A low sex drive can be a source of frustration for many women (and men). It is normal for our interest in sex to ebb and flow over the course of our lives because of its dependence upon our medical, physical and emotional wellbeing. Furthermore, many couples experience moments in their relationship where sex will naturally decline as other priorities take hold. But if you find your lack of desire for sex distressing or believe it’s affecting your relationship, then you should consider the common sources.
Understanding the causes of a low libido
Loss of sexual desire is one of the most common sexual health problems that women experience. A recent study found that nearly one-third of women aged 18 to 59 suffer from a lost interest in sex. Causes of a reduced sex drive include:
Medical conditions
Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), coronary artery disease or depression are known to lower libido in both men and women.
Medications
A number of medications including antidepressants (e.g. Prozac, Zoloft) have side effects that include a reduced sex drive.
Major life changes and partner relationships
Relationship strains, conflicts or fights may have the effect of lowering interest in sex. Additionally, major life changes like pregnancy or childbirth can also affect your desire for sex.
Menopause and perimenopause
As women transition to menopause, the amount of estrogen in the body declines. This can result in a reduced libido or vaginal dryness which itself may cause sex to be painful or uncomfortable. Other symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, sleep changes or mood problems may also contribute to a lower sex drive.
Emotional and psychological factors
In many cases, the emotional and psychological factors around sex and relationships can affect our sex drive. Factors such as stress, low self-esteem or poor body image may all impact how we feel about sex.
To get a better understanding of the issues that are specific to your own case, it might be useful to speak to a healthcare professional.
If you’re concerned about your low desire for sex or are having difficulty figuring out the root cause, make an appointment to speak to one of our specialists. Our doctors will take the time to discuss your own experiences, obtain a full history and ask questions surrounding your medical and emotional health. If necessary, we may suggest diagnostic tests to rule out possible medical conditions.
Treatment options
Whether it’s a medical problem, emotional issue or the effects of menopause at play, our staff can discuss a range of treatment options that are tailored to you. Options may include:
At The Kaplan Center we understand that sexual health is a part of overall good health. Our goal is to provide support to our patients and help them achieve the best possible outcomes for all of their health concerns.
– Are you over 35 and concerned about your ability to become pregnant?
– Are you under 35 and having difficulty conceiving?
– Do you have a condition that may be undermining your ability to become pregnant?
Dealing with infertility can be frustrating, financially draining, and in some cases, can lead to feelings of hopelessness. The problem of infertility is far from rare, however; according to an often-cited research study, fully 10-15% of couples in the US have difficulty conceiving.
Fortunately, medical breakthroughs including new medications, and high-technology treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI), have helped many couples overcome fertility problems. But unfortunately, IVF and/or IUI can be a difficult journey for couples when the expected results are not achieved.
Medical research has demonstrated that acupuncture, which has been used for thousands of years to alleviate pain and boost the body’s immune system is a safe and clinically effective treatment for boosting fertility.
How does acupuncture help to improve fertility in women?
To date, most of the research on acupuncture and infertility has examined the effect of acupuncture when administered at or near the time of the IVF embryo transfer. As noted above, however, acupuncture elicits several beneficial physiological responses in the body, so it can be an effective, low-cost, and safe treatment not only for women undergoing IVF but for anyone wishing to get pregnant.
Acupuncture increases uterine and ovarian blood flow.
Acupuncture increases oxygenated blood flow and thickens the uterine lining, increasing the chance of conceiving.
Acupuncture modulates the body’s neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system is the combination of the nervous and endocrine systems.
Acupuncture stimulates the brain to release hormones that then stimulate the ovaries, adrenals, and other organs involved in reproduction.
Acupuncture decreases the body’s stress response. Stress can contribute to infertility, and acupuncture mitigates the body’s stress response.
Overall, the research is very strong
Numerous studies have shown that pregnancy success rates increase when acupuncture is provided in conjunction with IVF (a process where the woman’s eggs are removed, fertilized with the man’s sperm, and then the healthy embryos are then implanted in the woman’s uterus).
In general, a woman may be up to 65% more likely to become pregnant if she is receiving acupuncture combined with IVF treatments, as compared to receiving IVF treatments alone.
Of course, men also can have infertility issues, and although there are fewer studies examining male infertility and acupuncture, the existing research suggests that acupuncture also plays a positive role in improving male fertility.
Finally, and just as important, the research indicates that there are no adverse side effects associated with using acupuncture to treat infertility.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excess alcohol use, stress, poor diet, excessive athletic training, and maintaining an unhealthy weight can create obstacles to getting pregnant.
Finally, age also plays a prominent role in fertility. As the years pass, a woman’s ovaries gradually become less able to release eggs, and the eggs produced are fewer and less robust. This said it is still very possible to have a healthy baby (or babies!) at an older age. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20% of women have their first child after age 35!
If you are under 35 and have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive for a year or more, talk with your physician to determine what fertility treatments would be most effective for you.
If you are over 35 and interested in getting pregnant, fertility experts recommend not waiting more than 6 months before seeking professional, medical assistance. Your doctor should administer fertility tests to determine the root of the problem. Identifying the cause of infertility will help determine the best course of action.
Most importantly, don’t lose hope.
At The Kaplan Center, we can provide you with a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan, paying special attention to any chronic medical issues you may have, measuring your intracellular magnesium and vitamin-D levels, assessing your hormone balance, and helping you manage any situational stress you may be experiencing. We will partner with you to create a treatment plan that includes acupuncture, and we will be happy to coordinate your care with your fertility specialist or aid you in choosing a specialist.
We are here for you, and we want to help.
Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2
Holiday Greetings from Dr. Lilienfield
/in News, Wellness/by Lisa Lilienfield, MDDr. Lisa Lilienfield sends her warmest wishes to you and your families for a wonderful holiday season!
