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Health And Fitness

sexinfo — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 04:54:10 CDT

Kegel Exercises

Intro to Sexuality

http://www.sexetc.org

Kegel Exercises

sexinfo — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 04:52:42 CDT

Kegel exercises offer a simple method to help people have more control over their sexual response cycle, resulting in increased sexual pleasure and improved quality of orgasms. Kegel exercises focus on the pubococcygeal muscles (PC muscles) that runs from the pubic bone to the tail bone. The PC muscles lie beneath the sex organs and are involved in the contractions experienced during orgasm. Both women and men can exercise their PC muscles by repeatedly tightening and releasing them. By strengthening this muscle and gaining voluntary control over these muscles, people can improve their overall sexual performance and satisfaction.How to locate and exercise the PC muscle The pubococcygeal muscles are one of the pelvic floor muscles that lay along the bottom of the pelvic floor.
Some people find it difficult to identify this muscle since we do not use it as often as our other muscle groups. Try to stop the flow of urine while urinating, and the muscle that you tighten to do so is the PC muscle. Women can find out if they are squeezing the PC muscles correctly by inserting a finger in the vagina. If you feel a tightening around your finger while squeezing, then you are clenching the correct muscles.

When exercising the PC muscles, it is important that you do not squeeze or tense other muscles groups at the same time. Avoid tensing the muscles in your legs, abdomen, or buttocks – or holding your breath – while doing Kegels. The beauty of these exercises is that you can practice them at almost anytime without anyone knowing. Whether you do them while sitting in class or while watching television, you will most likely notice a positive change in your sexual experiences with consistent practicing.

There are a several ways to work out your PC muscle:

Tighten the PC muscle and hold for 5 seconds, then relax for 5 seconds, and repeat. After squeezing for 5 seconds becomes easy, try holding for 10 seconds and resting for 10 seconds. Try to do 10 sets, or as many you can comfortably accomplish.
While counting from 1 up to 5, slowly tighten the PC muscle with each count until completely tightening the muscle once you reach 5. Then slowly relax the muscle counting back down from 5 until you are completely relaxed once you reach 1. Try to do 10 sets, or as many you can comfortably accomplish.
At a quick, but steady pace, clench and release repeatedly for as long as you can. You can start out doing the quick clenches for 10 seconds and build up to 30 seconds or more. Remember to rest between exercise sets.

The best way to see results is to practice these workouts for about 5 to 10 minutes every day. You won’t notice any changes overnight, but with consistent practice for about 3 to 4 weeks you should notice more control over your sexual response, increased sensations during sex, and more powerful orgasms.Benefits for women Kegel exercises provide numerous benefits for women regarding their sexual functioning, as well as their general physical health. By simply strengthening the PC muscle, many women are able to achieve orgasm more easily and feel more intense and longer orgasmic contractions. For women who experience orgasmic difficulties, Kegel exercises can often help women achieve orgasms more easily by training the muscles involved in orgasmic contractions. Kegels have also been shown to help women who have vaginismus by increasing their voluntary control over their muscles. One fun result of Kegels is the woman’s ability to squeeze the PC muscle while her partner is inside of her vagina during sex. The sensation of quick, rhythmic pulses of the woman’s muscles around her partner’s penis can be a very enjoyable sex technique.

Strengthening the PC muscle can decrease one’s risk of incontinence, which is the inability to hold back from urinating. The PC muscle surrounds the urethra, which is the tube through which urine leaves the body. With greater muscular control in this area, it is more likely that you will be able to hold back the urge to urinate until you are ready.
Pregnant women can also benefit from doing Kegels because it can ease the childbirth process and help regain the strength of your pelvic floor muscles after giving birth.Benefits for men Kegel workouts can provide men with many sexual advantages, such as stronger erections, more powerful ejaculation, and more intense orgasms. By strengthening the PC muscle, the man can have greater control over his sexual response – the process by which a man achieves and maintains an erection. Males who want to maintain their erection for a longer period of time will find that toning the PC muscle will greatly aid in his sexual performance. With this greater control over their muscles, some men have found that they can even achieve multiple orgasms.

All in all, the Kegel exercises can result in increased sexual satisfaction overall for both men and women, because they promote a better awareness of one’s body and how it functions.

External links about Kegel exercises
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/exercise_ez/index.htm

References
(2006). Kegel exercise. Retrieved October 2, 2006.

(2006). Kegel exercises. Retrieved October 2, 2006.

The Sexual Response Cycle

sexinfo — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 04:49:47 CDT

Introduction
Sexual response is an extremely individual process. People vary in their physical, mental, and emotional reactions to sexual stimulation. However, almost all people experience certain basic physiological changes that happen, and those fit with some general patters about what happens when one is sexually aroused.

Before embarking on our exploration of the sexual response cycle, there are a few points to remember. First, these stages describe the response to any form of sexual stimulation; they are not limited to penile-vaginal intercourse. The full sexual response cycle can be experienced during masturbation, manual stimulation by one's partner, oral sex, and fantasy.

Additionally, it can be difficult to avoid using these stages as a kind of personal checklist when observing our own sexual responses. However, excess use of these stages in evaluating our personal responses can lead to "spectatoring," where you seem to be a third person in the bedroom, watching and commenting on your own sexual responses. This can detract from the pleasure both you and your partner might achieve, so beware of excess spectatoring.

A final note before continuing: the simplification of the sexual response into a small number of stages does not do justice to the richness and beauty of the individual variability in sexual responses. Everyone is different, and while the responses are biologically somewhat predictable, there is extreme variation in each person's subjective experiences.

Masters and Johnson's Four-Phase Model
The sexual responses of men and women have many similarities. Two basic physiological responses to sexual stimulation are vasocongestion and myotonia, and they occur in both women and men. Vasocongestion occurs when body tissues fill up with blood and swell in size. Vasocongestion is responsible for the erection of the penis in the male, and it causes women's breasts to increase in size and their vaginas to lubricate when sexually excited. It can affect other parts of the body too, such as the labia, testicles, clitoris, and nipples. The other response, myotonia, is the increased muscle tension that happens during sexual arousal. This includes both flexing (which is voluntary) and contractions (which are involuntary). The most obvious examples of this are the muscle contractions that occur during both male and female orgasm, but myotonia also causes facial grimaces and twitches in the hands and feet.

Excitement
The excitement phase is the first phase of the sexual response cycle. Like all phases of the sexual response, it varies from person to person and situation to situation: It can last anywhere from less than a minute to over several hours. It includes myotonia and increased heart rate and blood pressure. Also, many sexual areas can become engorged with blood, including the clitoris, breast, penis, and testes. The sexual organs often gain a deeper color in this phase as well. A sex flush, which is a pink or red rash on the chest or breasts, can occur in both men and women, though is more common in women. During the excitement phase, a man's penis becomes erect, though the erection is not necessarily completely hard-it can vary between unaroused, partially aroused, and fully aroused states. The testes also elevate and engorge with blood. In women, the clitoral shaft gets bigger, the labia majora separate, and the labia minora enlarge while often becoming darker. Also, some women produce considerable amounts of lubrication at this point, though others only produce a small amount.

Plateau
In the plateau phase, sexual tension continues to grow as a precursor to orgasm. This phase can be very brief, from two seconds to a few minutes. Many people find that extending the length of the plateau period can lead to more intense orgasms. This phase does not have a clear starting point in which a person obviously shifts from excitement to plateau: In the plateau phase, everything that happened in the excitement phase continues and it becomes more prominent. Heart and breathing rates keep rising, muscle tension increases, and sex flushes and genital coloration becomes more noticeable. During the plateau phase, the outer one-third of the vagina becomes especially engorged with blood, creating a structure called "the orgasmic platform."

