HEALTH FOCUS

THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT FEMALE IMPOTENCE

For women suffering from female impotence, attempt to find joy in sex can be harrowing disappointing and often painful. Although everybody talks about male impotence, defined as the ability to enjoy sex or adequately perform sexual intercourse, impotence appears to be more common among women.

According to a recent university of Chicago study one in three women has a significant lack of interest in sex. This means that tens o f millions of women are suffering in silence, with explosive and potentially devastating effects on relationship and marriage. Until recently, impotent women were ignores while men benefited from dozen of treatment and medications such as Viagra. The issue female impotency as only recently been addressed and found to be just as treatable.

In prior generations, sex was thought of as something a woman did to please her mate and to make babies, certainly not for her gratification. If she did not like having sex, it was just as well because she wasn’t expected to. For many black women, that belief holds true even today. “There are a lot of women who have sex but absolutely do not enjoy it.” Says Dr. Ken Taylor an obstetrician and gynecologist based in Atlanta. They go through their whole lives having sex just to please a man, and never experience any pleasure themselves.

The idea that women are not entitled to sexual pleasure stems from early lessons about sexuality, according to Dr. Debra George, a Log. Angeles based psychologist and licensed marriage/family therapist. She believes the sexual revolution passed by most black women, who learned a lot of unrealistic old fashion notions about sex from their mothers. ‘’We had to wait until something happened before we were told anything “, says Dr. George, who is pleased to see more women embracing their sexually in a responsible manner. “The younger generation is being raised without the old misconception, she explains, “they are being educated about sex sooner and more comprehensively”

Despite this gradual change in attitude, there are several psychological and physical barriers preventing women from having sex.

PSYCHOLOGICAL

For some women the thought of taking their clothes off in front of someone else is enough to render them incapable of performing. “Sex is about self-confidence” says Dr. George who encourages women to appreciate their bodies regardless of shape or size. “You have sex when you feel good about yourself and about the person you are with and it seem that the world is great and wonderful place” adds Dr. Taylor, performing anxiety is another obstacle. Some of us are so analytical even we in the rapture of sex and passion, we’re wondering whether were doing it right “says Dr.George you need to loose yourself in the moment”.

Dr. George blames sexual trauma for a lot of female impotency cases. “Physical or emotional abuse during childhood has a profound effect on sexuality later in life” She says citing instances of date rape or extreme pressure to have sex among teenagers. “A bad experience early in the dating process can turn a woman off later on”.

Female impotence can put strain on a relationship especially when her mate thinks he isn’t doing this job. ‘’Men feel like it’s their fault because they can’t bring the woman to orgasm” Says Dr. George, “They take it personally”, Afraid of a negative reaction, many women choose to lie about their sexual enjoyment rather than making suggestions. Over time, women become a source of anger and hatred.

STRESS is another factor.  “You don’t have sex when you’ve got too many other things to worry about and competing for your attention, “say Dr. Taylor, women who are busy working 14-hours in a day and they are usually too exhausted to have sex when they come home. “You have to make time for intimacy.” he says

PHYSICAL

Pain experienced during sex can cause by a variety of factors. Under-developed sexual organs or other abnormalities that occur during sexual development often result in extreme sensitivity or no physical response altogether. Injuries to the vaginal area can also dull sensation. Drugs prescribed for certain ailments can affect sexual organs. Antihistamines taken to counteract allergies can cause vaginal dryness which often results in painful intercourse. Diabetic and heart medications produce a similar reaction.

For years, women who lost that loving feeling after menopause simply accepted it as part of the change”. When women reach menopause, the level of the hormone estrogen and progesterone go down, “explains Dr. Taylor”. The drop in hormones causes a lack of libido and pump intercourse.

Certain types of surgery also cause impotence. When most hysterectomies are performed, surgeons remove the cervix as well as the rest of the uterus to prevent cervical cancer. In many women, the cervix is sensitive and adds to sexual pleasure. Super cervical hysteric tomies a practice more common in Europe remove the uterus but leave the cervix intact.

TREATMENT

To heighten physical sensation and alleviation dryness topically creams and lubricants are readily available. If the impotence is caused by caused de3creaseed blood flow, drugs such as Viagra may help. In women, the drug works by increasing blood flow in the vagina and clitoris – the female counter part to a penis. This translates into greater sensitivity to stimulation and more virginal lubrication which in turn means more comfortable sex. While women can receive prescriptions the Food and Drug Admiration (FDA) has only approved the use of Viagra for men. Various studies are underway to determine the drugs effect on postmenopausal women in England and the drug’s manufacturer will soon study Viagra in older American women FDA approval may not occur until after the year 2001.

The loss of desire many postmenopausal women feel can be easily corrected with hormones replacement therapy, testosterone in particular. Testosterone is the trick that motivates women to have a libido “ says Dr. Taylor who points to the astounding result his post menopause patients report after taking small doses of testosterone “They feel like they’re 30years old again” he says.

To prevent occurrences gynecological exam every year “A detailed exam gives you a lot of information as to what’s going on internally” she says.

• Get a complete gynecological exam every year
• Visit your physician to take care of any unchecked health problems that may be causing your sexual dysfunction, such as hypertension, hear disease or diabetes
• Do a mental inventory of the baggage you’ve been carrying. Ask yourself the following questions: where did I learn about sex? If the answers are in appropriate or incomplete then find someone you can talk to or find a book that provides the appropriate information, “she advises”. To resolve any psychological issues begin by redefining sex and what it means to you.

“We need to expand our notion of sex and what it entails,” says Dr. George “Sex is not just the orgasm. It has to be a complete, comprehensive type of love making. “She stresses the importance of foreplay. “Foreplay is anything that comes before the actual act of having sex that brings you closer and explores your intimate boundaries, “says, it begins when you’re out to dinner. You’re looking at each other trying to make a connection. Talking and sharing when your clothes are still on………all of that is foreplay”.

Dr. George encourages women to replace negative images into feelings and fostering partnership with your mate”. She stresses, stop looking at sex as a means to an end”. Don’t concentrate on the orgasm, says Dr. George. She recommends focusing on the beginnings of sexual arousal and the actual penetration.

Most importantly, relax. “We need to stop being so uptight, because that’s what engenders all the fear and anxiety” says Dr. George. “Sex is the one thing you should do with absolute freedom”.