Decreased Response and Pleasure, Sexual Side Effects of Menopause

The clitoris is likely to be less sensitive than in earlier years, possibly due to reduced estrogen levels and changes in the vascular and nervous systems.

Many of the age- and menopause-related hormone changes and vaginal changes that can dampen arousal around midlife can also affect women’s enjoyment of sex and ability to achieve orgasm. Here again, the vaginal atrophy and dryness related to low estrogen play a role, as does reduced blood supply to the clitoris and lower vagina. Also, the clitoris—a key center of sexual pleasure for most women—is likely to be less sensitive than in earlier years, possibly due to reduced estrogen levels and changes in the vascular and nervous systems.

All of this may mean some reduction in the sensations and pleasure you experience during lovemaking. It also can affect orgasm, which may be less intense, take longer to achieve, or rarely happen at all. If you are troubled by a consistent difficulty or delay in reaching orgasm, or a consistent inability to reach orgasm after adequate stimulation, you may have what has been called “female orgasmic disorder.”

Orgasm problems are more common in women over 45.

In a large nationwide survey about sexual behavior among older US adults, 23% of women ages 57 to 85 said they did not find sex pleasurable.⁵ Of these women, 64%—or 15% of women in the overall survey—said they were troubled by this lack of pleasure. Another large nationwide survey found that about 5% of US women have a problem achieving orgasm that causes them concern.¹ In that survey, the rate of these problems with orgasm was higher among women ages 45 to 64 and those 65 or older (6% in both groups) than among women younger than 45 (3%).

The experience of sex as anticlimactic and less pleasurable is likely to dampen desire over time. This makes it easy to see just how interrelated sexual problems can be.

7 Factors Affecting Orgasm in Women

7 Factors Affecting Orgasm in Women

According to a PsychologyToday blog by Lisa Thomas approximately 25% of women have difficulty achieving orgasm or have never experienced one, and even for women who are orgasmic, the frequency is only around 50-70% of the time.  Other researchers found that most women do not routinely (and some never) experience orgasm during sexual intercourse.

There are a number of physiological factors that can inhibit a woman’s sexual desire and her ability to reach climax: hormone imbalance, low testosterone, medications such as anti-depressants, her anatomy (the distance between the clitoris and the vagina), and, of course, partner issues. These can include the partner’s lack of appeal or insensitivity, and, in relation to a male partner, insufficient knowledge of the female body and premature ejaculation. To make matters worse, focusing on having a climax creates pressure in a woman that runs counter to sexual arousal; telling herself to “relax” simply doesn’t work.

Many developmental issues also affect women’s sexuality: Parents’ intrusiveness, emotional hunger, withholding of affection, indifference, hostility and intolerance of being loved leave lasting scars on their offspring. Women react to the resultant emotional pain by developing a poor self-concept or body image, distrust of their partner and other protective and pseudo-independent defenses that, in turn, predispose alienation in their relationships. Basically insecure (anxious or avoidant) attachment patterns they developed in childhood persist into adult life and strongly influence numerous aspects of sexual relating.

In this blog, we focus on seven psychological factors that tend to negatively impact a woman’s sexual desire, arousal and orgasmic capacity.  The list is not meant to exhaust all possible psychological issues; however, in our clinical experience, we have found these to be fundamental and understanding them to be useful in helping women achieve richer, more satisfying sexual lives.

1. Critical thoughts toward one’s body: Many women experience intrusive thoughts or critical inner voices about their body that interrupt the smooth progression of sexual excitement that typifies the arousal cycle of approaching orgasm.  They can have self-conscious thoughts about their breasts: Your breasts are small. They’re not like other women’s breasts. Your breasts are misshapen. Or they may have negative thoughts about their genitals. Your vagina is too large. You’re too dry. You’re not clean, so don’t have oral sex.

Many women have internalized their parents’ negative attitudes toward bodily functions during toilet training, thereby developing images of their bodies and sexuality as dirty. In particular, the genital area becomes imbued with an anal connotation and is confused with excretory functions. Women’s shameful feelings about this area are extended to anything below the waist, (including menstruation) and they end up feeling dirty or contaminated in a manner that can interfere with their becoming aroused or achieving orgasm. When women have negative thoughts about different parts of their bodies they find it difficult to take pleasure in being touched in those specific areas. If they feel critical about their body image in general, it is more difficult for them to fully enjoy sex.

2. Perceiving sex as immoral or bad: Many women have acquired distorted views about sex early in life during the process of socialization. In general, parents’ negative attitudes toward nudity, masturbation and sex play have a powerful influence on both male and female children’s feelings about sexuality and the sex act. As a result, people typically grow up viewing some sex acts as acceptable and clean, and others as dirty and bad. In addition, some religions, especially rigid belief systems, perceive sex as an expression of the baser or sinful nature of human beings. When women take on these attitudes, they tend to see sex as forbidden, shameful and bad. They feel guilty about wanting, seeking or experiencing pleasure in lovemaking, and expect negative consequences or actual punishment.

3. Guilt about breaking the mother-daughter bond with a mother who is sexually repressed: As explained in Sex and Love in Intimate Relationships, “Girls learn by observation and imitation to be like the mother and feel strange or uncomfortable when they are different from their role model.” Therefore, when a mother is held back sexually, it is very difficult for her daughter to go beyond her in terms of enjoying sexual fulfillment in her adult relationship. A woman’s guilt and fear in relation to surpassing her mother in this area are often transferred to other women in her life. Because of these feelings, women are often afraid of standing out from their peers as mature, sexual women.

4. Fear of arousing repressed sadness: For many women, feelings of sadness related to emotional pain in childhood surface during a sexual experience, especially when sexuality is combined with emotional intimacy. For women who were mistreated or rejected early in life and feel unlovable, the contrast of being loved, pleasured, and sexually fulfilled brings out deep and painful emotional responses.   When women try to hold back their sad feelings, they become cut off from themselves, both emotionally and physically, and removed from the sexual interaction.

In Beyond Death Anxiety, I noted that “a close sexual experience can also cause individuals to become acutely conscious of their existence. They experience a heightened awareness of themselves and the value of their lives. Paradoxically, these uniquely positive feelings come with a price–the special appreciation of life makes them aware of deep and painful sadness that their lives are terminal.” For this reason, many women pull back after an especially intimate encounter.

5. Fear of being vulnerable:In my latest book, The Self Under Siege,I write, “Accepting love leads to a feeling of increased vulnerability and challenges aspects of the negative identity formed in the family of origin.”  A woman may enjoy casual sexual encounters, but “as a relationship becomes more meaningful and intimate, being loved and positively acknowledged can threaten to disrupt one’s psychological equilibrium by piercing core defenses. ” Depending on another person to satisfy one’s wants and needs breaks into the defensive posture of being self-sufficient and pseudo-independent. Being open and receptive to another person threatens an inward, isolated, self-soothing way of protecting one’s self from emotional hurt. Combining sex and love leads to a sense of vulnerability and is anxiety provoking because many women and men are afraid of being completely committed to a significant other, especially if they have been previously hurt emotionally.

6. Fear of arousing repressed memories of abuse and trauma:Being close sexually to a partner and freely experiencing orgasm tend to trigger unwanted memories in women whose histories include sexual abuse or molestation.  Estimates are that one out of three to four women were abused sexually or experienced some type of inappropriate sexual contact with a relative or stranger before they were 18. In these cases, being sexual can be unconsciously associated with the abuser, particularly when the abuser is a family member, and sex becomes guilt provoking, tinged with emotional pain, and unacceptable in the woman’s mind. Any similarity between her partner and the family member increases the probability that these memories will emerge.

7. Fear of loss of control: Women who rely heavily upon maintaining control as a self-protective defense mechanism are prone to be resistive to a freely expressive sexual encounter. This can show up in an overall fear of losing control or in more specific fears, such as fears of making noise or moving, or even fears of urinating or defecating when letting go. Control is related to existential issues of life and death. Faced with issues of death anxiety, people tend to detach themselves from their animal nature and disconnect from a body that they know is mortal. This dissociation can inhibit feeling pleasurable responses in the here and now interaction during sex.

Conclusion

In the final chapter of Sex and Love in Intimate Relationships, I wrote, “It is valuable for men and women to develop a compassionate understanding of themselves and how they function in an intimate relationship. It also is important that they come to realize that their problems in relating sexually and being close emotionally are not unusual in our culture.” My associates and I have found that many women have been able to overcome their fears and sexual inhibitions by becoming familiar with and working through the 7 factors noted in this article.

About the Author

Robert Firestone, Ph.D

Robert W. Firestone, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, author, theorist and artist. He is the Consulting Theorist for The Glendon Association. He is author of numerous books including Voice Therapy, The Fantasy Bond, Compassionate Child-Rearing, Fear of Intimacy, Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice, Beyond Death Anxiety The Ethics of Interpersonal Relationships, Self Under Siege, and recently his collection of stories Overcoming the Destructive Inner Voice.  His studies on negative thought processes and their associated affect have led to the development of Voice Therapy, an advanced therapeutic methodology to uncover and contend with aspects of self-destructive and self-limiting behaviors. Firestone has applied his concepts to empirical research and to developing the Firestone Assessment of Self-destructive Thoughts (FAST), a scale that assesses suicide potential. This work led to the publication of Suicide and the Inner Voice: Risk Assessment, Treatment and Case Management. He has published more than 30 professional articles and chapters for edited volumes, and produced 35 video documentaries. His art can be viewed on www.theartofrwfirestone.com. You can learn more about Dr. Firestone by visiting www.drrobertwfirestone.com.