Note that the word "plateau" is usually used to describe a leveling-off, where there are no real changes. In our stages, however, plateau is not a static, boring place. There are very powerful surges of sexual tension or pleasure that occur in this stage; for example, both men and women often experience faster heart and breathing rates.

Orgasm
Orgasm is the shortest phase of the sexual response cycle, typically lasting only several seconds. Women can have a slightly longer orgasm than men. While men almost always experience orgasm after the plateau phase, many women can experience the plateau stage without reaching orgasm. Usually men experience orgasm and ejaculation in conjunction with each other, but ejaculation does not always occur at the time of orgasm. Before ejaculation can occur, the seminal fluids gather in the ejaculatory ducts and upper urethra. This produces a feeling that orgasm is inevitable. Then the semen is expelled out of the penis at the time of orgasm. When a woman orgasms, the uterus and orgasmic platform contract in rhythmic waves of muscular movement.

It is interesting to note that orgasms do not seem to differ by gender; that is, men and women feel quite similar things during orgasm. In one study, college students provided descriptions of orgasm. Researchers compared the descriptions using a standard psychological rating scale, and there were no distinguishable differences between men's and women's descriptions. Both males and females tended to describe orgasm with words such as "waves of pleasure in my body," corresponding to the rhythmic muscle contractions that occur during orgasm. In an earlier study, 70 expert judges could not reliably differentiate between the reports of orgasms in men and women.
For information on how to better stimulate your partner, please check out SexInfo's page on sexual techniques.

Resolution
In this phase, the body returns to its original, nonexcited state. Some of the changes occur rapidly, whereas others take more time. The resolution phase begins immediately after orgasm if there is no additional stimulation.

Refractory Period
The refractory period is the one significant difference in the sexual response cycle of males and females. The refractory period occurs during the resolution phase. It is a time when a man cannot reach excitement, plateau, or orgasm through any kind of sexual stimulation. This period can last from a few minutes to days, depending on age and frequency of sexual activity, among other things. Women do not experience a refractory period, and they are capable of reaching orgasm from anywhere during resolution. Women have the potential to have multiple orgasms, but a woman may not want to have a second or third orgasm. In order to determine the woman's feelings on this matter, good communication between partners is extremely important.

Kaplan's Three-Stage Model
Helen Singer Kaplan described three stages of sexual response: desire, excitement, and orgasm. The most notable aspect of her model is that she includes sexual desire as a crucial stage. Most other writers do not discuss changes that are separate from genital changes.

A note about desire
Not all sexual activity is prefaced by sexual desire. For example, a couple may be trying to have a baby, so even though they may not have sexual desire on one day, they may still engage in sexual activity. Many times people will respond to their partner's sexual approaches even if desire was not present to begin with.

It sometimes seems that women experience sexual desire less than men. In many cases, men initiate sex so often that women do not notice their rising sexual desire since the man has expressed his.

Related Links

Better Sex Through Exercise

sexinfo — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 04:44:25 CDT

A Better Sex Life Through Exercise

Exercise has many commonly known benefits, including a longer lifespan, better weight control, stronger bones, increased energy levels, and improved mood. Physical activity lowers the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and depression. It also prevents type 2 diabetes, a serious condition that is completely preventable with appropriate diet and exercise.1 While these are all great reasons to exercise, there is one more advantage: a better sex life.

Recent research indicates that people who are physically fit get more enjoyment from sex and are more likely to be sexually active. Regardless of age, regular exercise results in greater sexual confidence, desire, and ability to attain orgasm. Experts are not sure why aerobic exercise boosts the libido, but one theory is that exercise leads to endorphin release, creating a sense of well-being that makes people more receptive to sexual activity.2 One thing is for certain: the benefits of exercise are numerous and can lead to longer, healthier, happier lives. Despite the advantages of an active life, more than 60 percent of Americans do not exercise regularly, and 25 percent of adults do not exercise at all.3 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend three or more sessions per week of "activities that last 20 minutes or more at a time ... that require moderate to vigorous levels of exertion."4 Regardless of your current exercise habits, it is never too late to begin a workout program. You might want to purchase a good book on the type of exercise that interests you so you can learn how to exercise correctly and safely. To maximize safety, consult with a doctor if you are just beginning an exercise regimen.

References:
1. "Why Physical Activity and Exercise are Important," Intelihealth Website (information approved and monitored by Harvard Medical School) 01 May 2002. http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/7165/31792/349496.html?d=dmtContent

2. "Sexual and Reproductive Health: Better Sex," Intelihealth Website (information approved and monitored by Harvard Medical School) 27 June 2002. http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/23414/23416/36111.html?d=dmtContent

3. "Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website 17 Nov 1999 http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/summ.htm

4. "CDC Recommends..." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website 18 July 2001 http://www.phppo.cdc.gov/cdcrecommends/showarticle.asp?a_artid=M0046823&TopNum=50&CallPg=Adv

Spermatogenesis

sexinfo — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 04:42:14 CDT

The Road the Sperm Take: Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis, or sperm production, begins around puberty and continues for the remainder of a man's life. The life of a single sperm begins in the seminiferous tubules, inside the testicles. In the walls of the seminiferous tubules, primordial germ cells turn into spermatogonia, diploid cells (with 46 chromosomes each) that are the precursors to actual sperm. The spermatogonia divide repeatedly, via mitotic division to produce cells called primary spermatocytes, still with 46 chromosomes. These divide again to produce secondary spermatocytes, now with 23 chromosomes each. The next cell division produces spermatids, which then develop into spermatozoa, or sperm cells. These sperm cells have 23 chromosomes each, half the number needed to initiate human development. The other 23 chromosomes needed are contributed by the egg of a woman. When a sperm joins with an egg, the conceptus (result of conception) will have 46 chromosomes.

Spermatogenesis occurs continuously in a man's testicles from the onset of puberty to the end life. A young healthy man produces several hundred million sperm per day. Once produced, the sperm move their way up into the epididymis by traveling through a network of tiny ducts called rete testes. These rete testes are c-shaped structures that converge from the back, to the epididymis, which is located on the upper part of the testes. The coiled up, crescent-shaped epididymis is a maturation chamber where the sperm take on nutrients and grow for several weeks before moving on.

The final road for the sperm is the vas deferens. The vas deferens begins at the epididymis and winds up past the pubic bone and urinary bladder. There are two vas deferens, one coming from each testicle, and they join at the back of the bladder. Each vas deferens joins with one seminal vesicle, which contains fluids needed at the time of ejaculation. Fluids from the vas deferens and seminal vesicles will be released into the ejaculatory ducts, located within the prostate gland. The prostate gland also secretes some of the fluids found in the ejaculation. The fluid secreted is a milky alkaline substance that provides a suitable living environment for sperm and allows them to survive in the acidity of the vagina. The ejaculatory ducts then connect to the urethra, where the sperm will be ejaculated during orgasm by sexual intercourse, masturbation, or even a wet dream.

Pelvic Congestion

sexinfo — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 04:38:47 CDT

Pelvic congestion usually occurs after a person has been sexually stimulated or aroused for an hour or more without having an orgasm. In females, the uterus, ovaries and vulva swell to the point in which they become painful. In males, the testicles swell and subsequently become bluish and painful, commonly known as blue balls. Orgasm through sexual intercourse or masturbation can relieve the pain and discomfort. Congestion subsides slowly when orgasm cannot be reached.

