Sex Questions of the Week With Dr. Hutcherson
__A:__If you've had a blood clot, you should never, ever use the Pill, because you significantly increase your chance of getting another one and you could die. I'd recommend that you stop taking the Pill immediately and call your doctor to find another method of birth control. There are other factors, too, that increase your risk of having a blood clot when you're on the Pill, such as smoking, obesity or having a very sedentary lifestyle. However, those are things that would increase the risk of blood clots in anyone. Still, if my patients fall into any of those categories, I do recommend that they use another form of birth control, like a barrier method or an IUD--a small device placed by a doctor in your uterus to prevent fertilization. You should see your gynecologist to discuss the best alternative for you.
August 12, 2008
Q: I heard there is a correlation between physical fitness and sex. Is this true? I recently started kickboxing and feel great--and more horny.
__A:__Good for you! Yes, exercise has been shown to increase testosterone levels, and of course it increases endorphins, the feel-good hormones that generally increase desire for sex. What you're feeling is absolutely, fabulously normal. Exercise also increases stamina, endurance and flexibility, which help to make sex better--and better sex makes you want it more. Plus, getting into shape means you're probably feeling better about yourself with your clothes off. Keep doing what you're doing for your health--and your sex drive!
August 11, 2008
Q: I worry that I've lost my sex drive. I've always had a healthy sexual appetite, but after my tubal ligation in 2006, I noticed a decrease in desire; I'm just not in the mood as often. Is that the culprit or could it be something else?
__A:__The physical act of tying your tubes should not have an effect on your sexual appetite. In fact, for many women, desire increases after the surgery because they no longer worry about getting pregnant. So it's important to think about what your feelings about sex are now--and what they were before the procedure. How did you feel about your decision to undergo permanent sterilization? Was it your choice? Sometimes women feel pressured to do it by their spouses, and they're not 100 percent comfortable with it. What value did you give to sex before the procedure; were you taught during childhood that the main purpose of sex is procreation--not pleasure? Could it be that you feel like you're not as much of a woman now that you can no longer procreate? It's important to examine all of these feelings, because it seems to me that this is an emotional issue and not a physical response. My advice would be talk to a sex therapist if it's causing you distress-and bring it up with your gynecologist. There may be other medical problems, like thyroid disease, that might be affecting your libido.
This column is for informational purposes only and does not constitute specific medical advice. It is not, and is not intended to be, a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment from your doctor.
