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Sexual Wellness Center
General Health Information
There are many factors that influence sexual wellness such as the condition of our sex organs, mental health, hormone balance, and stress.
To begin with, so much of our sexual wellness is tied in with our general overall health. Impotence, erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, premature ejaculation, and the inability to achieve orgasm are most often due to some physiological reason. These could be problems with the sexual organs themselves, illness or disease, alcohol and tobacco use, or certain medications (ex: tranquilizers, antidepressants, antihypertensives, antihistamines). There are also psychological factors for sexual dysfunction, such as stress and mood imbalance. Your physician can best determine which underlying condition may be responsible for sexual dysfunction; and your pharmacist can best alert you to any medications that may be causing unwanted side effects.
Other areas of concern are issues related to men?s health in general, and the prostate in particular. The prostate gland secretes a milky substance that is important to the successful fertilization of the egg. As part of the hormonal changes associated with aging, men frequently suffer from an enlarged prostate which can interfere with sexual function. Circulation problems can also adversely affect the sex organs. A healthy lifestyle adopted early on in life can help greatly in the prevention of these and other health concerns.
General women's health issues play an important part in a woman's overall sexual wellness. Healthy female sex organs are less susceptible to infection. Hormone deficiencies can cause dryness, atrophy, and discomfort. Mood imbalances can interfere with libido. Chronic illnesses can lead to additional barriers to healthy sexual function. A key to prevention is a healthy lifestyle throughout life.
Various nutritional and herbal supplements can also promote sexual wellness. Men can support prostate health, especially in their later years, by considering saw palmetto, selenium, and pygeum, Ginseng can stimulate libido in both men and women. Soy isoflavones and damiana in women may help reduce dryness and discomfort during intercourse. Folic acid deficiency is common in women and is a critical nutrient to the unborn. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for individual advice as to which supplements are bested suited for you.
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Wellness Plan for Sexual Health
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Well balanced diet |
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Avoid tobacco and alcohol |
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Regular aerobic exercise |
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Stress management |
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Avoid risky sexual behavior |
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Pharmacist's Supplement Recommendations:
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Vitamins, Minerals, and Trace Elements - all are important especially B-complex, folic acid, selenium, manganese, and zinc |
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Antioxidants - coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, selenium, grape seed extract |
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Essential Fatty Acids - omega-3 (DHA and EPA), omega-6 (GLA) |
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Herbs and Nutrients - soy, mushroom extracts, ginkgo biloba, ginseng |
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Men Only - saw palmetto, pygeum, stinging nettle, yohimbine |
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Women Only - damiana, dong quai | | |
Click Here for Pharmacist's Recommendations
Wellness Centers Related to Sexual Health
Anxiety
Diabetes
Endocrine and Glandular
Healthy Living
Heart and Circulation
Hypertension
Nervous System
Prostate
Stress Control
Additional Information on Sexual Health
Achievements in Public Health, 1900-1999: Healthier Mothers and Babies- article by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Overcoming Infertility- published by the US Food and Drug Administration
The Effects of Workplace Hazards on Female Reproductive Health- detailed publication by the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety
Erectile Dysfunction- article by the National Women?s Health Information Center
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