VANCOUVER -- There's not nearly as much research on female sexual problems as there is for men, but we do know there can be a host of contributing conditions: like multiple sclerosis, diabetes, heart disease and even the use of anti-depressants. While there's no magic bullet for most female sexual difficulties, counselling and behavioural intervention can be very effective.
When Teri Thorson was injured, she didn't think she had a feminine presence anymore. A car accident left Teri Thorson paralyzed from the chest down, she wondered about her future sex life.
It's not just spinal cord injuries that can be problematic, 50-80% of women who've had radical hysterectomies because of cancer experience sexual difficulties, but there are ways to overcome these problems.
Kate McBride, Registered Nurse and Coordinator with Sexual Health Rehab Services, says, "if someone say with MS or spinal cord injury, we might for example incorporate different areas to stimulate incorporate different senses. We're creating a new sexual map and body brain and heart. For example, the back, neck, ear lobes and lips have nerve endings as well."
While drugs like viagra can do wonders for men, in women it only works for a small subgroup, who have decreased sensation because of a change of blood flow to the pelvic floor. Testosterone similarly isn't a magic bullet for women with issues with libido.
Lori Brotto, Psychologist, Assistant Professor at UBC Dept. of OBGYN and Consultant at the BC Centre for Sexual Health, says, "there's an important connection in the mind and how the body responds. I'd go as far as to say that the link is perhaps more important for women."
Brotto says women can be taught through counselling and behavioural therapy to change their way of thinking, so that they can overcome problems like lack of orgasm and low desire. It take a lot of patience and if there is a partnetship, it will take patience as the provider as well.
Teri says she's got a better sense of herself now. And because of that her sexual life is enriched.
Studies show one to one counselling is effective in treating many female sexual problems. Now researchers are wondering if this can be applied in a group setting. There are several studies now underway at Vancouver Hospital. If you'd like more information, you can go the website at www.bstgyn.ca/brotto or call 604-875-4111 extension 68901.
Thursday February 16, 2006
