Pharmaceutical companies in particular have pathologised or medicalised sexuality. Specifically male sexuality has been medicalised with the introduction of Viagra and Cialis. The term impotent was replaced or repackaged with the term erectile dysfunction and it was viewed as a medical problem with a vascular or physiological base rather than psychological. The concept of taking […]
Pharmaceutical companies in particular have pathologised or medicalised sexuality. Specifically male sexuality has been medicalised with the introduction of Viagra and Cialis. The term impotent was replaced or repackaged with the term erectile dysfunction and it was viewed as a medical problem with a vascular or physiological base rather than psychological. The concept of taking a pill to solve erectile dysfunction became logical and common place. The medication has allowed many individuals to remain sexually active, despite their erectile issues but the focus being on the mechanical aspect of sexuality with little consideration of psychosocial influences. Sanderberg(1) suggests that with the advent of medications like Viagra, sexuality may be defined through the function of the penis (1). A coital imperative is implied as medicine finds ways to address erectile dysfunction and underpin the need for an erect penis in order to achieve sexual satisfaction with no consideration of other hedonic practices. For some men the loss of erectile function can mean a loss of masculinity. Recent studies found that many men still rely heavily on their erect penis for sexual pleasure and the use of sexuo- pharmaceuticals allowed them to address this(1). However there was found be a cultural influence in the use of medication for erectile function- older men from Sweden and Mexico, who rejected the use of sexuo- pharmaceuticals, and understood and accepted the reduced erectile function with age. They comprehended declining sexuality and reduced erectile function as part of the ageing process, believing that sexuo-pharmaceuticals were age in-appropriate, unnecessary and potentially harmful (1). However the advent and medicalization has allowed many people to enjoy sex when they otherwise would have been unable to do so, and allowed them to feel their masculinity still remains- and I guess the question is- is this more important for their psychosexual being and confidence. I see a lot of men who are thrilled with the advent of PD5 inhibitors and it gives them confidence that would not otherwise have.
Love addicts live in a chaotic world filled with an often desperate need and emotional despair. They are fearful of being alone or being rejected- endlessly searching for the special one that will make them feel whole. Love addicts are strongly attracted to the intense experience of falling in love rather than the peaceful intimacy […]
Love addicts live in a chaotic world filled with an often desperate need and emotional despair. They are fearful of being alone or being rejected- endlessly searching for the special one that will make them feel whole. Love addicts are strongly attracted to the intense experience of falling in love rather than the peaceful intimacy of healthy relationships. They spend much of their time hunting and seeking the special one- at the sacrifice of true intimacy. When love addicts are in a relationship and the rush dissipates they feel detached, unhappy, restless, irritable and discontent. Some signs of love addiction include
– mistaking an intense sexual experience for love.
– constantly searching or striving for a romantic relationship.
– trying desperately to please a partner in a relationship.
– feeling alone and incomplete unless they are in a relationship.
– giving up friendships, hobbies etc. to please a partner.
– choosing partners who demand a great deal of attention and care-taking but don’t meet emotional needs- (often find themselves in relationships with sex addicts therefore a co-dependency occurs).