Tags: healthy sexuality, relationship compatibility, sex, sex and the critical inner voice, sexual intimacy, sexual problems, sexuality, women

Anorgasmia In Women | LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor UK

Anorgasmia, women unable to orgasm

Female Anorgasmia (also called Female Orgasmic Disorder) is a sexual problem where a woman can’t reach orgasm. It can be life-long or have started after a period of time of being able to experience orgasm.

Some women can experience orgasm during masturbation, but not during partnered sex; some women can get highly aroused, but never go beyond that. This can leave women feeling deprived of something special, isolated and abnormal and can cause tension in relationships.

What does a female orgasm feel like?

Firstly – it’s not a myth. During orgasm, breathing, heart rate and blood pressure increase, muscles tense, contractions occur in the uterus, pelvic floor muscles, vulva, vagina and rectal sphincter. Accompanying this physiological activity are intense pleasurable physical sensations for a number of seconds, mostly felt in the genital region.

If we get really pernickety about female orgasm descriptions, you could classify them into different genital zones: clitoral orgasm (around 80% of women require clitoral stimulation to have an orgasm), vaginal orgasm (approximately 20% of women experience orgasm through vaginal stimulation alone) and the so-called, ‘G-Spot’ orgasm.

Is the female orgasm obvious?

The G-Spot has centred around much debate; does it exist or not? Do all women have one? The G Spot has been described as a little bump a few centimetres inside the vagina on the front wall. When stimulated during arousal, it may trigger an orgasm and some suggest can produce a kind of female ejaculate or ‘squirting’ from the urethra. However, the differences in type of orgasm may be subtle and are probably not that important to most people.

Why can’t some women orgasm?

Taking that leap into orgasm means losing control of oneself. For some people, being in such a vulnerable state, especially in the presence of someone else, can be an uncomfortable prospect. To defend oneself from this, the brain, nervous system and body team up to prevent and inhibit the orgasm. There may be underlying fears of being seen with a contorted orgasm face, of making noises and feeling unsafe to do so.

Anxiety impairs blood flow to the genitals, which is needed to increase sexual excitement; worries about pregnancy or STIs can have a negative effect. Ensure you use contraception and condoms to protect against transmission of STIs and get tested regularly.

The area inside the vagina is considerably less sensitive compared to the external clitoral area.  Perhaps you or your partner have focused stimulation in an area of the genitals that is less likely to increase your arousal.

Does your partner come too quickly? Sex doesn’t have to stop just because your partner has had an orgasm. You can be stimulated orally, with hands, with sex toys and still engage in sexual activity after your partner has climaxed. If you’re looking for treatments for premature ejaculation, visit our clinic.

Other causes of anorgasmia are:

• Alcohol
• Depression
• Medication, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics and sleeping medication
• Menopause
• Cancer treatment
• Hormones
• Contraception
• Spinal cord injury
• Damage to the central nervous system
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Fear of urinating or becoming too wet
• Relationship difficulties
• Past sexual abuse
• Fear of getting pregnant

How common is Anorgasmia?

It’s suggested that only 30% of women orgasm when they have intercourse. Generally, it takes women longer than men to get aroused and to have an orgasm, so more time and stimulation may be needed, focused on her.

The psychological impact of Anorgasmia

Not only can Anorgasmia leave you feeling frustrated, especially when you come tantalisingly close to orgasm, but you may feel deprived of sexual release and intimacy with your partner, which can lead to dissatisfaction in relationships.

Equally, Anorgasmia may impact your partner’s self-esteem – they may feel inadequate, thinking that it is their fault, that they are unable to have an effect on you sexually and bring you to orgasm.

Partners may lose desire for sex as a result, because helping their partner to achieve an orgasm is a good feeling. If they think they are not able to do this, they may avoid sex and male partners may experience erectile dysfunction (ED).

What to do about anorgasmia

It may be that your orgasm is just out of reach, so take heart and don’t give up. Here are some top tips to help you get there:

Go back to basics and start getting to know your body and how it responds. You will need privacy, comfort and time.

Love your body. If you need to lose weight and exercise, do so, but don’t think that you can’t enjoy sex until you have the ‘perfect body’. Put on clothes you like – or take them off – look in the mirror and appreciate your features.

Get to know your genitals, using a hand mirror. Learn and practice different techniques to stimulate yourself, then share them with your partner.

To fake or not to fake? If you have been faking orgasms to get sex over with, or to please your partner, how will your partner ever know how to stimulate you in the most enjoyable way for you, if they already think they are hitting the spot?

Communication is key. Rather than saying “don’t do that”, which can feel critical, say, “ I like it when you touch me this way”. Tell or show your partner how to touch you. Everybody is different and nobody comes with a manual of how to turn them on. Talk about other sexual activities you might like to try with each other. Trust is important so you feel safe and able to let go in the presence of another person.

Don’t expect sex to be like it is in pornography. Remember, what porn stars do and have done to them in front of the camera is unlikely to work for you. They’re actors, and often the women in porn are simulating or exaggerating pleasure or orgasm.

Experiment with sex toys and lubricants, reading erotic literature, looking at female friendly porn and thinking up sexual fantasies.

Practise pelvic floor exercises, known as Kegels, which increase blood flow to the pelvis and help you learn to feel and recognise sensations in the pelvic region, giving you more connection and control over it. Your pelvic floor muscles, also known as PC muscles, are the same muscles used to stop urinating midstream or to hold in wind. Practise by tightening them, then relaxing them in both fast and slow twitches throughout the day (not whilst urinating).

Don’t focus on orgasm as the ultimate goal. Relaxed minds and bodies allow for more playfulness, leading to better blood flow to the genitals, more pleasure and probably orgasm.

Go to the loo before sex if you’re worried about urinating during orgasm.

Take turns. If Anorgasmia is situational, (it only happens in certain situations, for example, when with a partner but not during solo sex) stimulate yourself alongside your partner then gradually try letting your partner take over the stimulation either with their hand, tongue or penis.

Talk to your GP about your medication or hormonal contraception, and consider changing medication.

Think about your attitude towards sex. On a deeper psychological level, you may have absorbed negative cultural or family attitudes towards female sexual pleasure. Perhaps give this some thought and challenge yourself about those attitudes. Unlocking these conflicts in your mind may enable you to let go and experience orgasms. 

The first of many

Once you have had an orgasm, your inhibition threshold will be lowered. Plus remembering the sensation can lead to subsequent orgasms.

Many women who have experienced female orgasmic disorder are able to experience orgasm. But if it doesn’t happen, don’t focus all you attention on that as an end goal. Common expressions like, ‘achieving orgasm’ certainly don’t help matters! You can still enjoy sex, paying attention to sensations all over your body when touched with different textures, pressures and temperatures.

Further help

There are some excellent self-help books available to help women to become orgasmic, which is a good place to start. For more help and information visit your GP or to find a qualified psychosexual therapist, visit The College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT).

Charlotte Simpson is an Accredited Psychosexual Therapist and Relationship Counsellor in Private Practice in North West London.

References

https://www.fpa.org.uk/sites/default/files/orgasms-in-women-an-online-survey.pdf

10 Foods That Helps You Reach Orgasm

If you are still searching for the right ingredients to constitute a ‘sex-friendly’ platter, here’s a low down on foods that facilitate the Big O!

Climaxing issues keeping you off sex? Hitting the so-called ‘Big O’ remains a dream for you? Well, a major reason for your poor sexual prowess can be what lies on your platter.

Nutritionist, Ishi Khosla explains, “Everything that can be summed up as good sex depends to a great extent on your body’s blood circulation, which is made or marred by the food that you consume. Food that facilitates the proper pumping of blood in the body adds to your sexual prowess. ”

So, if you are still searching for the right ingredients to constitute a ‘sex-friendly’ platter, here’s the low down on foods that facilitate the Big O!

1. Go green

And you thought, Popeye, the sailor man gulped cans of cans of spinach just like that! Well, it won’t be wrong if we tag spinach as a natural Viagra. This green leafy vegetable is loaded with sexual benefits. “It is rich in Vitamin E, which is a major catalyst in the production of sex hormones in the body. It is also rich in manganese, which facilitates the production of the female hormone estrogen. A deficiency of magnesium also affects a woman’s fertility levels,” informs nutritionist Aishwarya Rajan. “Green leafy veggies are also loaded with zinc, which is known for its libido and sperm production qualities men,” holds dietician Charu Dua.

2. Seeds of fertility

Seeds like flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, chickpeas and sunflower seeds etc. are again friends of sexual hormones. “Consuming one tablespoon of flaxseed every day helps to increase the testosterone level in the body. These seeds are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, a drop in which affects hormone levels leading to a plummeting sex drive. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in zinc which is a mineral needed to produce testosterone,” suggests Delhi-based nutritionist Sanjana Saikia.

3. S for Sea-food

If you have an aversion towards the aqua-species, you better start loving them as they guarantee a smooth sailing sex drive. Be it fish or oysters, they contain the wonder sex drug in them! “Fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which fires up your metabolism, keeping you fresh. It’s also found to boost the hormone dopamine that lights up the brain’s pleasure system. Besides, it even contains Vitamin B that is linked to fertility. Oysters known for their aphrodisiacal traits are the richest source of zinc which nourish the prostate gland and boosts testosterone production in men,” explains Aishwarya.

4. Go nutty

“All kinds of nuts provide one with energy that’s directly proportional to your stamina while having sex,” suggests Sanjana. So, feel free to consume your daily dose of nuts, including almonds, pistachios, walnuts, groundnuts etc. After all, stamina and energy are the driving force behind a satisfying sex life.

5. Fruity Pleasure

All fruits, especially those rich in vitamin C can be vital in sexual gratifications. “The body needs vitamin C to keep the sexual organs fine tuned. Tests reveal that consuming 500-1,000 milligrams of vitamin C in a day increases the number and quality of sperm produced,” holds nutritionist Aishwarya. Some fruits which fall in this category include citrus fruits, specially kiwi, blackcurrants and strawberries.

