Posted by Dr. Valerie Raskin on May 20, 2002, at 18:44:14
In reply to Re: Great Sex for Moms » Dr. Bob, posted by Krazy Kat on May 20, 2002, at 18:27:58
> Thanks for supporting the topic!!
Not to mention supporting my book! <vbg> Dr. Bob invited me to stop in and say hello. I hope the group doesn't mind.
I can't encourage you strongly enough to feel entitled to good medical information and support for dealing with the sexual side effects of psychotropic medications. Sexual issues are much more common than is generally acknowledged--close to 40 % of the unmedicated population has difficulty with low libido or other isseus of sexual dysfunction, and the drugs we psychiatrists prescribe all too often make things very much worse.
As one of the posts noted, often times when men have a sexual side effects of SSRI's, etc, they can more readily ask for advice, because they can focus on the function. "Doctor, things don't work" is often an easier thing to say in a quick med check than, "It isn't fun anymore." Women who can't climax because of drugs have to have a more difficult discussion: the pleasure is gone, but ability to have intercourse isn't impaired. In a society in which women's sexual pleasure is still highly taboo, that can be intimidating. But be brave! There are medical interventions that often help.
One of the things I really like about this thread is the discussion about non-medical ways to overcome sexuality problems, whether they're caused by drugs or caused by life circumstances. Making sex more interesting, taking more time, and then more time, and using fantasy, vibrators, and whatever spice suits your fancy are all ways to deal with the sexual doldrums. It's said that the biggest human sex organ is the mind, and I agree.
Best to all!
Valerie Davis Raskin, M.D.
poster:Dr. Valerie Raskin
thread:23803
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020517/msgs/24146.html