It should be pointed out that there is a big difference between love addiction and sex addiction. Sex addicts want sex without love and somewhat eliminate the person. Its an obsession with the physical act of sex, whether solo or with a partner. Their desire goes beyond normal human desire to an obsession of the mind and a compulsion of the body that cannot be quelled until its fulfilled. Their behaviour is often risky and destructive. Love addicts want the love not just sex. Love addiction is vague and more nebulous than sex addiction. They are in love with being in love- more romanticism. They seek another person or relationship as an escape from life. The idea of love and protection is the high-A good example of a love addict is the protagonist in the movie Fatal Attraction. Both addictions can damage their lives in ways that rival drug or alcohol addiction. Both sex and love addiction are believed to come from a fear of abandonment, fear or trauma in someone’s past and manifests in an inability to cope with adult life in a functional and happy way. Both sex and love addictions seek a “reward or drug” from a place of urgency and deep psychological need. On line dating sites and Apps pose a big attraction for love addicts. Never before has it been so easy to access and connect with hundreds of people- location is no longer an issue. On line dating for a love addict is like a shopping mall of endless possibilities for love. They can window shop for unlimited hours waiting for someone to catch their eye. They can create a new persons for themselves to attract the perfect partner. Someone who is very shy can be gregarious and outgoing, increased confidence occurs when not face to face. Some recent studies have found that love addicts may be pre-disposed to on-line relationships as it gives the illusion of a real relationship without any substance. And serial daters can find a whole plethora of potential love mates. Relationships on line for love addicts tend to develop quickly and fall apart just as fast due to the intensity- they go from one relationship to another. The thrill of love is like a drug where they can get their fix via the internet where they can go from one relationship to another. It’s not just dating sites like eHarmony and RSVP but other social media such as Facebook where it allows them to scan profiles for potential partners. Love addicts get caught up with on-line dating in the endless search for the elusive partner. Even if a love addict is in a relationship they still peruse profiles- feeling there is something better out there for them. The internet is extremely alluring to a love addict. Seeing a therapist can help both love and sex addicts overcome the undesired behaviour. Identifying patterns and breaking patterns is the key to recovery. A willingness to adapt behaviour and re-programme the way they think, showing and discussing what normal healthy and rewarding relationships are like- are tools a Therapist will teach and discuss with sex and love addicts. Teaching skills to avoid old unwanted behaviour. A professional therapist can model what healthy love looks and feels like. In therapy often similarities may be drawn between a clients parents and past relationships allowing to clearly see the patterns. Both love and sex addicts can be helped by Therapy.
Being the partner of someone who is addicted to sex can be lonely, isolating and they can be the forgotten victims. They may struggle to understand their partners obsession with sex- in particular on line pornography, hook-up Apps and sex chat rooms. The other person can’t comprehend why their partner would opt for these other […]
Being the partner of someone who is addicted to sex can be lonely, isolating and they can be the forgotten victims. They may struggle to understand their partners obsession with sex- in particular on line pornography, hook-up Apps and sex chat rooms. The other person can’t comprehend why their partner would opt for these other sexual outlets when the real life person is right there. Discovering that there has been serial sexual infidelity can be incredibly traumatic for some. Their trust and belief in the person is shattered and they are often overwhelmed when they discover the full extent of the addiction. Gaslighting is term often used when dealing with partners of sexual addicts. The term originates from a 1938 stage play where the wife is led to believe that she is in fact imagining the dimming of the lights. It turns out to be the husband manipulating her to believe that she is imagining it all, when in reality he is controlling the lights. Sex addicts quite often will use this form of manipulation insisting that they are not cheating, causing the partner to second guess themselves and their intuition. The addict also believes that they aren’t really cheating as the porn or chat room sex isn’t a “real life” situation- therefore not valid. This denies their partners feelings of betrayal and infidelity, in turn low self esteem occurs as the partner feels rejected unwanted and unable to live up to the fantasy of on-line sex.
Sex addicts are also notorious for disclosing only part of the story initially, this causes further trauma as the partner learns more secrets as further disclosure occurs. A recent study in the US found that the partners of sex addicts often experienced symptoms characteristic of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These symptoms often including anxiety, depression, anger, rage, obsessive thoughts and compulsive checking behaviours, difficulty concentrating, increased isolation, and hyper-vigilance. They are symptoms all worthy of professional help from a Sex Therapist or Relationship counsellor- but the focus generally tends to be primarily on the addict and the partners emotional well being side lined. An important part of healing post discovery of infidelity is learning to trust your intuition again, a professional therapist can guide you back to confidence and self assurance by providing skills for partners to make informed choices, whether they end or continue the relationship post disclosure.