Male Multiple Orgasms

sexinfo — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 04:37:58 CDT

What is a male multiple orgasm?
Most people are under the impression that multiple orgasms are something only women can experience. It is widely believed that once a man ejaculates, he experiences a refractory period and cannot orgasm again for a while, which is true for most men. This traditional explanation regarding the limited range of male orgasmic capacity may have influenced men’s behavior as well as research in this area (Dunn & Trost, 1989).

Dunn & Trost (1989) studied 21 men were evaluated who reported that they could have a non-ejaculatory orgasm prior to as well as after an ejaculatory orgasm, showing that it is possible to have a series of orgasms. Some of the men claimed to have always achieved multiple orgasms, while others naturally developed this capacity later in life. Others said that they learned to become multiply orgasmic. Dunn & Trost define male multiple orgasms as “two or more orgasms with or without ejaculation and without, or with only very limited, detumescence [loss of erection] during one and the same sexual encounter” (Dunn & Trost, 1989, p. 379). Therefore, men who had “dry” orgasms before or following an ejaculatory orgasm were considered to be having multiple orgasms.

Masters and Johnson (1966) made it seem like ejaculation was central to male orgasm. They equated male orgasm and ejaculation, and maintained the necessity for a refractory period between orgasms. More current research shows that ejaculation and a refractory period are not always linked to orgasms. In order to be considered multiply orgasmic, 1) at least two orgasms must occur, 2) ejaculation does not have to occur, 3) one or more of the orgasms can be combined with an ejaculation, 4) only a very limited loss of erection can occur, and 5) the orgasms have to occur in the same sexual encounter (Dunn & Trost, 1989).

How can someone “learn” to have multiple orgasms?
While some men claim that they were always multiply orgasmic, or developed that capacity naturally, others say they had to learn how. There are several books on the topic of becoming multiply orgasmic, as well as internet sites claiming to have all the advice one needs in order to achieve multiple orgasms. Here are a few tips we’ve compiled that may work, however they have not been scientifically tested.

Don’t think of multiple orgasms as an ultimate goal, but rather a possible area to explore.
Develop the PC muscle. The PC (pubococcygeus) muscle is responsible for the rhythmic contractions in the pelvis and anus during orgasm. You can identify this muscle by stopping the flow of urine and noticing which muscles you contract. This is your PC muscle. Try contracting your PC muscle as you exhale and releasing it as you inhale throughout the day many times throughout the day.
Start by masturbating without your partner. Pleasure yourself however you like, breathing deeply. Try to notice your increasing levels of arousal.
When you are getting near ejaculation, stop and rest (possibly breathing in deeply and holding the breath for a second or two). Try to notice the contraction of your PC muscle and anus, although don't be surprised if it takes some time to experience this without ejaculating. You can also try to squeeze your PC muscle in the area of your prostate if the prostate starts contracting and you are afraid you might start ejaculating.
After you regain control, you can start again as many times as you like and continue for as long as you like.
Try incorporating these activities with your partner (Chia & Arava, 1997).

Again, these exercises have not been scientifically proven to induce multiple orgasms. The exercises are, however, very similar to exercises that help control premature ejaculation. Remember that research shows that very few men are multiply orgasmic. Some researchers claim that any man can become multiply orgasmic, but others say that this is not the case. Therefore, it is very important to keep step #1 in mind: Rather than treating the multiple orgasm as an ultimate goal sought above all else, treat it as an area to explore.
Sources:

Chia & Arava (1997) The Multi-Orgasmic Man. San Francisco, CA: Harper Press.
Dunn, M. & Trost, J. (1989). Male multiple orgasms: A descriptive study. Archives of Sexual Behavior,<.i> 18, 377-388.
Masters, W., & Johnson, V. (1966). Human Sexual Response<.i>. Boston: Little, Brown and Company.

Aging and the Sexual Response Cycle

sexinfo — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 04:34:27 CDT

Many individuals wonder what will happen to their sex lives once they are older and have passed their supposed sexual peak. Are they going to be able to perform as well as young adults do? What changes occur and what do these changes mean? Although there are many changes that occur in an individual's sexual response cycle with aging, there are many ways to keep an active and healthy sex life at any age.

The Myth of Sexual Peaks

Many individuals have heard the myth that women and men have different times in their lives when they are at a sexual peak. The sexual peak is supposedly the time in which an individual's sexual desire and ability is at its highest point. The common myth is that men reach their sexual peak in their early twenties, while women do not reach their sexual peak until their thirties. The first graph represents this idea.

As the graph suggests males begin their sexual activity earlier and reach their peak earlier, while women are reaching their peak later in life. This graph does not have to be true for men and women. In reality men and women may reach the top of their sexual ability and desire at different times, and it is possible that they will only decline slightly with age. The sharp decrease in sexuality shown in the first graph does not have to occur. This possibility is shown in the second graph below.

This second graph shows that males do tend to discover their sexuality at an earlier age than do females, but it also shows that both sexes tend to remain quite sexual during adulthood. In addition, it should be said that people can lose their sexual interest at any age in life, depending on their sexual experiences. For instance if an individual was raped or sexually abused and did not have positive and loving sexual experiences thereafter the person might have a decline in sexuality. But people with happy and loving sexual experiences can have exciting sexual lives for decades.

Common Changes caused by Aging in the Sexual Response Cycle

With aging, many people experience changes during each phase of the sexual response cycle. These changes are natural and vary in the amount that they affect an individual's sex life. There are many things that one can do to keep an active and healthy sex life, so that these changes need not have a detrimental effect.

MALES - Excitement Phase

Erections are slower to develop with increasing age. A younger male may be able to experience erection in a matter of seconds, while some older men may need several minutes of effective stimulation to become erect.

- Plateau Phase

Older men may have less muscle tension (myotonia), than younger men
Complete erection may not be achieved until the end of the plateau phase.
The testes do not elevate up towards the body as much.
The older man is able to stay in the plateau phase longer. This may enhance his and his partner's sexual pleasure, making this one of the positive changes that occur with aging.

- Orgasm Phase

There may be a lowered level of intensity during orgasm.
There are sometimes fewer contractions during orgasm.
The seminal fluid may be thinner in consistency.

- Resolution Phase

This phase occurs quicker in older men.
The testes lower away from the body quicker.
The refractory period lasts longer than it did when the man was young.

FEMALES Females tend to experience a decline in their sexual response at around the time of menopause; this is when a woman ceases to ovulate each month. - Excitement Phase

There is less vasocongestion than in younger women.
Vaginal lubrication may take longer to occur and the amount of lubrication may be less than before.
The width and length of the vagina does not increase as much as in young women.

- Plateau Phase

The orgasmic platform develops to a slightly lesser degree than in young women.
The elevation of the uterus occurs slightly less.

- Orgasm Phase

There may be fewer muscle contractions during orgasm.
The uterine contractions that take place with orgasm may become painful.

- Resolution Phase

This phase occurs more rapidly. Since older women have less vasocongestion than younger women, it takes less time to return to the normal unaroused state.

Ways to Keep a Healthy Sexual Response Cycle

One of the best ways to keep a healthy sexual life is to maintain an active sex life, which exercises and maintains the body parts involved in sexual arousal and orgasm. So the phrase, "Use it or lose it," is somewhat true in this case. Also maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercising and eating right, will lower the chances of ones overall health deteriorating, which can affect ones sexual response. A menopausal woman may consider taking hormone replacement therapy even though this is not the best strategy forever.

Sex and Athletic Performance

sexinfo — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 04:29:31 CDT

Sex, Does it Really Affect Athletic Performance?