6. Spice it up!

The right kind of spices not only spice up your palette, but also your bedroom. “Chilli pepper, red chillies and ginger perk up blood circulation,” says Sanjana. So, dig into some spicy food when spicing up things between the sheets.

7. Dark chocolate

You’ve got another reason to fall in love with chocolates, specially the darker varirties. Studies reveal that women who eat chocolate daily lead more sexually satisfying sex lives. “Chocolate contains a chemical called phenethylamine that triggers feelings of relaxation, intoxication and pleasure. It releases mood-boosting, stress-reducing serotonin and stimulates physical contact desires and lowers inhibitions,” explains endocrinologist Dr Pankaj Aggarwal. So, shun those weighty issues for a while and don’t shy away from gorging upon a piece or two of dark chocolate daily.

8. Bananas

Bananas are a great sex food. “Bananas are ideal to give you endurance in the bedroom as they are a rich source of vitamin B that converts carbohydrates into energy. It also helps your body to produce sex hormones such as testosterone, “suggests Aggarwal. Having a banana a few hours before getting into action can keep you pepped up!

9. Olive oil

Orgasm worries in women find an answer in olive oil, which triggers the production of the testosterone hormone. “A lack of this hormone can lead to lack of desire and sexual pleasure and an inability to achieve an orgasm. So, be liberal with monounsaturated fats like olive oil,” suggests Charu.

10. Garlic

Though, you’ll have to take special care of your breathe before you get into some steamy action after having this wonder sex booster, but a “regular consumption of garlic in food can bring a marked difference in your sexual prowess,” suggests Sanjana.

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5 Types Of Orgasms—And How To Have More Of Each

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Don’t get us wrong, we’re all for the “If it ain’t broke, don’t’ fix it” mentality when it comes to a family recipe or your tried-and-true makeup routine. But having the same orgasm every time can be repetitive.

Here, 5 different types of happy endings—and how to experience each of them more frequently:
 
1. The Clitoral Orgasm

michael pohuski/getty images

What it is: If the clitoral orgasm were an ice cream, it’d be vanilla—not because it’s bland, but because it’s the standard. These orgasms result from direct stimulation of the clitoris, and are described as “localized, sharp, bursting, and short-lasting,” according to a study published in the journal NeuroQuantology.

How to get more: Go solo at first, suggests Janet Wolfe, a New York City–based sex therapist. Masturbation allows you to figure out what works best for you, and you’ll know better how to direct your partner, Wolfe says. You’ll also feel more comfortable helping yourself achieve orgasm during sex.

MORE: 7 Top Pieces Of Sex Advice Therapists Give Their Clients
 
2. The Vaginal Orgasm
What it is: Also known as the controversial “G-spot” orgasm, these don’t happen for all women. According to that same NeuroQuantology study, vaginal orgasms are achieved more through intercourse than clitoral stimulation, and are described as “whole body” and longer-lasting than clitoral orgasms. Women who report having vaginal orgasms may also be more likely to experience multiple orgasms.

How to get more: Just because you’ve never had a vaginal orgasm doesn’t mean you can’t. Researchers say the G-spot may be located on the front wall of the vagina. So the next time you’re getting it on, have your guy target that spot by entering you from behind. But don’t be scared to change things up once you’re in the groove. According to a study from the Journal of Sexual Medicine, the longer sex lasts, the more likely you are to experience the big O. Changing positions can help your partner last longer. 

MORE: What Your Partner’s Favorite Sex Position Says About Him
 
3. The Blended Orgasm
What it is: A blended orgasm happens when both a clitoral and vaginal orgasm occur simultaneously. These twin orgasms have been known to last anywhere from 1 to 15 minutes, ending in a “giant” orgasm (yes, the medical literature actually uses the word “giant,” so you know it’s got to be good). (If menopause has taken the fun out of your sex life, The Natural Menopause Solution can help you get it back.)

How to get more: You need to put in double the effort if you want double the reward. “Some women find that the best position for orgasm is missionary because their clitoris is also being rubbed through penetration,” says Jane Greer, PhD, a New York–based marriage and sex therapist. But woman-on-top can also be beneficial, since it gives you a little more control over which of your spots are receiving the most attention.

MORE: 9 Ways Therapists Can Tell If Your Relationship Is Going To Survive
 
4. The Coregasm

photolyric/Getty Images

What it is: An orgasm triggered by exercise. (Seriously.) But this isn’t necessarily one of those toe-curling O’s, according to Debby Herbenick, PhD, a sex researcher and author of the new book, The Coregasm Workout. Women who have experienced these orgasms describe them as “less intense,” but still pleasurable. (Hey, if it gets you to the gym more frequently, go for it.)

How to get more: You’re going to need to get your heart rate up for an orgasm described as “exercise-induced.” After you’ve gotten some good cardio in, it’s time to get to work on your core, Herbenick suggests. She says exercises like hanging leg raises are the most beneficial for an exercise O, since they work the lower abs. (Coregasms seem to start in your ab muscles before moving down to your lady parts.) But just one set of crunches isn’t going to cut it; you want to work your muscles to the point of fatigue, and then keep going once you start feeling some excitement, Herbenick says.  

MORE: 10 Signs You Have A Healthy Sex Life
 
5. The Skin Orgasm

roberto gomez/getty images

What it is: All you need are some tunes. You may have already experienced a skin orgasm while listening to a favorite song or other powerful piece of music. You probably just brushed it off as “chills” or “goose bumps.” The real name for these feelings? “Frissons,” which are “a musically induced effect associated with a pleasant tingling feeling,” according to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology. Researchers believe the sensation is brought about by unexpected changes in the music, like sudden key changes or quick jumps from soft to loud—anything that forces the mind to abruptly switch gears.

How to get more: The only music linked with this phenomenon—at least thus far—is classical, where crescendos and chord changes abound. But the study authors say people are much more likely to have physical reactions to music that’s familiar to them. Our personal pick: Sara Bareilles’s hit “Gravity.” The moment her voice breaks away from the background music around 2:50 is truly skin-tillating.

Amber Brenza
Amber Brenza is the health editor at Women’s Health, and she oversees the website’s health and weight loss verticals.

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Benefits of Orgasm for Women

“Great spiritual teachers throughout the ages have stated that orgasm is the closest some people come to a spiritual experience because of the momentary loss of self. Why is this true? Because with spiritual sex, you move beyond orgasm into a connection with yourself, your partner, and the divine — recognize them allas one. ”  Alexandra Katehakis,

It is well known that orgasms makes one feel great, but  it also helps in more sound sleep, cuts down belly fat, etc.

Orgasm is one of the greatest sensations our bodies can experience.

Women are thought to have up to 11 different types of orgasms which can differ in intensity from a mild and subtle feeling to an intense and explosive rush of sensations, depending on how their bodies and minds are feeling at the time and also how they feel about the person they are engaged with.

Achieving an orgasm can have an array of health benefits that affect a woman physically and emotionally—due to the chemical changes that take place within their bodies.

1. Stimulation of Love hormone:
   One benefit of orgasms is that they stimulate the release of oxytocin, which is also known as the love hormone. This surge also raises levels of a substancecalled CCK, which helps control the appetite.
   Oxytocinalso counteracts stress and depression by combating the harmful effects of cortisol, which is well known for its role in boosting belly fat and cravings for carbs. The dose of dopamine that one gets from sex increases steadily to the point of orgasm and then declines which also assists in curbing the need tofeed. The dopamine pathways in the brain involved in stimulating the desire for both sex and food are shut down by the hormones released immediately after an orgasm. Can you imagine better news for appetite and craving control?
2. Boost in testosterone levels:
   Although it may seem like one needs testosterone to have a libido, it also works the other way around. Women who enjoy more orgasms have increased estrogen and testosterone. When present in the proper balance, these hormones add fire to sexual desire, give us more sex appeal, improve mood and memory and can even (again) prevent abdominal fat.
   Although the women’s testosterone was higher both before and after sexual intercourse, cuddling gave the biggest testosterone boost of all.
3. Beats inflammation and builds social life:
   Most of us know that a healthy sex life can help beat stress. There are even more great benefits of oxytocin such as lowering blood pressure and even improving digestion.
4. A powerful pain relief:
   Some studies suggest that a good orgasm can more than double a woman’s tolerance for pain. Plus, it’s an analgesic, not an anesthetic, meaning it suppresses pain without affecting sensitivity to touch — a critical ingredient when sex is on the menu.
5. Reductionof stress
   Orgasms can protect your ticker. Sexual activity and orgasm are shown to reduce stress due to the surge of oxytocin, the so-called “cuddle hormone,” that occurs with orgasm. What’s more, studies show that orgasms lower blood pressure levels — at least among women.
6. Relaxed lifestyle
   Orgasms  triggers a cascade of bodily events, including the release of other feel-good hormones called endorphins. These endorphins often have a sedative effect. So it’s no surprise that most of the time after having enjoyed a fabulous night of sleep following helps one sleep better.
7. Keeping in good shape
   Orgasms can help one stay in shape and lose weight. Getting busy for 30 minutes helps to burn calories. In fact, according to some estimates, one can torch up to 200 calories.

