http://kinseyconfidential.org Just another WordPress weblog Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:00:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 2006-2007 aschweig@indiana.edu (Kinsey Confidential) aschweig@indiana.edu (Kinsey Confidential) posts 1440 Just another WordPress weblog Kinsey Confidential Kinsey Confidential aschweig@indiana.edu No no http://kinseyconfidential.org/wp-content/themes/kinsey/images/kinsey-podcast-300.jpg http://kinseyconfidential.org 144 144 http://kinseyconfidential.org/depression-contribute-erectile-problems/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/depression-contribute-erectile-problems/#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:00:32 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://kinseyconfidential.org/?p=1295 http://kinseyconfidential.org/depression-contribute-erectile-problems/feed/ 0 3:10 Yes, the mind-body connection is absolutely important when it comes to menrsquo;s and womenrsquo;s experience of sexuality. Thatrsquo;s not to say that physical problems in ... Yes, the mind-body connection is absolutely important when it comes to menrsquo;s and womenrsquo;s experience of sexuality. Thatrsquo;s not to say that physical problems in and of themselves donrsquo;t get in the way of sex or cause sexual problems. It is certainly possible that your blood pressure problems are contributing to your erectile problems. Depression Can Affect Desire However, the mind is important too. Time and again, researchers have found that even mild depression can interfere with menrsquo;s and womenrsquo;s sexual experiences. Depression can contribute to problems with desire, erections and ease of orgasm. When people feel depressed, they may more easily allow distracting thoughts to get in the way of their arousal, which can contribute to erectile problems. If you find yourself saying negative things to yourself about your body, your sexuality, your fantasies or yourself more generally, these may be important to pay attention to. HIV/AIDS Transmission You also made a point to mention that your concern or anxiety about HIV/AIDS has gotten in the way of your being able to pursue a sexual relationship with another person. If you want to be intimate with another person, then it may be important for you to find a way to overcome this anxiety ndash; to realize that through careful decision making one can greatly reduce their risk of HIV or sexually transmissible infections (STI). For example, you and a partner could use condoms for oral, vaginal or anal sex. You and a partner could also agree to get tested together for HIV and other STIs prior to being sexual together.nbsp;In addition, you could be careful to only engage in low risk sexual activities together until you feel more comfortable and confident with each otherrsquo;s HIV status and testing. In short, you may be able to find ways of managing your anxiety around HIV transmission so that you can pursue a satisfying, healthy relationship with another adult. Yes, there is risk involved in sex ndash; but it is also risky to remain isolated and alone if what you want is to connect with another human being. More Information You may find it helpful to meet with a therapist who can help you to manage issues related to depression or anxiety as well as your sexual concerns. You can find a trained sex therapist through the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists at www.aasect.org. Content,Type,,Pleasure,,Orgasm,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/husband-stopped-sleeping-with-me/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/husband-stopped-sleeping-with-me/#comments Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:00:04 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=912 http://kinseyconfidential.org/husband-stopped-sleeping-with-me/feed/ 0 3:19 Irsquo;m sorry to hear about this drastic change in your sex life. It can feel confusing and frustrating to want to be sexually intimate with ... Irsquo;m sorry to hear about this drastic change in your sex life. It can feel confusing and frustrating to want to be sexually intimate with onersquo;s partner and for that partner to decline invitations to have sex. This can feel particularly upsetting when itrsquo;s unclear why sex has stopped. After all, how can you fix a relationship problem if you donrsquo;t understand how it started in the first place, or the reasons behind it now? Many Possible Reasons People stop having sex for many reasons and it is impossible for us to know why your husband stopped having sex with you. Since it seems as though the two of you have discussed the possibility of him seeing a doctor in regard to the lack of sex, I wonder if you noticed physical problems ndash; such as difficulties with erections ndash; that might be contributing to the lack of sex. Sometimes men begin to notice erection problems during sex with a partner, or even during their own masturbation, and they begin to shy away from sex for fear of failure. Other times men, like some women, may choose to stop having sex because they lose desire for sex. Desire can decrease for any number of reasons including relationship problems or health problems. Even if your husband