You may have heard it from your high school coach, or some of your teachers, even the great Mohammed Ali swears by it. The prevailing myth that sex hurts athletic performance is as old as sports itself. Some athletes believe that it relaxes them to a point that they would not want to compete, others swear it drains vital fluids necessary for a top athlete, but is there really scientific proof to all this?

There is not. Having sex before an event should not physically hinder your athletic output or performance . In actuality it may even help athletes before an important game. The usual scenario the night before a game or competition is one filled with anxiety and insomnia. One of the most inexpensive, easiest, and beneficial ways to have a good night's rest and relax is sex, even if it is masturbation. Only persons with severe heart conditions may have a problem with sexual activity, and those people would hardly be medically fit to undertake serious athletic competition.

However this is not an invitation to have limitless sex the night before a major competition. As with everything in life, abusing sex can blind your athletic goals and output. Having sexual intercourse the whole night before a competition, and not sleeping defeats the whole purpose of resting and focusing for the upcoming competition. If you find that sex deviates from your athletics goals, or it does not motivate you in a positive way, then you should stick to what works. Many athletes swear by their own personal training methods whether it is physically or healthily sound. The outcome is that the athlete believes in it so much that it influences him or her to perform better.

One should also be aware of having safe sex when engaged in any sexual activity. It is true that sex can relax and calm the nerves of an anxious athlete, but unprotected sex can lead to more troubles than benefits. STD's or even pregnancy can result and your whole athletic career can be sidelined or compromised.

The bottom line is that physiologically, sex is well within the boundaries of athletes as well as the normal person. Here is some food for thought. The Minnesota Viking's last four trips to the Super Bowl ended in defeat, 0-4. Might that be due to the fact that the coaches enforced abstinence the night before?2 U.S track star Lynn Jennings claims that having sex with her husband helped her win a national title.3 Just remember if you decide to engage in sexual activity, be safe and smart about it.

1 Thornton, James S. "Sexual Activity and Athletic Performance: Is There a Relationship?"
Physician and Sports Medicine V18, N3 (March, 1990):148
"Birds do it, Bees do it, (but not before a marathon)." UC Berkeley Wellness Letter
February 2001: 6

2 Thornton, James S. "Sexual Activity and Athletic Performance: Is There a Relationship?"
Physician and Sports Medicine V18, N3 (March, 1990):148
3 Chidley, Joe. "Sex and the Modern Athlete."
Maclean's V109 N30 (July 22, 1996)

Sexual Response

sexinfo — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 04:26:58 CDT

Sex and Athletic Performance

Aging and the Sexual Response Cycle

Male Multiple Orgasms

Pelvic Congestion

Spermatogenesis

Better Sex Through Exercise

The Sexual Response Cycle

Kegel Exercises

Prostate Cancer.

sexinfo — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 04:22:24 CDT

The prostate gland is located at the base of the bladder and is about the size of a walnut. Click on this link for more information about the prostate and its location. Prostate cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that grows in the prostate gland. The symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to those of other diseases of the prostate, including pelvic and back pain, urinary complications, abdominal pain, and aching testicles. According to the American Cancer Society, about 10% of men in the United States will develop prostate cancer at some time in their life, and 40,000 men die each year due to it in the U.S. alone. Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer (besides skin cancer) in males living in the United States (Crooks et al. 135).

Risk Factors
There are a few factors that are known to be associated with the development of prostate cancer. These are: old age, diets high in saturated fat, a family history of prostate cancer, and previous sexually transmitted diseases. (Crooks et al. 135). Smoking has also been linked to a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. For unknown reasons, African American men have the highest incidence of prostate cancer and they have a poorer survival rate than white American men.

Diagnosis
Prostate cancer may be diagnosed in any of three ways. First, a doctor may do a digital rectal examination, in which the physician inserts a finger into to rectum to feel the prostate gland and check for abnormalities. This procedure is only mildly uncomfortable for most men, and it may also detect colon or rectal cancer. Transrectal ultrasound is a second procedure used to detect prostate cancer. This method allows doctors to view an image of the prostate and check for abnormalities. These two methods are equally capable of detecting prostate cancer. A third method involves a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA). This test is useful in diagnosing early prostate cancer by detecting a genetic marker for prostate cancer. Although most men would prefer this blood test to a rectal exam, it should be used in conjunction with a rectal exam because it is less accurate.

Many men are hesitant to be tested for prostate cancer because of the rectal examination. However, because prostate cancer affects so many men, it is essential that men get tested regularly especially if they have any of the risk factors.

Treatment
There are several treatments available for prostate cancer. Surgery, radiation therapy, and/or hormone therapy are treatments common to prostate cancer as well as various other cancers. Two types of surgical procedures available are radical prostatectomy, where the entire prostate gland is removed, and partial prostatectomy, where only the cancerous portions of the prostate are removed through the urethra A third option is cryoprostatectomy, in which the cancerous cells are killed by freezing. In older men, the risks of surgery often outweigh the potential benefits; and in these situations, doctors often defer treatment and watch the cancer for any changes. If it is a slow growing cancer, treatment may not be needed.

Other Websites with Information on Prostate Cancer

For general information on prostate cancer visit:
http://cancer.med.upenn.edu/disease/prostate/

The American Cancer Society’s prostate cancer website:
http://www3.cancer.org/cancerinfo/load_cont.asp?ct=36

Sources Cited

Baur, Karla and Crooks, Robert. Our Sexuality 7th edition. Brooks/Cole Publishing

Company. New York, 1999.

Folliculitus

sexinfo — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:08:27 CDT

Folliculitis is caused by the infection of a hair follicle. Every hair that appears on the body grows out of a tiny pouch called a follicle. Therefore, any part of the body that has hair can have folliculitis. The most common place to develop this infection is on the face, scalp, thighs, groin or any other area that may be rubbed by clothing.

Symptoms of Folliculitus:
In mild/superficial folliculitis (shown below), the inflamationbegins as a red tender area at or near the base of one or more strands of hair. It then turns into a raised area of skin that may itch or burn and is filled with pus (called a pustule). When the sore breaks open, it may drain pus and/or blood.

With deep folliculitis (shown below), the pustules that develop are generally larger in size and more painful than the sores in mild folliculitis. Deep folliculitis can also lead to other skin infections.

One form of folliculitis is called “Hot tub folliculitis.” It generally appears 3 days after you have been in a hot tub or a spa. Many pustules may develop on the arms legs and the torso. This type of folliculitis goes away, without medication, within 7 to 10 days.

*Some people get razor bumps, which are not folliculitis. Razor bumps develop when a person shaves, then the strands of hair curl back on themselves, grow into the skin and cause irritation.

* Other skin conditions that cause similar symptoms to folliculitis are heat rash, poison ivy, and acne.

What causes folliculitis?
Folliculitis is usually caused by staph (Staphylococcus), which is a type of bacterium. It may also be caused by yeast and other types of fungus. Folliculitus caused by fungus is most often found in individuals who have an impaired immune system that has trouble fighting off infection. The hair follicle may also become blocked or irritated by certain oils, makeup or sweat.

Treatment of Folliculitis:
Mild cases: Minimal cases normally heal on their own. If the folliculitus returns or gets worse, such cases see your doctor for a proper treatment.

Bacterial Folliculitis:
Mild: For mild cases, doctors recommend an antibiotic cream or ointment such as polymyxin B sulfates (Polysporin), bacitracin, clindamycin, erythromycin, or Bactroban. Antiseptic cleansers such as providone-iodine or chlorhexidine can also be used.
Deep: More severe folliculitis requires antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.