ADVANTAGES

• Improves circulation to organs- growing healthy tissues, and mentally relaxed. Women who have intercourse (foreplay) atleast once a week are mentally active.
• Orgasmhelps one’s natural detoxification process to improve digestion and mood and help prevent cancer.
• Promotes healthy estrogen levels to keep vaginal tissues supple and protect against osteoporosis and heart disease.
• Induces deep relaxation by boosting endorphin levels and flushing cortisol (aninflammatory hormone released by the adrenal glands) out of the body.
• Improves brain function, balances the immune system, helps maintain and repair tissue, and promotes healthy skin.
• Look younger—studies show making love three times a week in a stress free relationship can make one look 10 years younger.
• Boosts infection-fighting cells up to 20%–helps fight colds and flu!
• Cures migraines and helps treat other types of pain by elevating pain thresholds (a bonus when preparing for childbirth!)
• Increases level of the hormone oxytocin, which is linked to passion, intuition, and social skills—the hormone of bonding and success!
• Day to Day – builds  stamina & burn calories.
• Today’s lifestyle & state of your mind is being in a constant state of stress and alert, the last thing your body wants to do is have sex or fitness – which means you won’t get to experience the benefits of orgasm! Your body goes into survival mode and is just worried about sustaining itself.
• Shows- single women or divorcee suffer from anger, lioness, frustration & depression, due to lack of orgasm.

Symptoms & signs that one might be suffering with adrenal exhaustion:

1. Hidden stress & restless mind.
2. Lack of orgasm in female, men lose focusleading to low confidence.
3. Lack of orgasms  can lead to insomnia.
4. Without orgasms one will be unable to alleviate pain.
5. Without orgasm brain lacks stimulation.
6. Lack of Orgasms one  may look aged.

Women’s Healthcare of Princeton: Gynecologists

Vaginal dryness is a common problem faced by women during and after menopause. As levels of hormones such as estrogen fall, the tissue in your vagina may become dryer, thinner, and less flexible. This can contribute to a condition known as orgasmic dysfunction.

If you’re experiencing orgasmic dysfunction, you may have trouble reaching orgasm.

Here at Women’s Healthcare of Princeton, our team of care providers, led by Dr. Maria Sophocles, specializes in helping women who are dealing with conditions related to menopause, including orgasmic dysfunction. We share more about this condition and its connection to vaginal dryness.

Changes impacting orgasm

When you were younger, you may have had no trouble at all reaching orgasm. Or maybe you sometimes struggled to have satisfying sexual experiences.

Either way, having an orgasm can become more difficult when you’re older. A decrease in estrogen is one reason for this. During menopause, your ovaries significantly reduce their estrogen production, leading to a drop in vaginal lubrication and elasticity, among other things.

Vaginal dryness can make sex less pleasurable or even painful. Not surprisingly, it can be much harder for you to reach orgasm if intercourse causes discomfort or pain.

Some other factors may play a role in orgasmic dysfunction as well. Medications and certain health conditions can impact your sexual health. Age-related circulation changes may affect blood flow to your vagina.

What’s more, lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol intake, and weight gain can influence your libido, your comfort level during sex, and your ability to have an orgasm.

Treating vaginal dryness

If vaginal dryness is making it harder for you to have a satisfying sex life, treatment could make a difference for you. We offer our patients an innovative medical therapy that can help reverse vaginal dryness.

MonaLisa TouchⓇ is a laser treatment used for a variety of gynecological conditions including vaginal dryness. This minimally invasive procedure regenerates vaginal tissue and forms new blood vessels and collagen, the protein that gives your vaginal tissue strength and elasticity, without the need for medication.

MonaLisa Touch is not a vaginal rejuvenation tool or a cosmetic procedure. It’s a treatment used for clinical purposes to help relieve a number of symptoms, including vaginal dryness and pain during sex.

This treatment uses what’s known as advanced fractional CO2 laser technology to stimulate the regeneration of vaginal tissue. As vaginal cells generate new tissue, vaginal tissue becomes thicker, stronger, more pliable, and better able to generate moisture, which can make intercourse more comfortable.

MonaLisa Touch can help resolve orgasmic dysfunction that is related to vaginal dryness.

Enjoy sex more

Don’t accept orgasmic dysfunction as an unavoidable part of life. If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness, orgasmic dysfunction, or any other sexual health concerns or menopause-related issues, treatment could help. Schedule an appointment with one of our Women’s Healthcare of Princeton providers by calling our office at 609-246-5541 or using our online booking tool.

90,000 Women and health

Introduction

Sex refers to the biological characteristics that distinguish women from men. Gender is a social concept that characterizes the specific norms, roles, distribution of power and relations between women and men.

Gender inequality underlies inequitable health outcomes for women and girls.

Adolescence and childhood (0-9 years)

Prematurity, fetal asphyxia at birth and infections are the main causes of death during the first month of life.Causes of death in infancy and childhood are the same for both sexes.

However, in some cultures, gender-based discrimination puts girls in a vulnerable position due to the threat of gender-based abortion and female infanticide.

An estimated 18% of girls experience sexual violence at some point in their childhood, compared with 8% of boys [9].

In some countries, girls have less access to vaccines, health care and adequate nutrition than boys [10].The preference for male children can lead to shorter periods of exclusive breastfeeding for girls.

Adolescence (10-19 years old)

During adolescence, gender differences become more apparent and norms based on gender differences begin to form. The leading causes of death for all adolescents in the world are road traffic accidents, self-harm and drowning.

The main causes of death of adolescent girls (15-19 years) are conditions associated with pregnancy and childbirth, self-harm, road traffic injuries, diarrheal diseases and lower respiratory tract infections [11]. Self-harm and suicide depressive disorders are major causes of poor health in adolescent girls.

Adolescent girls are at increased risk of sexual violence and harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation.

Most girls become sexually active during adolescence. They are often coerced or forced to have sex and other forms of gender-based violence.

Annually about 15 million girls get married before the age of 18 [12], [13], [14], [15]. Child marriage has serious implications for girls in terms of educational opportunities for them and their children [16], [17], [18].

Every year, about 16 million girls aged 15-19 and about 1 million girls under 15 years of age give birth to children, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. An estimated 3 million unsafe abortions are performed annually among girls in this age group worldwide.

Globally, adolescent girls and young women are responsible for two out of every three new HIV infections [19].

Iron deficiency anemia accounts for a significant proportion of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) among adolescent girls.

Nutritional problems in childhood and adolescence are increasingly associated with overweight and obesity, which are associated with an increased risk of premature death and disability in adulthood [20].

Eating disorders are most common among adolescent girls. Anorexia nervosa is the most common eating and mental disorder with a high mortality rate [21].

Adolescent girls are increasingly using tobacco, alcohol and other psychoactive drugs, which threatens their health during this period and later in life, as well as the health of their children [22].

Reproductive age (15-49 years old) and mature age (20-59 years old)

For women aged 15-49, HIV and tuberculosis are the main threats to health.

Conditions associated with pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. Every day, about 830 women of reproductive age die as a result of obstetric complications [23].

Complications of pregnancy and childbirth, including perinatal depression, obstetric fistula and other complications from obstetric procedures, occur 20 times more often than maternal deaths.

Access to and control of safe, effective contraceptive methods helps prevent unwanted pregnancies and maintain healthy intervals between pregnancies.

Major noncommunicable diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in adult women. Women are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders than men. Prenatal and postpartum depression has dire consequences for women and their children.
Worldwide, the five most common cancers in women are breast, lung, colon and rectal cancer, cervical cancer, and stomach cancer. Tobacco use, exposure to second-hand smoke and burning solid fuels for cooking are major risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer [24]. These risk factors, in turn, are influenced by social norms related to gender, such as behaviors, occupations and locations.

Low back pain, coronary heart disease, stroke and major depressive disorders are the main causes of DALYs for women aged 45-59. Evidence suggests that women are usually diagnosed with cardiovascular disease later and are treated less intensively than men.

Intimate partner violence is one of the most widespread forms of violence against women [25]. Such violence has a profound impact on the physical, sexual, reproductive and mental health of women.

Women 60 and over

Healthy aging should be defined in terms of quality of health and well-being, free from stigma and discrimination. Regardless of where women live, heart disease, stroke and chronic lung disease are the leading causes of death at this stage in their lives.

Among women over 65 years of age, injuries as a result of falls occur much more often than among men, which is possibly associated with osteoporosis and other concomitant chronic diseases [26].

Dementia is more common in women than in men in the same age group.

Given the longer life expectancy of women and dominant gender norms, women often take on the role of caring for their partners and other family members at the end of life.

Universal health coverage and sustainable development

Everyone has the right to health, and achieving universal health coverage without the associated impoverishment is at the heart of the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) means that all people get the health care they need without financial hardship.

Gender affects men and women in different ways. Out-of-pocket contributions from patients can significantly complicate access to health care for widows and women supporting families.

The health effects of climate change and the environment are not gender-neutral. Women and girls are more vulnerable to environmental risk factors such as polluted water and indoor air pollution. Women and girls are also at increased risk of dying in natural disasters and particularly vulnerable during humanitarian crises, when they are frequently the victims of rape, are at increased risk of intimate partner violence and trafficking, and may not have access to basic types of medical care.

Comprehensive lifelong care is still not available to most women and urgent action is needed.By taking a people-centered approach to health throughout life, women and girls will take an active part in protecting their health.

The contribution of women to health is greater than in any other sector, and this contribution must be recognized and appreciated. Eliminating gender-based discrimination and inequities in health and social workers is critical to achieving universal health coverage and achieving the SDGs.

WHO activities

WHO is working to improve women’s health by improving the delivery and accessibility of all services. This includes aspects of sexual and reproductive health such as maternal health and access to comprehensive HIV and tuberculosis services, gender-based violence prevention, and prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, dementia and obesity. WHO also works to reduce risks, promote mental health and improve the lives of women with disabilities.

Working with Member States, WHO is strengthening the capacity of health service providers and health systems to respond to violence against women and sexual violence against children and adolescents through the implementation of the Global Plan of Action to Strengthen the Role of Health Systems in Addressing Interpersonal Violence, in particular against women and girls, as well as children.