doesnrsquo;t want to talk to a doctor about his sex life, I wonder if he could be encouraged to see a doctor for an annual wellness exam in case he has any health conditions that should be addressed. Whether his choice to stop having sex is related to physical problems, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues is anyonersquo;s guess. However, sexual intimacy is clearly important to you and you have a right to understand more about these changes to your sexual life and marriage. Consider Therapy or Counseling You might ask your husband if he would consider going with you to meet with a sex therapist or marriage counselor. Perhaps reassure him ndash; and mean it ndash; that your goal is to work on becoming closer and strengthening your marriage, rather than being to get him to have sex. After all, if you can get your relationship intimacy back on track, you may have a chance ndash; over time ndash; of restoring your sex life. You can find a sex therapist through the web site of the Society for Sex Therapy and Researching, and you can locate marriage therapists through the web site of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Further Reading Finally, consider reading The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by Dr. John Gottman. Content,Type,,Podcast,,Relationships,,Love,,Special,,flagged,-,still,needs,some,edits aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/post-abortion-syndrome-depression/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/post-abortion-syndrome-depression/#comments Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:13:57 +0000 Natalie Ingraham (M.P.H.) http://www.kinseyconfidential.org/2008/12/11/do-abortion-and-depression-go-hand-in-hand/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/post-abortion-syndrome-depression/feed/ 0 http://kinseyconfidential.org/viagra-sexual-side-effects-antidepressants/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/viagra-sexual-side-effects-antidepressants/#comments Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:53:55 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://www.kinseyconfidential.org/2008/07/23/viagra-may-counteract-sexual-side-effects-of-antidepressants/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/viagra-sexual-side-effects-antidepressants/feed/ 0 http://kinseyconfidential.org/anti-depressants-sexual-side-effects-ability-orgasm/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/anti-depressants-sexual-side-effects-ability-orgasm/#comments Thu, 08 May 2008 14:00:54 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://www.kinseyconfidential.org/2008/05/08/qa-anti-depressants-and-the-ability-to-reach-orgasm/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/anti-depressants-sexual-side-effects-ability-orgasm/feed/ 0 2:51 Yes, some medications do have what we call sexual side effects. They are particularly common among some, but not all, anti-depressants although other medications such ... Yes, some medications do have what we call sexual side effects. They are particularly common among some, but not all, anti-depressants although other medications such as certain medications for high blood pressure, pain relief and allergies may have sexual side effects too. Ability To Orgasm These side effects may affect a man or womanrsquo;s ability to have an orgasm, ease of having an orgasm, desire, arousal or ejaculation. That said, not every drug affects everyone in the same way, and some antidepressants have fewer or different side effects than others. It is important to talk with your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have. In addition, patients are generally advised not to stop taking a medication without first consulting with their healthcare provider. Anxiety And Depression Also Factors Bear in mind, though, that medication is not always the culprit when it comes to sex. In fact, the problems the drugs are prescribed for, such as anxiety or depression, can also put a damper on sexual interest or function. Manufacturers of various drugs now list possible sexual side effects in instructions and ads ndash; a big change from years past. Sexual Side Effects, Dosage and Alternative Therapies Nonetheless, have a conversation with your healthcare provider about your concerns. Ask if the drug is known to have sexual side effects. You may not want to reject a recommended prescription until yoursquo;ve tried it. It may not affect your libido or orgasms at all, and may give you emotional relief to enjoy your relationship and sexual interactions. Also, you might ask if the dosage can be adjusted or how much time to give yourself to test the benefits and the side effects. If you are already in treatment and are experiencing loss of sexual function or pleasure, discuss alternative therapies or ways to compensate for the effects. Sometimes couples find that they can adjust their foreplay, or sexual sharing, in ways that work for them. Adapt a ldquo;proactiverdquo; stance in working with your healthcare provider - and your partner, if you have one - to find a path most conducive to your health, sexual functioning, and well-being. Content,Type,,Pleasure,,Orgasm,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No