By: Brenda Pavlic, CPhT

For women, feeling sexually attractive is a huge part of a positive self-esteem.  How a woman feels about her body and her sexuality plays a big role in how she views herself in general.  Women of all ages have come to appreciate their potential for a fulfilling and satisfying sex life.  Most women will notice a decline in their sexual desire at some point in their lives.

The biggest sexual problem facing American couples is a loss of sexual desire resulting in low-sex or no-sex relationships.  The 40 million American couples dealing with this problem include those that have been married for years, those that are newly married and those who are not married.  Age, boredom, and lifestyle are not the primary reasons people experience reduced sexual desire.  Low libido affects women who have children as well as those who do not.  It affects women who think of themselves as attractive as well as those who are critical of their appearance.  It is also quite common amongst those who clearly love their partners.

Women suffering from sexual dysfunction may have multiple disorders and can have many contributing factors.  Pelvic surgeries such as hysterectomy, ovary removal, cesarean section, uterine embolization, myomectomy for uterine fibroids, or laser cervical procedures can interfere with blood flow or cause nerve damage.  Physical trauma such as childbirth, spinal cord damage, pelvic fractures, or straddle injuries can cause damage to the pubic bone, surrounding nerves and tissues in the pelvic area affecting the clitoris, labia, vagina, uterus and bladder.   Other physical problems that can inhibit sexual function are fibroids, endometriosis, chronic urinary tract infections, and interstitial cystitis.

Hormonal factors that can result in sexual dysfunction are menopause, postpartum deficiencies, diabetes, thyroidism, and increased cortisol due to stress.  Menopause can be a wonderful time for many women.  Pregnancy is no longer a concern, the children have been all but raised, retirement is approaching, and life generally begins to slow down.  However, along with these life changes, a woman’s hormone levels also change.  A dramatic drop in estrogen causes many of the symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleeplessness, night sweats, depression, etc.  Many women also experience a loss of libido which is caused not only by the drop in estrogen but also by a sharp decline in testosterone.  Testosterone, normally thought of as the ‘male’ hormone, plays an important role in sexual desire.  Testosterone also affects muscle strength, appetite, energy, mental clarity, bone health and overall well being.  Most healthcare practitioners now recognize the importance of testosterone and are adding it to hormone replacement therapy.  A sluggish thyroid gland can cause many women to experience a loss of libido.  Stress, whether it is internal or external can have a physiologic effect that has a direct impact on sexual function in that raised cortisol levels will inhibit proper hormone conversion and/or can block the receptor sites not allowing the other hormones to get in and do their job.   Diabetic neuropathy, a condition which occurs in at least half of the people with diabetes, is a disorder in which nerves are damaged as a result of high blood sugar levels and can cause loss of feeling or pain.

Many drugs can have a negative effect on sexual response.  The most common are blood pressure lowering medications, antidepressants, sedatives, antipsychotic drugs, antiseizure medicine, chemotherapeutic agents and oral contraceptive pills.

Psychological causes of female sexual dysfunction include depression, stress, sexual or emotional abuse, drug and alcohol use, body image and self-esteem problems, and relationship problems.

Just as there is no one single cause for sexual dysfunction, neither is there one single solution.  Each case needs to be carefully evaluated and the problems addressed accordingly.  If there has been physical trauma, medications to increase or improve blood flow or sensation can be helpful.   Hormone replacement therapy may be beneficial for those women whose hormone levels are deficient.  When psychological factors come in to play, a sex therapist or psychologist might be able to help.  For those suffering from the unwanted side effects of medications, sometimes adding in other therapies can improve their situation.  Some women may need to utilize more than one treatment plan to fully regain satisfying sexual experiences.

Regardless of the cause or causes of female sexual dysfunction, there are treatment options available to address almost every situation.  Ultimately, restoring libido is about finding the balance between mind, body and spirit.  Paying attention to all the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual elements that affect daily life is crucial for sexual desire to return.   Rather than feeling guilty, placing blame, or acceptance, a change in sexual desire can serve as a tool for personal growth and understanding.  While change is not always pleasant, it can help to develop a better understanding of oneself and ultimately lead to healing.

Brenda Pavlic is a nationally certified pharmacy technician and co-owner of SaveWay Compounding Pharmacy in Newark, DE.  With more than twenty-five years of pharmacy experience she has furthered her career with extensive training and education in Pharmacy Compounding, Women’s Health, Cosmeceutics, Pain Management, Aseptic and Veterinary Compounding.  She has published articles and presented seminars both locally and nationally to healthcare practitioners.  Her experience and education provide her with skills needed to develop formulations that ease medication administration, improve compliance and ultimately result in positive outcomes for patients.

SaveWay
Compounding Pharmacy
31 Albe Drive; Unit 1
Newark, DE  19702

(302)369-5520
savewaybrenda@aol.com
www.savewaypharmacy.com

Hours:
M-F 9am—6pm
Sat 10am—2pm
Closed Sunday

Testimonials:
Starting the bio-identical hormones has been absolutely life changing.  I can’t thank you enough for all you help.   –TS

Brenda, I am so impressed with your knowledge and compassion, thank you for taking care of me so promptly.     –JS

Every day when I take my meds I still can’t believe how giving and helpful you and Calvin are.  I am in awe!      –LK

I am amazed at the wealth of knowledge, compassion and customer service available under one roof.  All of which is an extremely rare find in today’s business world.    –RT