Sexual Side Effects of Peripheral Neuropathy

It's not always the easiest subject to bring up in front of your doctor, especially if you're already over 50. However, if you have neuropathic problems, it doesn't have to be an 'It's just your age", diagnosis and can unfortunately be yet another symptom of nerve damage. For HIV-patients, it can be yet another reason why not everything works the way you want it but it is important to report it because science is moving so quickly in the sexual health area and you may well be able to be helped. One important old wives' tale to dismiss, is the fact that this is just a man's problem - not at all, on the contrary, women with peripheral neuropathy are just as likely to experience sexual problems caused by interrupted nerve signals. This article from livestrong.com (see link below) explains clearly why these problems occur.

Sexual Side Effects of Peripheral Neuropathy
Jul 12, 2010 | By Matthew Busse

Damage to the nerves of the peripheral nervous system is referred to as peripheral neuropathy. The peripheral nervous system is a network of neurons that connect the spinal cord and the brain to the rest of the body. Peripheral neurons are responsible for transmitting physical sensations, like touch and heat, from the skin to the brain. The peripheral neurons also allow the brain to control many processes throughout the body, such as movement, digestion, heart rate and sexual response. Damage to the peripheral neurons resulting from peripheral neuropathy can cause sexual side effects in both men and women.

Damage to Nerves Controlling the Sex Organs

The sexual organs in both men and women are connected to the brain by peripheral neurons. Sexual arousal occurs when the brain registers an excitatory signal and transmits that signal to the sex organs, explains the Boston University School of Medicine. When the sexual organs receive the excitatory signal, neurotransmitters are released that increase blood flow to the sex organs, causing erections in men and labial, vaginal and clitoral engorgement in women, in addition to stimulation of vaginal secretions. If the nerves that connect to the sex organs become damaged, these signals required for sexual arousal cannot reach the sex organs.

Sexual Side Effects in Men

In men affected by peripheral neuropathy, the neurons that connect the penis to the brain may become damaged. As a result, when the brain experiences sexually stimulating input, it cannot transmit that signal to the penis. An erection results from signals reaching the penis that cause its smooth muscles to relax and allow in increased blood flow. Without the signals from the brain, blood flow to the penis cannot be increased, and there is no erection. However, sex drive in men with peripheral neuropathy may remain unchanged. Alternatively, men with peripheral neuropathy may be able to achieve an erection, but they may experience sexual climax without normal ejaculation.

Sexual Side Effects in Women

Similar to men, women require signal transmission through peripheral neurons between the brain and the sex organs to induce the sexual response. When the brain receives a sexually stimulating signal, that signal is transmitted to the vagina. Similar to men, the signal induces the smooth muscles surrounding the vagina to relax and increase blood flow to the vagina, clitoris and labia. In addition to causing engorgement of these organs, the increased blood flow also stimulates vaginal secretions that lubricate the vagina. Women with peripheral neuropathy may not experience physical sexual arousal, leading to vaginal dryness. Women with damage to the peripheral nerves may also have difficulty achieving orgasm.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/171957-sexual-side-effects-of-peripheral-neuropathy/