WHO is working to improve the measurement of countries’ results on sexual and reproductive health outcomes, including but not limited to maternal mortality and morbidity, abortion and violence against women.

WHO is working with Member States to accelerate their action to improve the health and well-being of women, children and adolescents through the implementation of the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescent Health (2016-2030).

The organization fully supports the Every Woman Every Child principles, including gender-sensitive approaches in humanitarian and other health emergencies.

WHO is scaling up its work on gender-based violence in emergencies through specialized training and awareness-raising in countries through continuous response operations and research.

WHO works with professional organizations, the scientific community and Member States to ensure a “positive birth experience” that respects and preserves the dignity of every woman by involving women in decisions about the care they receive during labor and childbirth.

WHO works to improve the health of older women and focuses on the five strategic priorities of the Global Strategy and Plan of Action on Aging and Health 2016–2020, and strengthens health and long-term care systems for older people, where most of the the workers are women.

WHO supports Member States with the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to help develop, finance and implement workforce transformation strategies that address gender discrimination and inequities in workers health and social services.

References

[1] Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2017. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. (available at http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/254610/WHO-MSD-MER-2017.2-eng.pdf;jsessionid=3E2AA3E2B47C87887BFD621D03ECD85C?sequence=1)

[2] http://www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/genderwomen/en/

[3] http: // www.who.int/gho/publications/world_health_statistics/2017/en/

[5] http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal-mortality

[6] http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/infographics/girls-and-women-living-with-HIV

[7] http://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/sdg-report

[8] http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)60497-4/abstract

[9] Stoltenborg M, van Ijzendoorn MH, Euser EM, Bakermans-Kranenberg MJ. A global perspective on child sexual abuse: meta-analysis of prevalence around the world. Child Maltreat. 2011; 16 (2): 79-101.

[10] “Gender influences on child survival, health and nutrition: a narrative review”. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. December 2011 ”.

[11] WHO. Global health estimates 2015: deaths by cause, age, sex, by country and by region, 2000-2015. Geneva, 2016.

[12] UNICEF.State of the World’s Children 2016. New York: UNICEF; 2016.

[13] Ganchimeg T, Mori R, Ota E, et al. Maternal and perinatal outcomes among nulliparous adolescents in low- and middle-income countries: a multi-country study. BJOG: an international journal of obstetrics and gynecology. 2013; 120 (13): 1622-1630; discussion 1630.

[14] Erulkar, A. Early marriage, marital relations and intimate partner violence in Ethiopia. Int Perspect Sex Reprod Health.2013; 39: 6-13.

[15] Nasrullah, M., Zakar, R., and Zakar, M.Z. Child marriage and its associations with controlling behaviors and spousal violence against adolescent and young women in Pakistan. J Adolesc Health. 2014; 55: 804-809.

[16] Wodon QT, Male C, Nayihouba KA, et al. Economic impacts of child marriage: Global synthesis report. Washington DC: World Bank Group; 2017.

[17] Sheehan P, Sweeny K, Rasmussen B, et al.Building the foundations for sustainable development: a case for global investment in the capabilities of adolescents. Lancet (London, England). 2017; 390 (10104): 1792-1806.

[18] UNESCO. Early and unintended pregnancy and the education sector: Evidence review and recommendations. Paris: UNESCO; 2017.

[19] https://data.unicef.org/topic/hivaids/adolescents-young-people/

[20] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2854915/

[21] https: // www.nimh.nih. gov/health/publications/eating-disorders/index.shtml

[22] http://www.who.int/tobacco/publications/surveillance/reportontrendstobaccosmoking/en/

[23] http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal-mortality

[24] Gender, Women and the tobacco epidemic (2010). http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/44342/9789241599511_eng.pdf;jsessionid=2EA6958756292DFDCC7BAD049FC33871?sequence=1

[25] http: // apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/77432/1/WHO_RHR_12.36_eng.pdf

[26] http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/44288/1/9789241599375_eng.pdf

Love yourself. How a woman after 45 years to maintain her health | SOCIETY: Events | SOCIETY

After 40 years, hormonal changes begin in the female body. Changes occur gradually: the functions of the ovaries fade away, first the level of progesterone decreases, then estrogen – the female sex hormone, as a result of which the precursors of menopause appear. About how to preserve your women’s health and quality of life, we talked with Natalia Portyannikova, Ph.D.

Prepare the body for restructuring

– Natalia Petrovna, tell us at what time hormonal changes in the body begin in women?

– In accordance with the federal clinical guidelines for menopause, the timely cessation of menstruation occurs at the age of 46-54 years.The onset of an early (40-45 years old) or premature (up to 40 years old) menopause depends on a number of factors: on the family history, how the mother’s pregnancy and childbirth proceeded, on the presence of gynecological and somatic diseases, living conditions, work, nutrition, etc. … Every woman needs an individual approach. Depending on at what age and with what complaints she went to the doctor, we will be able to predict what awaits her after 40 years.

– What are the harbingers of menopause? What should you pay attention to?

– When I was writing a dissertation on the health of women at the age of 45-50, I found a pattern: if women in their youth had a pronounced premenstrual syndrome, then the frequency and severity of menopause appear brighter. During the premenopausal period, the length of the menstrual cycle changes. If a woman before menstruation notes mood swings, an increase in the volume of the figure due to fluid retention, sleep disturbances, a noticeable decrease in libido, pain in the mammary glands, or profuse sweating, hot flashes and intense night sweating appear, then it is necessary to consult a doctor to eliminate these symptoms. The doctor will draw up a plan of examination and management in order to exclude other health problems that manifest themselves with similar symptoms – thyroid pathology, hypertension.If necessary, the doctor will assess the state of the emotional sphere on the basis of questionnaires, conduct an ultrasound of the pelvic organs, a CT scan. Based on clinical manifestations, complaints, endocrine examination data, ultrasound examination results, it is possible to understand that a woman is approaching menopause.

– What can be the basis for a visit to the doctor for a woman over 45 years old?

– That she is a Woman. But seriously, a woman must visit a gynecologist once a year and carry out prophylaxis that will mitigate or eliminate the manifestations of menopause.

– What preventive measures should a woman take to keep her quality of life at the same level?

– Women need to observe the calorie content and the ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates; It is recommended that you sleep at least 6-7 hours without waking up and moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, for example, walking on the street. Ideally, if a woman gives birth to at least two children and breastfeeds them for up to six months. This will help her come to a premenopausal state physically fit.In addition, it is very important what a woman’s emotional state is: whether she has realized herself in society, profession, life, does she have a hobby. After all, the lack of positive emotions is usually compensated by the fact that women begin to “seize” a bad mood. Therefore, when visiting a gynecologist, a patient management plan is drawn up, which takes into account her history and the history of female relatives. This will allow predicting the onset and severity of climacteric syndrome.

– Are there any drugs that can delay hormonal changes in the body?

– While a woman is pregnant with a girl, she bears two generations of her offspring.And the girl’s health for the rest of her life depends on how the mother’s pregnancy proceeded, because the eggs are laid in the ovaries in utero, and this process – the number of eggs – cannot be influenced. We can delay or eliminate the manifestations of climacteric syndrome: hot flashes, sleep disturbances, excess weight, decreased libido. And for a woman, depending on her complaints and state of health, the gynecologist can always pick up certain drugs.

– Now you often meet women who decide to give birth to a child after 40-45 years.How does this affect the health of the mother? And is it true that childbirth at this age prolongs female youth?

– Age is not a criterion. The baggage of diseases with which she approached pregnancy is important. It happens that women give birth at 50 and feel well, and it happens that even at 20, pregnancy is difficult to bear, because there are health problems. If a woman has already given birth to her first, second child, at the age of 40 or older, before this pregnancy, then it will probably be easier for her.If she has her first pregnancy after 40 years, then there may be difficulties, since pregnancy and the premenopausal period are markers of a woman’s health, when all diseases that are in a dormant state can manifest themselves. Of course, after 40 years, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus increases, because the choice of eggs is not so large, and the most optimal period for conceiving a child is from 20 to 30 years. Medicine does not stand still, and if a woman 40+ decided to become a mother, then motherhood needs to be carefully prepared by specialists in order to identify and eliminate risk factors for her health and the health of the unborn baby.Whether late childbirth prolongs youth is impossible to say for sure, much depends on genetics, everything is individual.

We monitor our health

– What diseases are most common after 45 years? And what symptoms should alert a woman?

– Now the most common disease is obesity, which provokes problems with the musculoskeletal system, the cardiovascular system, leads to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, increases the risk of oncology, including breast cancer.Any intermenstrual bleeding, heavy menstruation, when you have to change more than 3 completely soaked pads a day – a reason to see a doctor. If there is discharge from the mammary glands, when more than three years have passed since the termination of breastfeeding, it is also a reason to come to the gynecologist.

– What kind of assistance is provided to women in the REAVIZ multidisciplinary clinic?

– The REAVIZ clinic provides a full range of diagnostics and treatment for women. Here you can undergo ultrasound of the mammary glands, thyroid gland, pelvic organs, take smears for oncocytology and PCR. The clinic also carries out surgical treatment of any volume by laparoscopic access, which women can tolerate more easily, as well as hysteroresectoscopy. Both residents of the Samara region and other regions can receive qualified medical care. Do not forget to take all the results of medical research and examinations with you to your doctor’s appointment, not only of the gynecological profile. The necessary additional examinations can be performed at the clinic.

– What can you recommend for women of any age?

– Love yourself, make a scheduled visit to a gynecologist once a year, take a smear for oncocytology, do an ultrasound of the pelvis, mammary glands or mammography.Visit your dentist because dental problems affect the gastrointestinal tract and pelvic organs. Moderate physical activity is desirable, walk at least 2-3 stops daily, and watch your weight.

