Posted by wendy b. on May 21, 2002, at 19:25:37
In reply to Re: Great Sex for Moms, posted by Dr. Valerie Raskin on May 20, 2002, at 18:44:14
Dear Dr. Raskin:
Sorry, in between offending each other and getting off topic, we really do want to say thank you very much for adding your comments to the discussion of intimacy and women's issues dealing with the sexual fallout from psychopharmaceuticals. I felt your comments were very frank and supportive, i.e., we shouldn't feel singled-out or alone if we experience negative sexual side effects from the drugs. 40% of the general population, before counting our sub-population, is a staggering number.
I guess the other part of the discussion here focusses on breaking through more than sexual doldrums, but simple disinterest in sex. There are no easy answers, but if you have any specific suggestions (besides your very helpful book) for the women who have posted particular questions on this thread, I'm sure your inuput would be greatly appreciated. Your time is obviously limited, but if you are inclined to keep reading this thread, we'd love more words of wisdom.
Sincerely yours,
Wendy
> > 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:wendy b.
thread:23803
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020517/msgs/24242.html