Folliculitis caused by fungus:
Your doctor will have to prescribe an antifungal pill along with a corticosteroid to reduce any inflammation.
Folliculitis on the scalp/beard area:

When people have folliculitis on the scalp or beard area, relief may be obtained by using a shampoo containing selenium sulfide 2.5%, selenium 1%, or 50% propylene glycol should be used.
Other treatment options:
For recurrent cases of folliculitis, laser treatment is an option. Laser treatment is expensive, but it both reduces scarring and kills the hair follicle.

Folliculitus.

sexinfo — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:02:11 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

Menstrual Difficulties

sexinfo — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:01:26 CDT

Starting at menarche, a girl’s first menstrual period, at puberty and continuing to menopause, the cessation of menstruation, much later in a woman’s life, a female will have go through the menstrual cycle many, many times. To some, this monthly phase reminds them of the gift that only women have – the ability to bear children – while others just find it an annoying bloody mess. Regardless of your personal view on this phenomenon of the female reproductive system, it can be confusing and frustrating when things go wrong. Our bodies are not without flaws, and the female reproductive system is a very fragile structure, susceptible to many problems. Besides the effects that STD’s can have on the reproductive system and menstruation, there are also other problems women can have with their periods.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS is not recognized as a disorder, and its existence is debated rather heavily as being either psychological or in fact physiological part of the menstrual cycle. There are so many everyday symptoms on the PMS checklist – such as lethargy, sadness, headaches, lack of interest in sex (or heightened interest in sex), etc. – that even a male could be diagnosed with the syndrome it seems (Tavris, 1992). Many attribute PMS to the mind of the woman “complaining” and she should therefore “grin and bear it.” It is also a societal assumption (most often in the West where fertility is not as high and more people pay attention to the signs of PMS), that whenever a woman gets moody, she must therefore be premenstrual. It is as Care Boothe Luce once wrote, “When a man can’t explain a woman’s actions, the first thing he thinks about is the condition of her uterus.” These kinds of attitudes discredit the actual physiological symptoms that many women experience before their period. PMS is perhaps the most common menstrual problem. It is estimated that 30 to 90% of women experience mild discomfort while premenstrual and only 5% of women experience no symptoms of PMS. Even cross-culturally, menstruation has serious emotional and psychological distress. The “symptom” list that women “suffer” from is long (over 200 items are listed), ranging from the typical (bloating, breast swelling, irritability, tension, etc.) to very adverse affects (epilepsy, lack of coordination, depression, spontaneous bruising, and many more). The culprit for all these ailments is thought to be a malfunction in the production of progesterone which disrupts the normal working of the cycle. This theory is only speculatory and researchers have found no proven cause of PMS.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

PMDD is much less common than PMS, and it is a recognized disorder that can be diagnosed. Only 5% of women have severe enough symptoms for the PMDD diagnosis, and a woman is not diagnosed unless her daily functioning is impaired. The disorder PMDD, while it has physical symptoms, is considered a distinct type of depressive disorder and is applied to a woman only when she repeatedly has 5 of 11 symptoms during the week before her period: 1) sad or hopeless feelings 2) tense or anxious feelings 3) marked mood changes 4) frequent irritability or anger and increased interpersonal conflicts 5) decreased interest in her usual activities 6) lack of concentration 7) lack of energy 8) lack of appetite 9) insomnia or sleepiness 10) a subjective feeling of being overwhelmed or out of control 11) physical symptoms such as swollen breasts, headaches, muscles pain, a “bloated” sensation, or weight gain. Just like PMS, the exact cause of PMDD is not known.

Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea, the absence of menstruation, is actually a quite common problem for women. There are two basic types of amenorrhea, primary – when a girl fails to menstruate at puberty – and secondary (which is the more common type), the disruption of an established menstrual cycle with the lack of menstruation for 3 or more months. Primary amenorrhea is caused by a variety of factors, like hormonal imbalance, poor health, or a problem with reproductive organs. Secondary amenorrhea is actually a normal condition during and after pregnancy (postpartum amenorrhea) and during breast-feeding (lactational amenorrhea). Secondary amenorrhea is also common for women who just started menstruating or are nearing menopause. Sometimes secondary amenorrhea is referred to as pathological amenorrhea because it signifies a pathological absence of menstruation and is unrelated to the normal conditions previously mentioned.

There are many factors associated with the absence of menstruation. Age is huge indicator in the regularity of a woman’s cycle. The greatest menstrual variations among women have been found in the groups before age 19 and between 40 and 50 years of age (Collet, Wertenberger, Fiske, 1954). “The probability of a cycle being defective in any way is greatest during the years following menarche and rises again during the 5 years preceding menopause.” Also very important to a woman’s reproductive health is nutrition. Extreme malnutrition, either self inflicted by eating disorders or as a result of environment such as famine, can produce temporary amenorrhea. Once energy intake increases, the female body has a remarkable potential to recover from the damages of malnutrition. There is a potential for some repercussions later, such as spontaneous abortions, difficult birthing process, longer postpartum amenorrhea, and subfecundity. In addition, disease can also chase away a woman’s period. Some of the non-sexually transmitted diseases that can cease menstruation are tuberculosis, filariasis, schistosomiasis (Charlewood, 1956), Gambian sleeping sickness (WHO, 1979), mental illness such as schizophrenia and manic-depressive psychoses (Shader, Nahum, DiMascio, 1970), and even diabetes (Gold, 1968). As well, a woman’s psychological state has a great deal to do with her menstruation cycle. Stress and fear are the two major causes that make a woman’s period go missing (Coldsmith, 1979). Varying levels of psychological disturbance, ranging from trauma from after a rape to chronic stress to relatively minor stresses like from exams, can lead to a disturbance in a woman’s cycle. In addition, some research shows that amenorrhea could be due to “a desire to avoid the adult female sexual role and pregnancy” (Jacobs, 1972). The last important factor related to secondary amenorrhea is physical activity. Often the female body has an adaptive mechanism that turns of menstruation under strenuous physical conditions, which is a common occurrence for female athletes. Athletic amenorrhea is connected to rigorous activity, emotional stress of competition, weight loss, and low estrogen levels (Cuming, 1993).
Usually women’s main concern with amenorrhea is their fear of being unable to conceive. Amenorrhea does not directly correlate with sterility. It does however have an affect on fertility, but research has yet to fully explain this relationship.

Dysmenorrhea

It is speculated that women have a higher tolerance for pain than men because they are responsible for giving birth to future generations, which is a most taxing experience on the female body. Even with a greater tolerance for pain, many women find their periods to be a quite agonizing ordeal. Painful menstruation is called dysmenorrhea. There are two basic types of dysmenorrheal, primary and secondary. The main difference between the two is their cause. Primary dysmenorrhea is caused by the over production of prostaglandins, a hormone that causes the muscles of the uterus to contract. Symptoms include abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and irritability. Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by a variety of factors, such as presence of an IUD, PID, uterine tumors, obstruction of the cervical opening, or endometriosis (a condition where uterine tissue grows on various parts of the abdominal cavity). Prior and during menstruation, secondary dymenorrhea has a wide range of symptoms: constant (almost spastic) lower abdominal pain, pain in back and thighs, and painful intercourse.

Help for Menstrual Problems

What if you have menstrual problems? While it may seem that your body has a mind of its own, there are some things that you can do to help alleviate the unpleasantness of periods. Moderate exercise and proper exercise help both body and mind. Cutting back on salty foods helps with water retention and bloating, and many vitamins and minerals often help with cramping. It is a good idea to keep written record of your periods; this way you can track the symptoms, length of cycles, stresses, etc. You may be able to find a pattern between menstrual difficulties and aspects of your own life. For example, you might find, as many women do, that exercise throughout the month helps with the pains of periods.