Multidisciplinary Clinic “REAVIZ” Samara, st. Soviet Army, 243.

Registration by phone (846) 3-21-21-21

License LO-63-01-004916 issued by the Ministry of Health of the Samara Region on 05. 12.2018 Advertising

There are contraindications.Consult a specialist.

90,000 Life after 35: the age at which one says goodbye to youth?

• Mark Johanson
• BBC Travel

October 4, 2017

Photo Credit, Getty Images

At what age can you be officially declared old and boring? Several recent studies claim it is 35 years old. Is it really so?

What is the best age? For some, this is a carefree childhood or student time.

But as the main borderline moment in our life, beyond which both personal life and professional career begin to slowly roll downhill, many perceive the 35th anniversary.

Not only because after 35 we are no longer perceived as a “young man” or “girl” (according to a study by the University of Kent).

But also because it is then that the time comes, which is considered the “peak of loneliness” for men, and “the peak of boredom” for women.

And if this is not enough, then 35 is also the age at which we begin to hate our work.This is exactly the result of a survey of more than two thousand workers in Britain conducted by the recruiting company Robert Half.

In addition, the study showed that at this age, the combination of new family and financial obligations gives rise to problems that a person faces both at work and at home.

Issues that cannot be eliminated

The issue of job security is also increasingly worrying 35-year-olds. In the first quarter of 2017, UK workers between the ages of 35 and 49 were twice as likely to be cut as those between the ages of 25 and 34, according to the United Kingdom Office for National Statistics.

Moreover, this group (35-49 years old) turned out to be less satisfied with what happens to them at work than younger colleagues, the Robert Half survey showed.

In the UK, one in six workers aged 35 and over was found to be dissatisfied with their job, more than double that of those under 35.

and financial … And all of this is just at the time when, in a professional sense, you begin to take leadership positions that require more responsibility from you “, – comments Ashley Whipman, director of Robert Half UK.

Photo author, Getty Images

Signs up to photo,

Polls show that 35 is considered the age that separates youth and maturity.

Whipman notes that young workers are usually full of enthusiasm, while bosses are still does not yet expect much of them.

But workers who have reached the age of 35 are haunted by the question: have I managed to achieve something in life?

35 – this is the age when you are no longer classified as a young person, and you formally fall into another, older group, in accordance with which they begin to impose somewhat different requirements on you.But drawing such a boundary looks rather arbitrary.

According to Julia Clarke, a sociologist with global marketing research firm Ipsos, it is fair to emphasize that some of the differences between “under 35” and “after 35” are only emerging because we ourselves have chosen to draw the age line.

However, as Clarke adds, this age division is standard practice in marketing research.

20-year-olds and 29-year-olds are most often at very different stages of life, so the first demographic is usually between 18 and 24 years old (and the next one between 25 and 34).

Photo author, iStock

Signs to the photo,

Some would be happy if they were always considered 20 years old …

Macro categories unite people 18-34 years old and 35-54 years old, which makes 35 a borderline age, age-separator between those who are young, who are just starting to build a professional career, and those who are older and have more or less developed as an employee.

Women about to have children may be worried about crossing the 35-year threshold, although recent research suggests that fertility does not decline as sharply after this age as previously thought.

In the United States, for example, an increasing number of women are postponing their first pregnancy “after 30” and beyond in order to continue their education and build a career.

According to the latest data, for the first time in the history of research, American women who have reached the age of 30 have more children than those who are between 20 and 30.

There are also financial reasons to delay childbirth. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Population Economics found that every year a woman defers childbearing leads to a 9% increase in her salary.

Delaying Decision Making

Dilip Jest, director of the Center for Healthy Aging at UC San Diego, believes it is a common misconception that the years between 20 and 40 are the best times in our lives. Like, after 40 years, life is almost over, all that remains is to survive.

In fact, these years are full of stress and anxiety – this is when people have to make many of the most important decisions for themselves.

Life expectancy is increasing in developed countries.The globalization of the economy creates new career opportunities, greatly expanding the choice.

Together, this slows down and lengthens the “growing up process” – building a career, creating a family, choosing a permanent place of residence, etc. This process is more complicated than that of the previous generation.

“People used to make vital decisions at the age of 20-25, but today millennials (those who were born in the 1980s and 90s – Note ) all postpone and postpone making decisions,” notes Jest.

“They get married later, have children later, and a significant number of those stressful situations that used to happen in their twenties have now migrated to over 30”.

Author of the photo, Getty Images

Signs to the photo,

Victoria Beckham, one of the Spice Girls, who later became a fashion designer, managed to maintain her former star status even in adulthood

In this regard, there is good news. “The rest of life [after 35] will be much nicer,” says Jest.

Granted, aging may not look as good as youth, but your mental health may well improve over time.

“We already know ourselves better, we make decisions based on our experience, we become less selfish, – emphasizes Dilip Jest. – With experience comes wisdom, and this is what gives us age”.

90,000 Scientists have learned how old women age after childbirth

Childbirth can be the reason for the accelerated aging of women, scientists warn.They found that women who gave birth had shortened telomeres, parts of chromosomes that shorten as they age. And the more children a woman had, the more pronounced the effect was.

In addition to hemorrhoids, varicose veins, back pain, urinary incontinence, postpartum depression and other consequences of childbirth, one more thing was added – accelerated aging. Researchers from George Mason University in the United States have found that telomeres, the end portions of chromosomes that protect DNA, shorten in women who have given birth and shorten as the body ages.The results of the work were published in the journal Human Reproduction .

The study involved 1954 women, approximately equally divided into age groups: 20-24 years old, 25-29 years old, 30-34 years old, 35-39 years old and 40-44 years old. 37.6% were of normal weight, 27.9% were overweight, 31.3% were obese, 3.3% were underweight. More than half had never smoked; the rest either smoked at the time of the study or quit. 444 women never gave birth, the rest had from one to five children.377 women were pregnant at the time of the study.

Compared with nulliparous women, those who had at least one child had at least 4.2% shorter telomeres –

is equal to approximately 11 years of cellular aging (i.e., the loss of a cell’s ability to divide) or, according to researchers, three years of biological aging.

Short telomeres are associated with an increased risk of cancer, heart disease, and dementia.

Childbirth had a stronger effect on telomere length than smoking or obesity, which accelerated cellular aging by 4.6 and 8. 8 years, respectively.The more children a woman gave birth to, the more her telomeres were shortened, respectively. So, for women with five children, they were 12.7% shorter than for those who did not give birth.

“We found that women who had five or more children had shorter telomeres than those who did not give birth or had one, two, three, even four children,” said epidemiologist Anna Pollack, author of the study.

Researchers note that telomere shortening associated with childbirth can be caused by many factors.For example, stress can play a significant role – previously it was found that it also contributes to the shortening of telomere length.

“We do not urge not to have children,” the authors of the work emphasize.

They also avoid talking about any causal relationship between the number of births and telomere length – perhaps women with initially shorter telomeres are simply able to give birth to fewer children. Scientists note that further studies of this phenomenon should take into account the change in telomere length over a certain period.

“Even when we discuss children with friends, we recognize that children are aging us,” says Pollack. – And this is confirmed by science. We know that having children is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. And many large studies have linked telomere length to the risk of other serious illness or death. ”

It is possible that telomere shortening is really caused by stress – Gazeta.Ru previously wrote that new mothers spend twice as much time as fathers in caring for child and doing household chores, even if both partners are working.For three months after giving birth, 52 couples kept a diary where they noted what time and what they did.

On weekdays, women took care of the house and the child only slightly more than men, but on weekends the difference doubled.

Studies also support the conventional wisdom about cognitive impairment during pregnancy. Symptoms include forgetfulness, loss of concentration, and loss of intelligence. Memory impairment during pregnancy is familiar to four women out of five: they note the distraction that has appeared – they cannot remember where they put this or that thing or during any activity they forget what they were doing, more often they lose the thread of the conversation, it is more difficult for them to concentrate and to to stay organized, they have to take notes.Some people find it difficult to even concentrate on reading.

A meta-analysis of 20 studies on this phenomenon showed that pregnant women in had significantly worse cognitive functions than non-pregnant women.

Memory suffers throughout pregnancy, and in the third trimester, problems with executive functions are connected – the ability to plan actions and selectively respond to external stimuli.

However, according to scientists, the changes are within the normal range.“We are not talking about impairments that can seriously interfere with pregnant women from their daily activities or work. Rather, it’s that they don’t feel the way they usually do, ”the researchers said.

Previously, using MRI, scientists were able to find out how during pregnancy the volume of gray matter of the expectant mother decreases. The results of brain scans showed a clear difference between expectant mothers and the rest of the study participants: the former showed a decrease in gray matter in the medial frontal and posterior parietal cortex, as well as in the prefrontal and temporal cortex.These areas of the brain are responsible for feelings of empathy, the ability to understand others, and other social processes. The changes persisted for two years after delivery.

90,000 Restoration of the reproductive function of the female body

If a woman wants to have a child, but cannot in any way become pregnant or bear a fetus, this is a big problem for her and her loved ones. It is not customary to discuss infertility openly. But do not despair, because the diagnosis of “infertility” is usually not a sentence.The most important thing is to find out what is the failure of reproductive function and begin to restore it.

If pregnancy does not occur after 12 months of unprotected sex, then we can say that infertility is present. This period is conditional, usually for women 35–40 years old it takes a longer period to conceive a child than for those who have just entered reproductive age. The inability to conceive a child is not always due to malfunctioning of the female reproductive function. A partner may have similar problems.Therefore, in order to solve problems with infertility, it is necessary to contact a specialist for both the woman and her spouse.

