A common complaint heard by clinicians in primary care who are trusted by their female patients, or are brave enough to ask their female patients, is regarding waning libido or difficulty reaching orgasm. There are several factors that can affect women’s libido (desire) and sexual function (arousal and reaching orgasm).
PHYSICAL OBSTACLES:
Hormone imbalance can lead to vaginal dryness (lack of estrogen) or decreased desire (lack of testosterone). The questions are: what can contribute to hormone imbalances, and how do you achieve balance? The answers: test, teach, and treat.
Stress or Nervous System Dysregulation can contribute to disrupted sleep. This will affect cortisol, DHEA, and will also sink testosterone levels.
When women are managing chronic pain or chronic disease, the biological drive to reproduce tanks. Our biology is smart: if stress (physical or emotional) is elevated, the drive to bring a new human into the world takes a back seat (aka: sex drive turns into a distant memory).
Medication/Drug side effects will commonly cause decreased sex drive, but also anorgasmia (inability to reach orgasm). Examples include, but are not limited to: alcohol, cocaine, Prozac, Lexapro (SSRIs), blood pressure medications, antihistamines, and anti-psychotics.
Autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (such as Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis) and poor pelvic tone after vaginal delivery are other physical issues to consider.
EMOTIONAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL OBSTACLES:
- Boredom with the same partner or routine.
- Toxic relationships
- Damaged self-esteem and/or poor body image
- History of sexual abuse resulting in unhealthy relationship with sex
- Religious or cultural indoctrination resulting in guilt with enjoying sex
- Depression and anxiety
WE CAN HELP
At P3, we support our female patients by building excellent foundations. Our observation is, when the system is built upon powerful foundations (Nutrition/Sleep/Stress-Connection/Movement/Detox), many of the previously-mentioned issues will resolve. That said, when we are honing in on sources of stress, and unveil trauma or toxic relationships as a primary obstacle, we lean on our excellent referral sources of family, trauma, and sex therapists.
Interventions to support women in meeting their sexual health goals are limited, especially when compared to those available to men. That said, the physical obstacles are much easier to navigate. The best supportive interventions for improving women’s sexual function include:
- Optimizing Testosterone levels to increase libido, as well as intensify orgasm when applied to external labia/clitoris.
- Strategically achieving balance among estradiol/estriol and progesterone, in order to support healthy vaginal tone, vaginal secretions, and improved sex drive.
- Supporting Oxytoxin through nasal spray or sublingual troches, in order to increase the “feel good” or “bonding hormone.” This hormone is released at orgasm, or even when giving someone a hug, and can help when mild depression/anxiety are contributing.
- The exciting option of the PT-141 peptide for both women and men. It increases libido and intensifies orgasm. The peptide lasts 48 hours and can be administered sublingually, through nasal spray, or injected subcutaneously.
- “Scream Cream,” which is a compounded cream applied to the clitoris prior to anticipated sexual encounters. This cream combines the vasodilators aminophylline, isosorbide dinitrate, ergoloid mesylate, pentoxifylline, and L-Arginine, with the intent of intensifying orgasm (hence its name). Testosterone can also be combined with this compound, should patients prefer.
At Peak Performance & Prevention, we are always in pursuit of the awesome, not just the average. Humans need love and connection, and a healthy sex life is part of a joyful and vital life. Please let us know how we can help support your pursuit of great sex!