If your menstrual cycle is causing you great discomfort it might be a good idea to see a doctor. Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are available to help alleviate menstrual pain and regulate cycles. Depending on the diagnosis your doctor gives you, there should be a variety of treatment options open to you. So although the topic may be embarrassing and somewhat uncomfortable to talk about, it is worth your while to consult your doctor.

Cervical Cancer

sexinfo — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:58:57 CDT

Cause and Prevention
Precancerous Conditions
Diagnosis
Preparing for Treatment
Treatment

The National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 15,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. The Cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vaginal canal. Cervical cancer is generally a disease of the squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that form the outer layer of the cervix. If these cells begin to divide uncontrollably, they create a tumor. If the cells invade and damage surrounding tissue, the tumor is said to be malignant, and is classified as cancer. Benign tumors are not considered cancerous, since they do not spread and are not life threatening. The process by which cancer cells from a malignant tumor spread to other areas of the body is called “metastasis.” Cervical cancer often spreads to the lymph nodes, rectum, bladder, spinal bones, and lungs. Precancerous changes usually have no symptoms, and thus are not detectable without a pelvic exam and Pap test. Symptoms do not usually occur until the cells have become cancerous and begin to invade surrounding tissue. Symptoms of cervical cancer include abnormal bleeding and increased vaginal discharge. However, these symptoms can result from other unrelated causes, so a doctor should be consulted if any symptoms are present.

Cause and Prevention

Researchers believe that two or more risk factors may act together to cause cervical cancer. Most important is exposure to a sexually transmitted virus known as human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV can first cause genital warts, and it has also been linked with the development of abnormal cells in the cervix. These abnormal cells can then lead to cervical cancer. Therefore, women who have HPV, or who have partners who have HPV, are at a higher risk for developing cervical cancer. However, most people with HPV do not develop cervical cancer, and HPV is not present in all cases of cervical cancer. More research is needed to determine HPV’s role in cervical cancer, and to study other factors that may act to amplify the effects of HPV.

There are various risk factors, other than HPV, that may also play a role in the development of cervical cancer. The following have been identified as such.

Early Sex and Many Partners: Women are at higher risk for cervical cancer if they began engaging in sexual intercourse before age 18, or if they have had many sexual partners. These women have higher risk of developing cervical cancer because they are more likely to have been exposed to HPV.

Smoking: Women who smoke are at higher risk for cervical cancer, and the risk increases with the number of years and number of cigarettes per day that a woman has smoked.

DES: Women whose mothers were given the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) are at higher risk for cervical cancer. DES was administered from around 1940 to 1970 to prevent miscarriages, and DES has been linked to a rare type of vaginal and cervical cancer.

Weakened Immune System: Women with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, are also more susceptible to cervical cancer, as are organ transplant patients (who’s immune system has been suppressed with drugs to prevent organ rejection).

Oral Contraceptives: Some researchers believe that use of oral contraceptives (“the pill”) may correlate with higher risks of cervical cancer because some women who use the pill feel free to begin sex at an earlier age and have multiple sex partners—thus, they may run a greater risk of contracting HPV and later developing cervical cancer. There is no direct evidence that links the birth control pill to the development of cervical cancer.

GET YOUR PAP TESTS. At present, the early detection and treatment of precancerous tissues are the most effective means of preventing cervical cancer. Women should have regular pelvic exams and Pap tests, especially if they have increased risk for developing cervical cancer.

There have been reports that vitamin A may play a role in stopping or preventing cancerous changes in cells like those found on the surface of the cervix. However, more research needs to be done to clarify this connection.

A Cancerous Cell

Precancerous Conditions

Abnormal changes in the appearance of cervical cells are believed to be the beginning of a series of slow changes that can lead to cancer. An area of abnormal surface cells is called a squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL). The word “lesion” refers to an area of abnormal tissue, and “intraepithelial” means that the abnormal cells are in the surface layer of the tissue. Doctors categorize these abnormalities into two classifications: low-grade and high-grade SIL. Both conditions are also known as dysplasia (which can be mild or severe). Low-grade SIL is used to describe early changes in the size, shape, and number of the cervix’s surface cells. It is possible that low-grade SIL will go away on its own, without medical help; but it can also progress if left untreated, becoming high-grade SIL. High grade SIL means that there are a large number of highly abnormal and precancerous cells. Low-grade SIL is most often found in women between the ages of 25 and 35, whereas high-grade SIL is more common in women between the ages of 30 and 40. The age ranges are generalities: Low and high grade SIL can be found in women at any age.

Diagnosis

When abnormal cells are found during a pelvic exam or Pap test, the doctor may repeat the Pap and order other tests. After two abnormal Pap results, the doctor will usually order a colposcopy to check the cervix for abnormal areas. In a colposcopy, a vinegar-like solution is applied to the cervix and an instrument (called a colposcope, which resembles a microscope), is used to closely inspect the cervix. A Schiller test may also be preformed, in which the cervix is coated with an iodine solution to reveal any abnormal cells (healthy cells turn brown, and abnormal cells turn white or yellow).

If the colposcopy identifies abnormal areas of the cervix, the doctor may perform a biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of small areas of cervical tissue for examination by a pathologist. There are several methods that can be used to remove tissue for examination. In one method, known as a cervical punch biopsy, forceps are used to pinch off small pieces of the affected tissue. Another method, known as a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), uses an electrical wire loop to slice off a thin, round piece of surface tissue.

In some cases a doctor may want to sample tissue that is not visible during a colposcopy. There are several biopsy methods that may be used in this circumstance. A method that allows the doctor to check inside the opening of the cervix is called endocervical curettage (ECC). In this procedure, a curette (a small, spoon-shaped instrument) is used to scrape tissue from the inside of the cervical opening. The doctor may want to check deeper in the tissue for abnormal cells, in which case a method called conization or cone biopsy can be used. In this procedure, a larger, cone-shaped area of tissue is removed, which will reveal whether abnormal cells have invaded tissue beneath the surface of the cervix. A procedure that allows the doctor to check if the affected area is in the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) is “dilation and curettage” (D and C). In this procedure, the doctor stretches the cervical opening and uses a curette to scrape tissue form the lining of the uterus and cervical canal.

These procedures can be performed in a doctor’s office using local or general anesthesia. The doctor will determine which procedure that is necessary, depending on the type and extent of the abnormal lesions. These procedures may cause some bleeding or other discharge, and they may cause some pains that are similar to cramping. Healing usually occurs quickly, and discomfort may be alleviated with medication. If discovered early (through regular pelvic exams and Pap tests), many cervical lesions can be removed during this stage using LEEP or conization procedures. However, more advanced precancerous or cancerous lesions may require treatment for advanced conditions.

Preparing for Treatment

Cervical cancer is first judged in stages to determine the proper treatment. Staging refers to the determination of whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body. This can be done through blood and urine tests, or through pelvic examination with procedures called “cystoscopy” and “proctosigmoidoscopy.” Cystoscopy is a method of inspecting the interior of the bladder with a thin, lighted instrument. Proctosigmoidoscopy similarly uses a lighted instrument to inspect the rectum and lower part of the large intestine. Another method for checking the rectum is a barium enema. Cervical cancer may also spread to the lymph nodes, lungs or kidneys. X-rays, CT or CAT Scans, ultrasonograpy and MRI are all methods that can be used to check these areas. The doctor can determine which is the appropriate method, depending on the extent of the lesion.

A woman may want to get a second or third opinion from different doctors before staring treatment. By having a second or third specialist review the diagnosis and treatment plan, a patient may increase her likelihood of receiving the most appropriate medical treatment for her situation. It may take one to two weeks to get a second or third opinion, but this delay will not decrease the likelihood for successful treatment. A patient may find another doctor by referral from her doctor or through local medical hospital, clinic, or school. The Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER, can also provide additional resource options.