Clinic “Gineko” specializes in the treatment of diseases of the reproductive system of women. Therefore, we, like no one else, know how to restore women’s health to patients and how to bear and give birth to a long-awaited child.

Symptoms

Infertility is often asymptomatic, and its only manifestation is the inability to conceive. This requires the attending physician to thoroughly investigate the indirect (indirect) manifestations of infertility.These include:

• Failures of the ovulatory cycle up to the complete absence of menstruation
• diseases of the reproductive system previously noted in the patient
• sudden, unreasonable weight loss (decrease in body fat can negatively affect ovulation and disrupt the menstrual cycle)
• Rapid weight gain and obesity can cause abnormal hormone levels leading to infertility
• significant and persistent pain in the pelvic area with menstruation
• discharge from the mammary glands outside the period of breastfeeding

Reasons

The causes of impaired reproductive function in women, leading to infertility, are extremely varied.Among them, inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system, genetic diseases, hereditary anomalies of the reproductive organs, trauma, surgical operations on the genitourinary system, metabolic disorders, age-related extinction of ovarian function prevail. Psychological distress and chronic stress can also be factors that trigger infertility. This influence can be not only direct, but also indirect. For example, severe stress can lead to hormonal disruptions, which, in turn, can lead to reproductive disorders.

Identification of the cause of infertility is one of the main factors on the path to recovery. Accurate and reliable equipment, laboratory diagnostics and the experience of our doctors allow us to quickly establish the cause of the pathology.

Diagnostics

Identification of malfunctions of reproductive function is based on an integrated approach. During the consultation, a specialist conducts a conversation with a woman, asks her about problems, health features, and the nature of her sex life. Information about the course of the menstrual cycle is of great diagnostic value.During the consultation with a gynecologist, a physical examination (assessment of the condition of the skin, mammary glands, etc.) and a gynecological examination are carried out. Based on the initial appointment, the specialist prescribes additional types of examination, among which may be the following:

• Smears from the uterus and vagina reveal hidden infections and pathological processes in the genitals
• Transvaginal ultrasound of the small pelvis makes it possible to assess the size and contours of the uterus, detect fibroids, clarify the state of the endometrium and ovaries
• A blood test for hormone levels is mandatory for suspected hormonal disorders of reproductive function
• Contrast-enhanced X-ray reveals obstruction of the fallopian tubes and abnormalities in the uterine cavity
• Laparoscopy is sometimes used to look closely at the fallopian tubes and abdomen
• A study of the immunological compatibility of both partners is necessary for regular miscarriages and unsuccessful attempts to conceive using assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Treatment

Methods of restoring female reproductive function in the clinic “Gineko” are very diverse, as are the reasons leading to infertility. The choice of a therapeutic method is based on the results of a comprehensive diagnosis. Ways to restore a woman’s reproductive function can be roughly divided into the following:

• conservative treatment
• surgical intervention
• using VRT

Conservative treatment is based on two approaches: normalizing hormone levels using hormonal agents and eliminating the inflammatory process using anti-inflammatory drugs.Restoration of reproductive function with the help of surgical gynecology is based on laparoscopy and hysteroscopy – minimally invasive methods of intervention. Usually, surgical treatment is necessary for adhesions, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and other serious diseases of the internal genital organs.

The use of ART is indicated in situations where the restoration of female reproductive function using conservative and surgical techniques was ineffective. The main methods of ART are IVF and artificial intrauterine fertilization.These techniques are highly effective and often allow you to achieve pregnancy even in very difficult situations.

We invite you to your first appointment with a gynecologist at Gineko. The very first meeting with a specialist will bring you one step closer to your cherished dream.

90,000 Single Mothers: Women Can Continue If Men Die | Articles

The male Y chromosome is a small piece of the X chromosome, of which only 10% remained during evolution. During the existence of mankind, the Y chromosome has not decreased, and yet there is a hypothetical risk that the male half of humanity may someday disappear.As the leading Russian geneticists told Izvestia, in this case, women will be able to continue the human race on their own, through parthenogenetic reproduction. About this – in the pre-holiday material “Izvestia”.

X without a game

As scientists have found out, the male Y-chromosome in the course of its existence (even before the appearance of man) has lost the majority – about 90% – of almost 1.4 thousand genes originally present in it. And only one gene fundamentally distinguishes men from women.

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org

Image of the SRY protein bound to DNA

“This is the SRY gene (Sex-determining Region Y),” explained Nikolai Yankovsky, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Director of the RAS Institute of General Genetics. – And if only this gene is transplanted before birth, a woman will become a man. This is a regulator, it turns all other genes on and off, determining male development. Of course, there are other genes on the Y chromosome that distinguish men and women, such as the gene for hairiness on the ears.But it has nothing to do with gender control. It just sits on the same storage medium as SRY.

The only gene that determines male development is located on a very small Y chromosome, which has remained unchanged throughout human history. Yet there is a possibility that it could completely lose its function within the next 10 million years.

However, oddly enough, such a development does not necessarily mean the end of the human race.Genetics are optimistic about the question of what will happen if women have to reproduce without men.

– Women, unlike men, can reproduce without fertilization, – explained a leading researcher at the Institute of General Genetics. N.I. Vavilov Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor of the Texas A&M University (USA) and the University of Göttingen (Germany) Konstantin Krutovsky. – This is possible because they have a complete set of chromosomes. Women get two sex X chromosomes – one from the dad and one from the mom.Each contains about 1.4 thousand genes. Only 2.8 thousand. And men receive X from their mother and a small supplement Y from their father. There are about 200 genes on the Y chromosome, of which only 72 are protein-coding. That is, they have approximately 1.6 thousand genes. Although this is enough for the development of a full-fledged child, there are no reproductive structures for carrying it.

Photo: Global Look Press / CHROMORANGE / Bilderbox

According to Konstantin Krutovsky, if men disappear for some reason, women can hypothetically switch to parthenogenetic reproduction – that is, eggs will be used that did not undergo reduction division in meiosis during the formation of haploid gametes.Such a diploid egg can develop into a replica of the mother. That is, only girls will be born. Men, on the other hand, do not have the opportunity to get an exact copy of the pope.

Reference from Izvestia

Parthenogenesis is one of the forms of sexual reproduction of organisms, in which the egg cell develops into an adult organism without fertilization. Despite the fact that the child does not have a dad, but only comes from the mother, parthenogenesis is sexual reproduction, since the body develops from the reproductive cell. In nature, there are many species of animals that reproduce parthenogenetically.These are snails, spiders, cockroaches, aphids, some species of ants, rock lizards, Komodo lizards, some species of fish and birds. Including chickens.

Experiments on parthenogenetic production of viable mammalian embryos in laboratory conditions have already been carried out in different laboratories of the world. The eggs of rats, macaques and humans were processed in order to prevent reduction division (division of the cell nucleus with a decrease in the number of chromosomes by half. – Izvestia). These experiments resulted in the production of viable blastocysts – embryonic rudiments.In 2004, Japan was able to grow a viable adult (mouse) from a parthenogenetic blastocyst.

Double reserve

It turns out that women have the possibility of procreation without men, but men do not have such a prospect. This happens because a woman is initially better protected by nature – precisely because she is responsible for carrying a child.

A man produces millions of sperm per day, a woman only one or a few eggs per month.That is, under conditions of threat to human civilization, one man will be able to impregnate many women in order to maintain the population size and continue the race, but the opposite situation is impossible to imagine.

Spermatozoa reaching the ovum, 3D model

Photo: Global Look Press / Oleksiy Maksymenko

Thus, the number of women in a population is more important than the number of men for maintaining its size.It is safer for nature to sacrifice men for its “experiments” than women. Because of this, the male half of humanity is viewed by nature as a testing ground where you can quickly try different variants of genes (mutations) that affect adaptability, behavior, disease resistance, and so on.

This is precisely because a woman has two identical gene sets: an X chromosome from her mother and an X chromosome from her father. If it suddenly turns out that some gene is defective, then another gene can compensate for it, enabling the female body to develop and live normally.

This is exactly what happens – women are less likely to suffer from hereditary diseases and at the same time are more often carriers of unfavorable mutations associated with the X chromosome. If the defective X-chromosome gene is found in a male embryo, then it “will work” 7 100%. After all, it is contained in the only X chromosome inherited from the mother – there is no duplicate set. There are only 200 genes in a tiny Y-chromosome, and they are “thrown” to ensure brutality: these are fertility factors, hormonal genes that provide “macho behavior”.

– In men, all unfavorable mutations “stick out” due to the absence of a duplicate X chromosome, – explained a leading researcher at the genome analysis laboratory of the Institute of General Genetics. N.I. Vavilov Russian Academy of Sciences Svetlana Borinskaya. – And in women, the second X chromosome, in most cases, with a normal gene provides the desired function. Therefore, the incidence of hemophilia in boys is 1 in 10 thousand, and girls get sick only if they receive a defective gene on both sides. These are unique cases. It’s the same with color blindness.

Photo: Global Look Press / CHROMORANGE / Bilderbox

Konstantin Krutovsky confirmed that in the human population, more deviations from the norm were observed in men.

– Figuratively speaking, the common phrase that “all men are goats” is closer to the essence than the one that “all women are fools”. However, there are also more geniuses among men. After all, mutations are also favorable, not only negative, although much less often. A positive mutation in the genes of the X chromosome is also more often manifested in the male body precisely because there is no masking, duplicating set of genes on the X chromosomes, he noted.

However, according to the scientist, it is possible to calm down the beautiful half of humanity on the eve of March 8 by the fact that, according to statistics, women, on average, do everything better than men. They even drive a car.

According to scientists, women will be able to cope with many difficult situations, even with the disappearance of men. But life without them would be unbearable.