Although it was first described over 150 years ago, vaginismus or as it now known as according to the DSM-V- genito pelvic pain penetration disorder (GPPPD), is rarely taught in medical schools and residencies or discussed at medical conferences. Despite hypotheses on possible causes, its etiology is unknown. Vaginismus affects 5% to 17% of women […]
Although it was first described over 150 years ago, vaginismus or as it now known as according to the DSM-V- genito pelvic pain penetration disorder (GPPPD), is rarely taught in medical schools and residencies or discussed at medical conferences.
Despite hypotheses on possible causes, its etiology is unknown. Vaginismus affects 5% to 17% of women seen in a clinical setting. However, its true incidence is unknown, because many women remain silent about this problem. It is often only when women decide that they would like to start a family that they share their “secret”. Some cases being more sever than others where insertion of anything bigger than a Q-tip is impossible, let alone a finger or penis.
Women with primary vaginismus have never experienced pain-free intercourse, whereas those with secondary vaginismus are comfortable with intercourse at one time in their lives prior to progression to painful intercourse. Carefully constructed medical and psychosexual histories are the tools used to diagnose this disorder.
There is opportunity for high rates of treatment success in patients with vaginismus unlike other sexual pain disorders. Vaginismus, GPPPD is a physical and psychological condition, and both modules must be treated. Treatments that have been used to help women overcome vaginismus include dilators, sex counselling, hypnotherapy, and a multimodal program using botulinum toxin A (onabotulinum toxin A).
Recent research has shown that Kegel exercises, hymenectomy, lubricants, topical anaesthetics, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, sedatives, alcohol, hallucinogenic drugs, and muscle relaxants are not helpful. Rather a good diagnosis of the condition and sex therapy sessions where the woman feels that she can discuss her anxiety is the most effective.
The emotional needs of patients have to be considered whatever treatment is used, and some women respond better to more intensive therapy than others . Some recent studies have looked at exposure therapy. This is where the women and often partners commit to therapy on a daily basis for a fixed time. It is usually between 7 and 10 days and exposure therapy, often involving dilators, is practiced daily. In a recent study up to 90% of participants reported success within two weeks. Post-treatment counselling and follow-up are essential for success regardless of the treatment program used. It is still a condition that isn’t talked about or discussed often; sadly many women learn to live with this unnecessarily.
Erectile dysfunction- could it be an early sign of heart disease? “Talk with your doctor about a broken sex life, and you might be able to prevent a broken heart” Dr Robert Kloner. Erectile dysfunction — the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex — can be an early warning […]
Erectile dysfunction- could it be an early sign of heart disease?
“Talk with your doctor about a broken sex life, and you might be able to prevent a broken heart” Dr Robert Kloner.
Erectile dysfunction — the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex — can be an early warning sign of current or future heart problems. The same process that creates heart disease may cause erectile dysfunction, only much sooner. Current research is looking closely at the causes and early warning signs of heart disease and there is a correlation between ED and heart disease.
How are ED and heart problems linked?
Previously the build up in arteries (atherosclerosis) was believed to be the reason why erectile dysfunction often preceded heart problems. The idea was that plaque build-up reduced blood flow in the penis, therefore making an erection very difficult.
However, experts now believe that erectile dysfunction preceding heart problems is more often due to the dysfunction of the inner lining of the blood vessels (endothelium) and smooth muscle. This “Endothelial dysfunction” causes inadequate blood supply to the heart and impaired blood flow to the penis, and aids in the development of atherosclerosis.
Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD, Heart Institute, Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles, CA believes that sexual problems may indicate a broken heart..literally. He states: “Atherosclerosis affects different people in different places, but it often affects the penis first, then the heart and brain, and the legs last. Because the first stage of atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, usually affects the penis first, ED can be a warning sign that a heart attack or a stroke may follow, often in the next 3 to 5 years”.