Asking her doctor questions about planned treatment will help a woman to learn about her treatment choices and to take an active role in important decisions. The following are some of the possible questions she might want to ask.

What is the stage (extent) of my disease?
What are my treatment choices? Which do you recommend for me? Why?
What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?
How long will treatment last?
How will various treatments affect my normal activities?
What is each treatment likely to cost?
What is likely to happen without treatment?
How often will I need to have checkups?

Additionally, a patient may want to ask about possible clinical trials and whether they are appropriate for their situation. A clinical trial is a scientific study that tests safety and effectiveness of new medical treatments. The benefit of being in a clinical trial is that a patient has the chance to be the first to receive new, possibly more effective treatment methods while helping contribute to medical science. Some patients who participate in a clinical trial will receive the standard treatment approach, serving as comparison for the new approach. Currently, there are clinical trials being developed for new treatments of cervical cancer, such as new types and schedules of radiation therapy, and new drugs and drug combinations. A resource that will explain possible benefits and risks of clinical trials is the National Cancer Institute booklet called Taking Part in Clinical Trials: What Cancer Patients Need to Know. Additionally, a patient can learn about clinical trials through PDQ, a computerized resource developed by the National Cancer Institute that provides information about cancer treatment and clinical trials.

Treatment

Treatments for cervical lesions -- both precancerous and cancerous -- can be quite different depending on various factors, including the stage or extent of the disease, size of the tumor, age and health of the woman, and the preference of the woman and her doctor. Precancerous lesions that require treatment beyond biopsy may be removed through cryosurgery (freezing), cauterization (burning, also called diathermy), or laser surgery. These treatments will destroy the affected area without harming the surrounding healthy tissue. When abnormal cells are found inside the cervix, the most common treatments are surgery and radiation therapy, and depending on extent of the disease, chemotherapy and biological therapy. Treatments are often combined to increase effectiveness. When a woman does not plan on having children in the future, hysterectomy may be an option for treatment. A hysterectomy is an operation where the uterus, including the cervix and sometimes the ovaries and fallopian tubes, are removed.
Surgery is performed to remove any abnormal tissue from the cervix. In cases where the lesion is only on the surface of the cervix, methods similar to those used on precancerous lesions may be appropriate. Surgery may cause pain and cramping in the lower abdomen, bleeding, or watery discharge. Other possible side effects include difficulties urinating and trouble having normal bowel movements for several days after surgery. The doctor can provide medication to alleviate discomfort.

If cancer has progressed to the uterus, a hysterectomy may be necessary. After a hysterectomy, women cease menstruation, however, their sexual desire and intercourse are not affected. Some women may experience emotional difficulties or feelings of loss after a hysterectomy and they may want to talk to a doctor or nurse to discuss these issues. Another resource the may be helpful is the National Cancer Institute booklet called Taking Time.
The following are some questions a patient may want to ask prior to surgery.

What kind of operation will it be?
How will I feel after the operation?
What kinds of side effects can I expect?
If I have pain, how will you help me?
When can I return to my normal activities?
How will this treatment affect my sex life?

Radiation therapy is a method of treatment that uses radiation (high-energy rays) to kill cancer cells and stop them from growing or spreading. Radiation affects cancer cells only in the treated area, and does not affect the surrounding healthy tissue. There are two types of radiation, external and implant radiation. External radiation is administered by a large machine that emits powerful rays at clusters of cancer cells. Implant radiation involves placing a capsule containing radioactive materials directly next to cancer cells. The two types of radiation can be used separately or together. External radiation is an outpatient process, in which a patient goes to the hospital for treatment 5 days a week, for 5 to 6 weeks. Implant radiation requires that the patient stays in the hospital while the implant is in place. The implant is usually left in place for 1-3 days at a time, being replaced with a new capsule several times over the course of 1-2 weeks. Side effects of external radiation therapy include fatigue, hair loss in the treated area, dry, red, tender, or itchy skin at the treatment site, and possibly permanent darkening (‘bronzing’) of the skin. Internal radiation may cause diarrhea and frequent, uncomfortable urination. Women are advised against having intercourse during radiation therapy, but they can resume sexual activities within a few weeks of completing treatment. After radiation treatment, the vagina sometimes can become narrower and less flexible, causing painful intercourse. The use of water-based lubricants and a dilator can help minimize these problems. Women can consult the National Cancer Institute booklet Radiation Therapy and You for questions regarding radiation therapy.
The following are some questions that a patient may want to ask her doctor before starting radiotherapy treatment.

What is the goal of this treatment?
How will the radiation be given?
How long will treatment last?
How will I feel during therapy?
What can I do to take care of myself during therapy?
Can I continue my normal activities?
How will this treatment affect my sex life?

Chemotherapy is generally used when cervical cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This treatment that kills cancer cells throughout the body with the use of anti-cancer drugs. The drugs may be given orally or via injection. Chemotherapy is given in cycles of treatment followed by recovery and is generally an outpatient procedure. The drugs work by killing cancer cells when they are in the process of division. Cells that divide rapidly, such as cancer cells, are affected most. However, any other cells in the body also divide rapidly are also affected. These cells include blood cells, which fight infection, contain clotting factors, and carry oxygen to various parts of the body. Chemotherapy harms blood cells, causing patients to be more likely to get infections, bruise and bleed more easily, and have less energy. The cells in hair roots and stomach lining are also fast dividing, and thus, chemotherapy patients often loose their hair, and may suffer from nausea, poor appetite, vomiting, or mouth sores.
The following are some questions that a patient may want to ask her doctor before chemotherapy begins

What is the goal of this treatment?
What drugs will I be taking?
Do the drugs have side effects? What can I do about them?
How long will I need to take this treatment?

Immunotherapy uses substances to improve the way the body’s immune system fights disease. Interferon is the most common form of this therapy used to treat cervical cancer. Interferon interferes with division of cancer cells and can slow tumor growth. It can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy to treat cancer that has spread from the cervix to other parts of the body. Patients receiving interferon may experience flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, muscle aches, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other side effects include rash and bleeding or bruising more easily. Symptoms gradually disappear after treatment stops.
*Summarized from the National Cancer Institute’s What You Need to Know About Cancer of the Cervix

Ovarian Cancer

sexinfo — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:50:31 CDT

As with the other cancers discussed, ovarian cancer is named for the organs it originates in. A woman’s ovaries are tiny, oval-shaped organs connected to the uterus via the fallopian tubes. The egg factories of the female body, the two ovaries produce every egg cell or ovum needed for reproduction. Please refer to our section on the female anatomy for detailed definitions and visual references. While the ovaries play a central role in the female reproductive system, they are only the size of an almond. Even though the ovaries are only a tiny part of the female body, the cancer that begins there is the most dangerous of those found in the reproductive tract.

Ovarian Cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women. It is known today as the “silent killer”. Over 25,000 women a year are diagnosed with the disease and 16,000 die annually. Your chances of surviving ovarian cancer increase if it is detected early. At the earliest stages, only 29% are detected. In most cases it isn’t until the cancer has spread to other tissues beyond the ovaries that it is detected. It wasn’t until recently that the doctors found that the early stages of ovarian cancer do in fact have symptoms. Being aware of the symptoms may lead to an earlier detection. The signs of ovarian cancer mimic those of other conditions such as digestive disorders. This is why ovarian cancer is often diagnosed as another condition before it is recognized to be cancer. The key to detection is noticing persistent or worsening signs of relevant symptoms. This holds true because with digestive disorders the signs and symptoms may be here one day and gone the next, occurring in certain situations or after eating particular foods. With ovarian cancer there is typically little fluctuation in the symptoms: they start off hardly noticeable and gradually worsen. Recent studies have shown that women with ovarian cancer are more likely than other healthy women to consistently show the following signs and symptoms.

