeding.
- Common symptoms
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal drying
- Sleep disorders
- Depression
- Irritability
- Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones that increases the risk of fracture).
PMS
Physical symptoms:
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness Swelling of feet and ankles
- Fluid retention and weight gain
- Painful cramps
- Headaches
- Food cravings
- Acne
- Low energy or fatigue
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
- Backaches or muscle pain.
Psychological and emotional symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Depression
- Aggressiveness or hostility
- Crying spells
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased appetite
- Forgetfulness
- Changes in libido (sexual desire).
The common complaints most difficult to bear when suffering PMS seem to be irritability, fatigue and bloating.
Cervical cancer
- A blood-tinged or discolored vaginal discharge
- Spotting after intercourse, or abnormal bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Appetite loss
- Weight loss
- Anemia.
Breast cancer
- A lump or thickening in the breast or under the arm
- A clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
- Persistent crusting or scaling of the nipple
- Inverted nipples
- Redness or swelling of the breast
- Dimpling on the breast skin resembling the texture of an orange
- A change in the contours of the breast
- A sore or ulcer on the skin of the breast.
Female infertility
- Difficulty conceiving
- Infrequent ovulation
- Body stresses
- Eating disorders
- Vigorous exercise
- Rapid weight loss
- Obesity
- Hormonal abnormalities
- Ovarian cysts
- Scarring in the fallopian tubes
- Inflammatory disease
- Abnormalities in the shape or lining of the uterus.
The only sure way to optimum sexual fitness and longevity is through taking the responsibility to care for the overall health of your body. This
means providing it with the nutrients, elements and trace minerals it needs to fight against potential diseases and infections, and to maintain
your strength and energy.
Treatments such as prescription medications do work in the short term, but only suppress the real underlying causes.
Menopause
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) / Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT):
This involves taking estrogen, with or without progesterone hormones, to replace the loss of natural hormones.
Side effects include being potentially more at risk of heart attack and stroke, chronic or active liver disease, blood clots and DVT, migraine
headaches, gallbladder problems, high blood pressure and endometriosis.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Antidepressants, Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Fluoxetine
- Sertraline hydrochloride
- Clomipramine
- Nefazodone
- Venlafaxine.
Side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, insomnia, dry mouth, muscle weakness or tremor, anxiety or
nervousness and reduced appetite.
Vaginal dryness and dyspareunia
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):
The side effects of HRT are as for menopause above.
Alprostadil; Phentolamine:
Side effects of Alprostadil and Phentolamine, commonly used to increase lubrication and more specifically to relax the vaginal muscles, include
diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, weakness and bruising. In more severe cases arrhythmias have been reported.
Cervical cancer / Breast cancer
- Cisplatin (Platinol)
- Ifasfamide (Ifex)
- Fluirouracil (5-Fu, Adrucil).
Chemotherapy drugs such as these are commonly used to kill the cancer cells. Unfortunately these drugs kill healthy cells too
and can result in severe side effects such as vomiting, nausea, hair loss, weakness and fatigue.
Breast cancer
- Selective Esterogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs): Raloxifene
- Tamoxifen.
SERMs can stimulate some but not all the estrogen receptors located throughout a woman's body. Tamoxifen in particular, as
well as chemotherapy above, is sometimes used in the treatment of breast cancer.
Side effects include hot flashes and an increased risk of blood clots.
Female infertility
Infertility hormone medications:
Clomiphene citrate, which stimulates FSH (the pituitary hormone stimulating cells in the ovary and triggering the production of estrogen).
This drug has many side effects, such as hot flashes, blurred vision, nausea, bloating and headache. More serious side effects are potential and
include multiple pregnancy and possible ovarian cancer.
GnRH analogue is also used to quiet down natural hormone stimulation to the ovary in preparation for a precisely timed cycle of ovulation, but
this also has side effects. These include hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, decreased sexual interest, increased LDL cholesterol,
decreased HDL cholesterol, insomnia and headaches.
Other medications commonly prescribed include:
- Oral contraceptives, containing both estrogen and progestin
- Diuretics
- Lubricants, e.g. K-Y Jelly, Replens, or Astroglide.
- Antifungal medications
- Antibiotics.
Many ingredients are well recognised for their sexual health benefits. It is important to understand that your body needs more
than just a few individual ingredients however. To reach optimum performance your body requires a wide synergistic range of nutrients that must
target the health of all your main organs, including your sexual organs and body systems.
Your body requires a specific combination of herbal extracts, essential minerals, active enzymes, vitamins and co-factors to produce the best
results:
Tribulus
Damania
Sarsaparilla extract
Chaste tree berry extract |
Wild Yam extract
Dong Quai
Black Cohosh extract
Red Clover extract |
PLUS… ingredients to increase and maintain overall health and longevity:
Omega 3 DHA fish oil
L-Carnosine
L-Glutathione
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
DAE (Dimethyl Amino Ethanol Bitartrate)
Potassium citrate
RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)
Selenium
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Bilberry extract
Gingko Biloba extract
Gotu Kola extract
Tocotrienols |
Recent studies show that 68% of women frequently experience a decrease in libido and a lack of sexual satisfaction.
Tribulus Terrestris and Chaste Tree Berry can help to improve both desire and performance whilst increasing sexual energy.
| Tribulus |
raises progesterone levels, is an excellent circulatory and heart tonic and can help dilate
arteries, helping to enhance sexual sensitivity, increase stamina and improve satisfaction…whereas... |
| Chaste Tree |
Berry balances estrogen dominance, overcoming symptoms of menopause and PMS such as headaches,
breast tenderness, cramps and bloating. |
| Damiana and Sarsaparilla |
exceptional supporting energizers for the nervous system and for increasing sexual desire and
energy. Sarsaparilla also contains "building block" chemicals to “stimulate the synthesis of sex hormones”. |
| Dong Quai |
used to help combat premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, irregularity, retarded flow,
weakness during the menstrual period and symptoms of menopause by inhibiting estradiol binding to estrogen receptors. It also
acts as a blood purifier, increasing oxygen to the capillaries. |
| Black Cohosh |
normalizes the female reproductive system. It’s active ingredients include triterpene
glycosides, isoflavones and aromatic acids, having reputed positive effects on menopausal and post-menopausal
complaints. |
| Wild Yam |
Extract used as a natural alternative for estrogen replacement therapy, postmenopausal vaginal
dryness, premenstrual syndrome and osteoporosis, whilst increasing female energy and libido. |
| Bilberry |
contains high levels of tannic acid and improves circulation. |
| Ginkgo Biloba |
Extract improves vascular function and circulation, vital for normal sexual function and
desire. |
For More Information Click Here
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