Published Aug 10, 2002 in the North Island Weekender
I get this complaint more from women than men as I think women are more open to talk about their sex troubles. Complaints of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) can include decreased libido, pain during intercourse, vaginal dryness, decreased genital sensation, delayed arousal and difficulty or inability to achieve orgasm, vaginal pain and burning or vaginal spasm.
Sexuality is a complex process coordinated by the psychoneurologic, endocrine and vascular systems. On the mental emotional level I evaluate the patient for depression, low self-esteem, traumatic sexual experiences and troubled relationships. On the physical level I evaluate the body for anemia, low thyroid, blood sugars irregularities, urinary tract disorders, ovary or uterine disorders, adrenal gland disorders, yeast or other systemic infections, chronic bowel problems, pelvic surgery or trauma, life style habits and side effects of medications.
For men the trouble may be erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence and lack of sex drive. It was initially thought that ED was largely a psychological problem, however we now know that it is due to a physical cause although it is made much worse by the psychological impact along with insomnia, headaches and many other health problems. The primary cause of ED is constriction of blood vessels to the penis caused by heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, alcohol and heavy metals.
John, age 60, complained of lack of sex drive but no ED. I evaluated him and found his blood fats to be too high, his energy was low and he had a systemic yeast problem. His blood sugar was creeping up to the mid 5’s above the 4.8 that I like to see and his blood pressure was 130/85. I talked to him about insulin resistance as his Triglyceride/HDL cholesterol ratio was above 4.3 so he was brewing heart disease and possibly diabetes which was in his family history. I have been working with him over a few years and we were able to improve all of the above by decreasing carbohydrates in the form of wheat and sugar, increase the quality of proteins and essential fats (flaxoil or purified cod liver oil) and increase his exercise. He lost weight and his energy improved on the candida (yeast cleansing) program. His program also included adequate calcium, magnesium, minerals, B complex and a few anti- oxidants. Vitamin E has a long history of improving sexual function and fertility. He responded very well with ginseng for his low libido. For a man who has ED and does not respond to this program satisfactorily I would add salivary hormone testing for low testosterone and adrenal function, and heavy metal evaluation. I consider heavy metal toxicity with cadmium, lead, mercury and aluminum, to name the most common ones, to be rampant in our polluted society. However there are oral naturopathic medicines that very effectively chelate these out of the body tissues. The first step in these cases is to get it out of your mouth first! You will not only save your sexuality but your memory too as all the heavy metals severely impact the brain function!
In the case of Mary, age 45, who complained of “No sex drive” I found that her thyroid was under-active and her serum ferritin iron levels were very low. She was going through peri-menopause, those 10 years or so before the period stops. Her PMS was very bad and by regulating her hormones using herbs, regulating her thyroid and treating her anemia in a few months she had more energy and desire for sex. I emphasize for women that their sexuality is closely tied to their creativity and if they are not addressing this in their life then their body betrays them! I recommend The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron to get them thinking about what they “love to do”. This is a good book for men too! For the tougher cases herbs such as Tribulus terrestris, Ginkgo, Damiana, Muira Puama along with niacin, L-arginine and zinc may work very well.
Don’t be shy in asking about your sexual concerns. There can be a very simple effective program for you in an attempt to avoid the recommended prescription medications.
Dr. Pincott has been practicing naturopathic medicine since 1985 and is currently practicing in Campbell River. She can be reached at (250) 286-3655 or www.DrPincott.com