Erectile dysfunction is very common as men age. Erectile dysfunction is frequently a sign of atherosclerosis, a clogging or narrowing of the blood vessels that causes heart attacks. Erectile dysfunction usually comes 3 to 5 years before a heart attack, so after ED is diagnosed, there is time to treat atherosclerosis and prevent a heart attack. Treating atherosclerosis involves diet, exercise, and medications, if necessary. Erectile dysfunction may not always indicate an underlying heart problem. However, current research suggests that men with erectile dysfunction who have no obvious cause, such as trauma, and who have no symptoms of heart problems should be screened for heart disease before starting any treatment.
Besides sharing a common disease process, erectile dysfunction and heart disease also share many risk factors outlined below:
• Diabetes. Men who have diabetes are at high risk of erectile dysfunction and heart disease.
• Tobacco use. Smoking increases your risk of developing vascular disease and can cause erectile dysfunction.
• Alcohol Use. Drinking too much alcohol can cause heart disease and might contribute to other causes of heart disease, such as high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol. Alcohol also impairs erections.
• High blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure damages the lining of your arteries and accelerates the process of vascular disease. Certain high blood pressure medications, such as thiazide diuretics, can also affect sexual function.
• High cholesterol. A high level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis.
• Age. As you get older, erections might take longer to develop and might not be as firm. The younger you are, the more likely that erectile dysfunction signals a risk of heart disease. Men younger than 50 are at especially high risk. In men older than 70, erectile dysfunction is much less likely to be a sign of heart disease.
• Obesity. Excess weight typically worsens other risk factors for heart disease.
• Low testosterone. Men with low testosterone have higher rates of erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease compared to men with normal testosterone levels.
People often take time in coming forward when dealing with any type of dysfunction, in particular issues of a sexual nature. We all have varying degrees of what we consider “normal” sexual behaviour or function. Some live with behaviours that others may struggle with. The underlying common thread being, when the behaviour or function inhibits […]
People often take time in coming forward when dealing with any type of dysfunction, in particular issues of a sexual nature. We all have varying degrees of what we consider “normal” sexual behaviour or function. Some live with behaviours that others may struggle with. The underlying common thread being, when the behaviour or function inhibits you from leading a full and happy life, its time to make a change. In this weeks blog we are going to look at one of the more common presentations in sex therapy- porn addiction- and consider some of the latest research.
Is Porn Changing Our Brain??
As we are all aware sex and the porn industry is thriving, the internet has made it even more accessible than ever before. Has this increased exposure changed the way our brains function? According to Phillip Zimbardo, a leading Psychologist increased exposure has not only had a cognitive impact but he believes that it is also influencing romantic relationships. Zimbardo believes that it will cause an emotional disconnection when an individual becomes addicted, and as a consequence they may struggle to be intimate with real life partners. This disconnect often manifests in sexual dysfunction like erectile dysfunction- the addicted person may only be able to become aroused with porn and fail to become excited by real life partners. PIED (porn induced erectile dysfunction) is yet to be fully understood and researched, however studies by Qiyong Gong, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China in 2015 gave insight into the cognition of erectile dysfunction (ED). They found that psychogenic ED (EDp) showed decreased neural connectivity in fRMI scans. The section of the brain most notably affected was the default mode network and the salience network. Both regions showed a marked decrease in intrinsic functional connectivity. These areas are responsible for recalling past experiences, and thinking to the future, along with conceiving the viewpoint of others. Perhaps the reliance of another script or story, that porn provides is influencing how we are able to recall or create our own fantasies from memory. Interference with what scientists call pair bonding is believed to also be occurring and as a consequence less attraction to one partner may be the outcome of over exposure, according to research. According to a recent article in the Science Daily, dopamine levels surge for novelty, a new car, movie or the latest electronic gadget cause a rush. Internet porn is enticing for the reward circulatory system because novelty is just a click away. There are dozens of clips and genres to choose from- inexhaustible novelty. Given the fact that 35% of all internet downloads are pornographic we can be certain that porn is here to stay and we will find out more about the impact not just on sexual function but emotional interaction in the future.