Dealing With a Low Sex Drive and How to Solve It
/in Sexual Health, Wellness/by Kaplan CenterA low sex drive can be a source of frustration for many women (and men). It is normal for our interest in sex to ebb and flow over the course of our lives because of its dependence upon our medical, physical and emotional wellbeing. Furthermore, many couples experience moments in their relationship where sex will naturally decline as other priorities take hold. But if you find your lack of desire for sex distressing or believe it’s affecting your relationship, then you should consider the common sources.
Understanding the causes of a low libido
Loss of sexual desire is one of the most common sexual health problems that women experience. A recent study found that nearly one-third of women aged 18 to 59 suffer from a lost interest in sex. Causes of a reduced sex drive include:
Medical conditions
Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), coronary artery disease or depression are known to lower libido in both men and women.
Medications
A number of medications including antidepressants (e.g. Prozac, Zoloft) have side effects that include a reduced sex drive.
Major life changes and partner relationships
Relationship strains, conflicts or fights may have the effect of lowering interest in sex. Additionally, major life changes like pregnancy or childbirth can also affect your desire for sex.
Menopause and perimenopause
As women transition to menopause, the amount of estrogen in the body declines. This can result in a reduced libido or vaginal dryness which itself may cause sex to be painful or uncomfortable. Other symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, sleep changes or mood problems may also contribute to a lower sex drive.
Emotional and psychological factors
In many cases, the emotional and psychological factors around sex and relationships can affect our sex drive. Factors such as stress, low self-esteem or poor body image may all impact how we feel about sex.
To get a better understanding of the issues that are specific to your own case, it might be useful to speak to a healthcare professional.
When to make an appointment
If you’re concerned about your low desire for sex or are having difficulty figuring out the root cause, make an appointment to speak to one of our specialists. Our doctors will take the time to discuss your own experiences, obtain a full history and ask questions surrounding your medical and emotional health. If necessary, we may suggest diagnostic tests to rule out possible medical conditions.
Treatment options
Whether it’s a medical problem, emotional issue or the effects of menopause at play, our staff can discuss a range of treatment options that are tailored to you. Options may include:
At The Kaplan Center we understand that sexual health is a part of overall good health. Our goal is to provide support to our patients and help them achieve the best possible outcomes for all of their health concerns.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sex-drive-in-women/symptoms-causes/syc-20374554
https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/features/loss-of-sexual-desire-in-women#1
Using Acupuncture to Boost Fertility
/in Hormone Health, Treatments/by Lisa Lilienfield, MD– Are you over 35 and concerned about your ability to become pregnant?
– Are you under 35 and having difficulty conceiving?
– Do you have a condition that may be undermining your ability to become pregnant?
Dealing with infertility can be frustrating, financially draining, and in some cases, can lead to feelings of hopelessness. The problem of infertility is far from rare, however; according to an often-cited research study, fully 10-15% of couples in the US have difficulty conceiving.
Fortunately, medical breakthroughs including new medications, and high-technology treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI), have helped many couples overcome fertility problems. But unfortunately, IVF and/or IUI can be a difficult journey for couples when the expected results are not achieved.
Medical research has demonstrated that acupuncture, which has been used for thousands of years to alleviate pain and boost the body’s immune system is a safe and clinically effective treatment for boosting fertility.
How does acupuncture help to improve fertility in women?
To date, most of the research on acupuncture and infertility has examined the effect of acupuncture when administered at or near the time of the IVF embryo transfer. As noted above, however, acupuncture elicits several beneficial physiological responses in the body, so it can be an effective, low-cost, and safe treatment not only for women undergoing IVF but for anyone wishing to get pregnant.
Overall, the research is very strong
Numerous studies have shown that pregnancy success rates increase when acupuncture is provided in conjunction with IVF (a process where the woman’s eggs are removed, fertilized with the man’s sperm, and then the healthy embryos are then implanted in the woman’s uterus).
In general, a woman may be up to 65% more likely to become pregnant if she is receiving acupuncture combined with IVF treatments, as compared to receiving IVF treatments alone.
Of course, men also can have infertility issues, and although there are fewer studies examining male infertility and acupuncture, the existing research suggests that acupuncture also plays a positive role in improving male fertility.
Finally, and just as important, the research indicates that there are no adverse side effects associated with using acupuncture to treat infertility.
Each couple’s infertility situation is unique
In women, medical conditions such as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome and primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) can affect ovulation and thereby undermine their ability to conceive.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excess alcohol use, stress, poor diet, excessive athletic training, and maintaining an unhealthy weight can create obstacles to getting pregnant.
Finally, age also plays a prominent role in fertility. As the years pass, a woman’s ovaries gradually become less able to release eggs, and the eggs produced are fewer and less robust. This said it is still very possible to have a healthy baby (or babies!) at an older age. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20% of women have their first child after age 35!
If you are under 35 and have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive for a year or more, talk with your physician to determine what fertility treatments would be most effective for you.
If you are over 35 and interested in getting pregnant, fertility experts recommend not waiting more than 6 months before seeking professional, medical assistance. Your doctor should administer fertility tests to determine the root of the problem. Identifying the cause of infertility will help determine the best course of action.
Most importantly, don’t lose hope.
At The Kaplan Center, we can provide you with a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan, paying special attention to any chronic medical issues you may have, measuring your intracellular magnesium and vitamin-D levels, assessing your hormone balance, and helping you manage any situational stress you may be experiencing. We will partner with you to create a treatment plan that includes acupuncture, and we will be happy to coordinate your care with your fertility specialist or aid you in choosing a specialist.
We are here for you, and we want to help.
Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2