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What is virginity, when should there be first sex, how to get an orgasm: the gynecologist answers

In Russia, the topic of women’s health is still shrouded in all kinds of myths.We talked with Dmitry Lubnin, an obstetrician-gynecologist, author of several books on women’s health, and asked him the most burning questions: can everyone get an orgasm, is it true that childbirth is “cured,” and what men should know about the female body.

What is virginity and will the gynecologist see its “absence”?

Virginity in the medical sense is a condition before the violation of the hymen, or, in other words, the hymen.Hymen is a small film that surrounds the entrance to the vagina and is of different types: annular, lunate, cloisonné, and lattice. A crescent or ring hymen, that is, one that does not block the entrance to the vagina, can simply stretch and not tear, so the woman will not have spotting during the first intercourse. The dense hymen must be dissected surgically. In the process of inserting a finger or tampon, you can also damage the hymen – stretch or break the hymen.It will not be difficult for an experienced gynecologist to assess this moment, even if the hymen is only stretched.

Is pain during menstruation normal?

Painful periods are divided into two groups: primary dysmenorrhea, which has no particular cause, and a woman’s periods are problematic from the very beginning. And secondary dysmenorrhea, which suggests the presence of a gynecological disease: endometriosis, fibroids, inflammation, polyps. For the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, one of three things is prescribed: taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs a couple of days before menstruation to reduce the accumulation of prostaglandin (hormone-like substances responsible for the contraction of the uterus during menstruation.- Approx. ed. ), hormonal contraceptives that block the ovaries and prevent these prostaglandins from accumulating and relieve pain, or yoga that relieves pain. If your periods were painless and suddenly became so, you need to go to the gynecologist and understand the reasons.

At what age is it safe to have sex?

We need to get away from numbers and stop cutting women one size fits all . The fact that a girl’s period has gone does not mean that she is ready to have sex – it is just a stage of sexual development, which begins from nine to sixteen years old.Yes, earlier onset of sexual activity increases the likelihood of contracting an STI, such as the human papillomavirus, simply due to the unavailability of the vaginal defense systems.

But in general, the understanding that you want sex should be in your head and based on internal sensations, and not on physiology.

Is it okay not to have sex at all?

Lack of sex has no effect on physical health.Women who do not want to do it suffer more from the pressure of society and non-compliance with some invented norms. There are those who do not need sex more than once a month, and they often suffer that they have to have sex more often than they want. Such women may develop chronic thrush, cystitis, herpes as a defensive reaction of the body.

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What is an orgasm and is it obligatory to get it?

From the point of view of physiology, women have the same erectile organs as men, just in men they are collected in a tube, and in women they are located around the entrance to the vagina.In the process of arousal, the female erectile organ swells, blood filling occurs. In this state, a woman begins sexual intercourse and reaches the plateau stage, where she can reach an orgasm, but, unlike a man, a woman is able to return to the plateau stage after orgasm and get it again.

Orgasm is a rhythmic contraction of the pelvic floor muscles, which can be accompanied by contraction of the muscles of the whole body and the appearance of convulsive pleasant sensations. If we draw an analogy, then the orgasm is like Petersburg.You can come to it in different ways: someone travels by plane – they didn’t have time to look around, and you are already there. Someone spends a wonderful night on the Red Arrow train, someone drives 9 hours by car with picnic stops and enjoys the ride. The roads, as well as the sources of pleasure for a woman – the clitoris, nipples, anus, vagina – may be different, but the destination is the same.

Every woman is born with the ability to have an orgasm – the point is that a girl develops through childhood traumas, episodes of violence, social pressure, religious prohibitions, parental behavior and other traumatic moments.

And eventually, when she gets to sex, she will be faced with a heavy filter that will prevent her from having an orgasm. And if the lack of orgasm worries a woman, then you need to go to a sexologist and deal with these blocks.

What is better for women’s health in case of unwanted pregnancy: to have an abortion or to have a baby?

Better to protect yourself. Moreover, you need to understand that interrupted intercourse (PAP) is not a method of protection. Is abortion a bad thing? Yes. Is it bad to give birth to unwanted children? Even worse is . With a surgical abortion, you can perforate the uterus, damage the endometrium, tear the cervix, it can lead to inflammatory processes and deprive a woman of the opportunity to become pregnant in the future. Medical abortion may remain without consequences, but the problem is that it does not always lead to the complete release of the ovum, and in some cases it is necessary to do vacuum aspiration of the remnants, and any entry into the uterine cavity with medical instruments is dangerous.Of course, in most cases, abortion is safe, but there are always risks.

Is there an ideal age for childbirth?

You need to give birth when you want to have children, – do not listen to mom and dad who are expecting grandchildren, a husband who dreams of a boy, and you gave birth to three girls for him, a society that hints that it’s high time. Yes, after 35-40 years, the probability of genetic defects is greater, pregnancy and childbirth after 40 are more difficult due to the fact that the uterus is no longer as good for carrying a child as at 20.But women are different: menopause occurs from 41 to 56 years old – this is a very large range, and the number and quality of eggs of each particular woman at this age are very different. If we talk about early pregnancies, then from the point of view of physiology, a 16 or 17-year-old girl should not have problems with bearing and having a child, another thing is the psychological and social difficulties that she may face.

“Give birth, and all diseases will pass” – myth or truth?

Pregnancy and childbirth is not a method of treatment.Doctors who say so are moving from the category of a person with medical knowledge to the category of grandmother on the bench at the entrance. Pregnancy is an optional function of the female body . True, a woman who has never given birth increases the likelihood of developing gynecological diseases simply due to the huge number of menstrual cycles, which in others are closed by pregnancies. However, in the 80s of the last century, WHO found that long-term use of hormonal contraceptives reduces the risk of ovarian cancer, endometriosis, polyps, fibroids.So, an alternative for a woman who does not want to have children is hormonal contraceptives, which turn off the reproductive system during their intake and in this regard, protect the woman even more than pregnancy.

What do women often don’t know about their bodies?

Many women do not follow their menstrual cycle and do not remember when they had their first period. Few people know about the need to visit a gynecologist and take a cytological smear every three years, starting from the age of 21, to prevent cervical cancer.Some do not carefully monitor their contraception and most often choose PPA or do not use contraception at all.

It is not the patients who amaze me, but their gynecologists, who prescribe herbal medicine, tampons with Vishnevsky’s ointment, leech therapy, some kind of decoctions. Medicine is the same all over the world, and the doctor must broadcast the same information about the same diseases.

But Russia is a unique country in which the creativity of gynecologists cannot be stopped.And most of the time at the reception is spent on explaining to a woman why this is nonsense.

Therefore, you need to carefully choose a doctor, whose opinion you will listen to. I have repeatedly written on my blog about how to understand whether a gynecologist is literate in front of you, but in general, the most reliable way is to figure it out on your own: read, educate yourself – in general, be a conscious patient who is able to conduct a conversation with a doctor on almost the same level , understand what procedures and for what purpose the doctor prescribes, ask questions.

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“For many, this is a shameful topic”: a sexologist answers 10 questions about work and sex

“For many, this is a shameful topic”: sexologist answers 10 questions about work and sex

How to stop being ashamed of a male gynecologist?

A pelvic exam is an asexual procedure. A woman, as a rule, comes to an appointment with some kind of problems – bleeding, discharge, inflammation – and the doctor’s task (taking smears, performing colposcopy, trying to catch myoma or cyst with her hands) and everything that I have listed does not definitely contribute to arousal.In addition, it is impossible to maintain interest in a woman as a woman, because your task is to solve a problem in 30–40 minutes, and your brain is busy with the question: “Will I be able to diagnose and prescribe treatment?” We depersonalize a person. That is why doctors most often do not treat relatives and friends – where there is an emotional connection, we can make mistakes, regret, be distracted, and overlook something important. I can give some advice to those close to me, but as an attending physician I’m unlikely to speak.

If a woman is ashamed to show her discharge and inflammation, the gynecologist is not the reason for the shame.The woman has other, rather serious problems that need to be addressed with a psychotherapist.

What questions from the gynecologist should alert you?

Any questions that a normal gynecologist asks have value in solving a specific clinical problem. If, for example, a patient has an STI or the patient wants to know where and when she got infected and which partner to treat, we need to know about the number of sexual partners. Questions about sexual orientation are also not asked out of idle interest, since in almost any situation – a missed menstrual cycle, pain, spotting – we assume pregnancy.And if a woman says that for the last two years she has been dating only women, I will not prescribe unnecessary procedures: for example, an analysis for hCG. Although, of course, there is the main rule of the gynecologist, and indeed of all doctors: “Everybody lies.” In my life there was a case when a woman assured me that for a year or two she did not remember the man in herself, but I see a heartbeat on an ultrasound scan and twelve weeks. We look at each other, and she told me: “I swear, I haven’t had sex for two years.” And I told her: “And I have a child on the screen, apparently from the Holy Spirit.”And so we parted without confessing to each other. And such an immaculate conception has happened in my career many times.

5 things a man needs to know about a woman’s body?

A man needs to know the female anatomy at least at a primitive level.

A man needs to know what the pregnancy is coming from and what methods of protection are there.

A man needs to know what infections are sexually transmitted and how to avoid it, so as not to infect others and not get infected himself.

A man needs to know the peculiarities of changes in the female psyche, depending on the phases of the menstrual cycle.

A man needs to know how female sexuality works: for example, that a woman may want sex much less often than he himself, that the absence of orgasm is not a stone in his garden, and it is not necessary to squeeze it out of her during each intercourse like juice from an orange , thereby forcing the woman to fake an orgasm or lie.

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“There is no hormonal background”: an interview with endocrinologist Renata Petrosyan

“There is no hormonal background”: an interview with endocrinologist Renata Petrosyan

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