Mental disorders and sexual dysfunction

Mental disorders can cause sexual dysfunction because of deviated mind or lack of interest/concentration. Further, lack of satisfaction and interest in sex will make anyone stay away from it in future. Even though sexual dysfunction can occur in any one at any time, it is more common in depressed men or women. It may be because of emotional stress/disease or the side-effects of antidepressants. In males, Mind disorders can cause Erectile dysfunction (ED) – inability to attain or maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual intercourse and ends up without any satisfaction to himself or his partner Premature ejaculation (PME) - discharge of semen with minimal sexual stimulation before or during or shortly after penetration Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) - persistent or recurrent extreme aversion to, or absence of, or avoidance of all genital sexual contact with sexual partner Hyper sexuality in males - Satyriasis – meant for abnormal, extreme and frequent sexual activities with constant craving or urge. It can be because of mind disorders or because of drugs/alcohol or sexual addiction In females, Female sexual dysfunctions (pain during sexual activity, difficulty in getting penetration, lack of interest in sex or inability to attain orgasm, etc.) are often caused by fear of pain and bleeding (during first day of sex) or hormonal imbalance (especially due to low level of oestrogen) and during menopausal with or without dryness of vagina. Sexual aversion disorder or sexual arousal disorder - refers to the lack of sexual passion or desire with persistent or recurrent inability of a woman to achieve or maintain an adequate lubrication in vagina (swelling response) during sexual activity. Vaginismus - occurs when the muscles around the outer third of the vagina contract involuntarily when vaginal penetration is attempted during sexual intercourse. Lack of libido (mood and interest) with no orgasm – This is often seen in depressed women and with the prescription of scheduled sex during ovulation in the treatment plan for infertility. Hyper sexuality in females - Nymphomania - refers to abnormal, extreme and frequent craving for sexual activities with sexual addictions. To suppress the feelings, they may often go for cold baths at erratic times. Homeopathic approach – For sexual dysfunction in psychological patients, treatment should not be just aimed at sexual passion, but should also be concentrated on their mental illnesses with counselling. Homeopathy is a wonder of scientific application and not a magical prescription. Homeopathy treats the person’s mind and physique on the whole to provide dramatic relief. Individualisation is the specialty of Homeopathy. There are many wonderful drugs for mental illness and sexual weakness or dysfunctions. Homeopathy can quarantine the progress of the disease and can cure the situation in due course without any recurrences. As the main message of this article, don't be depressed or fearful or feel hopeless. A hopeful heart always keeps you happy. Be optimistic. Be cheerful. To recapture your sexual passion, don't go for booster drugs, since they last only for a few minutes and create dependency. Homeopathy never acts as a booster. But it works to make a person normal or revive the active normal state. It will blend perfection, pleasure and happiness in one’s life. Homeopathic medicines commonly used in cases of sexual dysfunctions are Acid phos, Acid picric, Agnus castus, Arg nit, Avena sativa, Caladium, Cantharis, Conium, Damiana, Gelsemium, Kali brom, Lycopodium, Moschus, Nat mur, Nuphar luteum, Nux vom, Onosmodium, Pulsatilla, Sabal serrulata, Selenium, Sepia, Staphysagria, Titanium, Yohimbinum, Zinc met, etc. These medicines should be taken under the advice and diagnosis of a qualified Homoeopath. When the Homeopath approaches the case by analysing the cause, and psychological counselling, Homeopathy can reassure complete recovery. for new hope Dr. S. Chidambaranathan, BHMS, MD (Homeo) Laxmi Homeo Clinic 24 E. New Mahalipatti Road Madurai, TN 625 001 India Tel:  +91-452-233-8833 | +91-984-319-1011 (Mob) Fax: +91-452-233-0196 E-mail:  drcheena@yahoo.com www.drcheena.com / www.drcheena.in

(Disclaimer - The contents of this column are for informational purpose only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional healthcare advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of healthcare professional for any health problem or medical condition.)

INVESTING IN SEXUAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH OF 10 TO 14 YEAR OLDS YIELDS TIME BENEFITS

Age 10 to 14 years, a time when both girls and boys are constructing their own identities and are typically open to new ideas and influences, provides a unique narrow window of opportunity for parents, teachers, healthcare providers and others to facilitate transition into healthy teenage and adulthood years according to researchers from Georgetown University's Institute for Reproductive Health who note the lack worldwide of programs to help children of this age navigate passage from childhood to adulthood.

An estimated 1.2 billion adolescents live in the world today -- the largest number of adolescents in history. Half are between the ages of 10 and 14 -- years of critical transition from child to teenager. These are the years in which puberty is experienced, bringing with it physical and other changes that may be difficult for a youngster to understand, yet set the stage for future sexual and reproductive health.

Nevertheless, the opportunity to reach very young adolescents during the very years when sexual and reproductive health behaviors lasting a lifetime are being developed is frequently missed, the Institute for Reproductive Health researchers note. They report that educators, program designers, policy-makers or others typically do not view 10 to 14 year olds as a priority because the long-term benefits and value of investing in them goes unrecognized.

In "Investing in Very Young Adolescents' Sexual and Reproductive Health" published online in the peer-reviewed journal Global Public Health, in advance of print publication in issue 9:5-6, the Institute for Reproductive Health researchers advocate the investment of resources to lay foundations for future healthy relationships and positive sexual and reproductive health, identifying specific approaches to reach these very young adolescents. They say that programs to engage 10 to 14 year olds must be tailored to meet their unique developmental needs and take into account the important roles of parents and guardians and others who influence very young adolescents.

"Ten is not too young to help girls and boys understand their bodies and the changes that are occurring. Ten is not too young to begin to move them from ignorance to knowledge," said Rebecka Lundgren, MPH, senior author of the paper. "We need to reach 10 to 14 year olds, often through their parents or schools, to teach them about their bodies and support development of a healthy body image and a strong sense of self worth. We also need to hear their voices -- the voices of the under-heard and underserved. Ten is not too young." Lundgren is the director of research at the Institute for Reproductive Health.

The paper notes that preventive reproductive and sexual health services designed to suit the needs of very young adolescents are virtually non-existent in lower- and middle-income countries and that worldwide, family life education, youth centers, and youth-friendly health services with programs specifically targeted to 10 to 14 year olds rarely exist.

According to the World Health Organization and other groups, misinformation abounds about fertility (including first menstruation and ejaculation), sex, sexuality and gender identity in this age group. Very young adolescents often rely on equally uninformed peers or older siblings and the media for information.

According to Lundgren, the few existing programs for youths age 10 to 14 years typically focus on girls. "We need to expand that focus to include boys, laying a foundation for both girls and boys to learn and communicate with peers, parents, teachers and health providers as they develop positive self images and healthy practices in order to move this age group from vulnerability to empowerment."