Archive for September, 2009

Bioidentical Hormones

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

There is so much confusion and misinformation when it comes to “bioidentical hormones.” Let me see if I can set the record straight.

• “Bioidentical hormones” does not mean that the hormones are “organic.”
• “Bioidentical hormones” does not mean that the hormones are “natural.”
• “Bioidentical hormones” does not mean that the hormones are “not really hormones.”

“Bioidentical hormones” means that the chemical makeup of the hormones exactly matches the chemical makeup in the same hormones in your body. It can be man-made but the molecular components are exactly the same as that same hormone in your body. For example, if you look at bioidentical estrogen under a microscope it would look exactly the same as the estrogen your body makes. It could have been created all chemically, in a laboratory, but the components of the compound match your body.

“Hmmmm…” you ask, why would anyone make non-bioidentical hormones to replace those in your body. Well, for one thing bioidentical hormones can’t be patented. The same way you can’t patent water, unless you add some flavorings to it, you can’t patent estrogen unless there is something different about your estrogen. So drug companies are incented to change the chemical compound. Sometimes makers of specific hormones suggest that the difference they have made is a “good” difference and thus justify the changes. We haven’t found that to be the case. In general we find that women seem to respond better to bioidentical hormones.

But don’t worry about the drug companies. Now that many realize that women prefer the bioidentical compounds they have found ways to patent their product by developing better or unique delivery systems: a specific cream to hold the compound, a patch, a pellet.

So, if a practitioner wants to prescribe a hormone, you can ask if it’s bioidentical…and now you’ll even know what that means.

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On Condoms….

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

There was an interesting conversation the other day on a local radio station, Z100, where they were discussing condoms and the double standard that people apparently still seem to subscribe to. The double standard I am referring to is when men carry condoms, it is acceptable. In fact, it is usually expected that they will have condoms. Men are often considered ‘responsible’ for carrying them, and in turn women may note how responsible they are for doing so. However, given the same situation, women may be perceived as “slutty” or giving the impression to men that they are promiscuous for carrying condoms; you almost never hear people calling these women responsible for carrying condoms (well, other than by sexologists). The segment even went as far as to tell women how to approach the idea of admitting you have condoms. It suggested women ask the men first and if they say no they don’t have one, then she can say, “I’m not sure, I might have some, let me go look”. By saying it this way it seems like the condoms are left over from a previous relationship and that she doesn’t really know if she has them, because if she knew she had them, she must be using them often.

I am amazed by this entire conversation for numerous reasons. 1) Is it really that taboo in 2009 for women to also own and carry condoms? 2) Do women really have to approach this topic so passively? 3) Why are women sluts for owning condoms, but men are considered responsible? 4) Is a woman who has her own condoms not being responsible?

From a sexual health standpoint, women are more likely than men to contract an STI, or the obvious, a pregnancy. There are also women who need to use specific condoms, such as polyurethane condoms or condoms with lubricants. Some lubricants and spermicides can cause irritation to the vaginal area. Therefore, some women have a specific type or brand of condom they know works well for them. So in order to move towards a more progressive and enlightened society, we as a whole have to stop with double standards of men and women in general, but especially when dealing with sex. Women should not have to tip toe around this issue in order to make their partners comfortable that they aren’t a slut. Or maybe women just need to find new partners who do not look down at this practice 

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a humorous moment… if a bit embarrassing…

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

Click here to see a rather humorous and embarrassing video. A woman was testifying for an agency hearing on text books in Texas. She was testifying against comprehensive sex education and was using herself as an example of how one can get to 56 be “technically” a virgin but still have had sexual pleasure. After her “full disclosure,” she was informed that she had shown up on the wrong night! 

So, it is true that I’m having fun at this poor women’s expense but I guess some of us who are incredibly frustrated with the poor sex education in this country are feeling a wee bit gratified. The bottom line is that in those US area where  residents have more conservative religious beliefs there are teenagers giving birth. Click here for more details.

Sex education only helps: helps reduce STDs, helps reduce teenage pregnancies, helps reduce teenage angst!

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A typical first visit…

Friday, September 11th, 2009

Women are often nervous when first coming to the Medical Center for Female Sexuality, because they do not know what to expect.  As a sexuality counselor,  and the second person a patient will meet after  the lovely ladies at the reception desk, I will typically explain within the first few minutes what will happen at their appointment.  Sometimes this alone will help put the person at ease.  But why not explain now what to expect, so you don’t spend days with anxiety about talking with someone about these very personal problems.

 

A patient typically will meet two women upon their initial visit, a sexuality counselor and a nurse practitioner, both whom focus on women’s sexuality.  The sexuality counselor will take a complete psycho-sexual history and ask many detailed questions about your sex life.  This may be uncomfortable for some and easy for others.  Next, you will meet with a nurse practitioner who will conduct a medical exam and may draw blood in order to evaluate hormone levels.  But be reminded, whether you are talking with the sexuality counselors or nurse practitioners who work at the medical center, we are all non-judgmental regarding sexuality practices provided they do not cause unwanted harm to yourself or others.  We are very sex-positive and feel everyone is entitled to a great sex life, however you, the patient, wish to define that. 

Sometimes getting to the women’s center is the hardest part.  During the initial intake, I have heard from numerous women that they had our number for years, but just made the call now.  The relief they express after hearing about our diagnoses and proposed treatments is tremendous, along with regret that they did not take action sooner.

Don’t wait.  Sexuality is a big part of any individual, so don’t be afraid to acknowledge that and make the call.

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sex before the clothes come off

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

An embrace should fill the heart as well as the arms. –Hugh & Gail Prather

I know you’ve heard it before. But it’s true so it’s really worth keeping in mind… sex (and the approach to sex) is about noting, feeling, understanding and touching the WHOLE person, both inside and out.

Yes, yes, I know. Sometimes, wild, crazy, don’t-even-really-notice-the-other-person-beyond-the-erogenous-zones-sex can be fun and great. But for the most part, you and your partner will probably find that sex as part of an appreciation of the other person, the way that they see, think, feel, love and touch, will go further in the long run. So the next time you go to touch the one you love, try touching their spirit as well as their skin!

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