Abdominal pressure, fullness, swelling, or bloating
Urinary urgency
Pelvic discomfort or pain

Additional signs that women with ovarian cancer may experience include:

Persistent indigestion, gas or nausea
Unexplained changes in bowel habits, diarrhea or constipation
Changes in bladder habits including constant need to urinate
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
Increased abdominal girth
Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
Lower back pain

There is no standardized screening test to detect ovarian cancer. The doctor may give a pelvic exam to check the vagina, uterus, rectum and pelvis, including the ovaries, for masses or growths. These tests are recommended within three years of your first sexual encounter or by the age of 21, which ever comes first. Ultrasound may also be used to diagnose cancer. Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. Pelvic ultrasound provides a safe, non-invasive, way to evaluate the size, shape, and configuration of the ovaries. Other diagnostic tests include the CT (computed tomography) scan of the abdomen and pelvis. This scan shows pelvic masses and can also detect fluid buildup and liver involvement. An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the pelvis is also helpful in describing the nature of any pelvic abnormality, especially how involved a tumor is and its relationship to its surroundings. The main diagnostic tool used today is surgery.

If radiology exams indicate that a woman has localized or early ovarian cancer (meaning it is contained in her pelvic area), the surgeon will probably remove the fallopian tubes, ovaries and the uterus; this is known as a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. This method is the most likely effective in preventing reoccurrence of ovarian cancer. In addition the doctor will take samples from other areas as part of a staging procedure. If a woman strongly desires to remain fertile it may be possible to retain the uterus, the other ovary, the uninvolved fallopian tube. On the other hand, when ovarian cancer is advanced or widespread, more extensive surgery is needed, and a woman would most likely undergo radical debunking. Debulking requires a resection of the uterus, both the ovaries, and fallopian tubes, possibly the rectum, and part of the large colon. Occasionally, segments of the small intestine or the diaphragm have to be removed.

The treatment of ovarian cancer may affect ones sex life. A woman’s vagina can become thin and be prone to irritation due to a lack of estrogen after the ovaries are removed. This can make intercourse semi-uncomfortable due to vaginal dryness. Many women suffer from a loss of sexual interest due to the psychological impact of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, surgical debulking, and the other side effects of chemotherapy, most of all the loss of hair. All of these factors can work together to put a damper on any interest in sex. This does not always have to be the case. With a trusting partner and patience, a woman can rediscover herself as a sexual person.

You may also be interested in checking out this news item entitled Old Idea Fights Ovarian Cancer.

Warning: Graphic Content See Photographs

Menstrual Difficulties.

sexinfo — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 05:41:21 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

Ovarian Cancer.

sexinfo — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 05:39:55 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

Breast Cancer

sexinfo — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 05:36:50 CDT

Women's breasts are composed of fatty tissue and mammary (milk) glands. There are three types of lumps that can occur in the breasts, two of which are benign, or harmless, and do not lead to cancer. These lumps are cysts (fluid-filled sacs) and fibroadenomas (solid tumors). These two types of lumps account for approximately 80% of all breast lumps (Crooks et al. 95). The third type of lump, which accounts for the other 20% of breast lumps, is a malignant tumor. Malignant tumors are made up of cancer cells that grow, divide, and eventually spread to other parts of the body. Approximately 1 in every 9 women (in the United States) will have breast cancer at some time in her life. These statistics seem high, but the survival rate of women who have breast cancer is around 94% if they detect the cancer early and get medical care before the cancer can spread beyond the breast. Readers often want to know about the causes of breast cancer, the methods of screening for breast cancer, ways to diagnose breast cancer and treatments.

Cause: Around 10% of breast cancer cases can be traced to genetic factors (Hyde et al. 92). A woman's risk of breast cancer is increased if she has a mother, sister, or grandmother who has had breast cancer. The two genes found to be linked to breast cancer are BRCA1 on chromosome 17, and BRCA2 on chromosome 13. Mutations on these two genes lead to breast cancer. Smoking has been linked to an increased likelihood of breast cancer in certain women. The remaining 90% of breast cancer cases are probably related to a high fat diet, environmental factors, or viruses. There are several other factors that place a woman at high risk for breast cancer: being over age 50, having never breast fed a child or been pregnant, having early menstrual onset, starting menopause late, having a family history of breast cancer, and being obese (Crooks et al. 97).

Screening for Breast Cancer:
Mammography is the most sophisticated method of screening for breast cancer. A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast, and it may reveal the presence of breast lumps. Women are usually advised by their doctors to get a mammogram at around age 35 and then begin annual mammograms at around age 45 to 50.

Second, breast self-exams (in which a woman feels her own breasts in search for lumps) can be performed at home and it is often quite useful. Although younger women do not need to have regular mammograms, it is important that they are familiar with the feeling of their breasts so they can detect any changes that could be a potential cause for concern. The best time to give yourself a breast self-exam is in the week following your period. During this time your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen and you have the best chances of detecting any abnormalities. This article contains instructions on how to give a breast self-examination towards the end of the text.

Diagnosis: If you detect a lump in your breast, it is important to see a doctor right away so the physician can determine whether or not the lump in cancerous. There are a few possible ways to determine whether or not a lump in cancerous. The first way is by needle aspiration: a needle is inserted into the lump and any fluids are removed. If the lump disappears, it was a cyst and no further tests are necessary. If the lump does not disappear, the next test is a biopsy: a slit is made in the breast, the lump is removed and it is tested to determine if it is malignant. If the tumor is malignant, there are different forms of surgery that may be performed to remove the cancerous cells.

Treatment: Once a person has been diagnosed with breast cancer, there are several different treatment options depending on the size of the lump and whether or not the cancer has spread. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy are all types of treatments that are commonly used for various types of cancer, including breast cancer. Treatments specific to breast cancer are lumpectomy or mastectomy. In a lumpectomy, only the lump is removed, along with a small amount of tissue that surrounds the lump.

There are two different kinds of mastectomies. In a radical mastectomy, the entire breast is removed, along with the underlying muscles and lymph nodes. A disadvantage of this treatment is that movement of the arm may be affected. In a simple mastectomy, the breast tissue, nipple, and a few of the lymph nodes are removed. Mastectomies and lumpectomies are often followed by radiation or chemotherapy treatment to ensure that the cancer has been completely removed and does not return. With early detection and treatment, the survival rate for women with breast cancer is very good.

Many women question their sexuality after a mastectomy because the breasts are considered to be a symbol of womanhood and femininity. Currently, reconstructive surgeries are available that can create a new breast for a woman who has undergone a mastectomy. However, some people question the safety of breast implants following a mastectomy, because in some cases they can make a returning cancer more difficult to detect in mammograms. If you are having trouble adjusting to a mastectomy, talk to your partner about how you feel because chances are you partner is just happy to have you with him or her.. The American Cancer Society offers counseling to women who have undergone a mastectomy to help them cope with the change.

How to give a Breast Self-Examination:
Breast self-examinations should be performed once a month following menstruation. Breasts often change during a woman's menstrual cycle so it is best to perform the exam around the same time every menstrual cycle. You can perform the exam yourself or you can teach your partner how to do it and incorporate it into sexual activity, as long as the partner knows what to look for. Any changes in the shape, coloring, or feel of the breast should be monitored.

The two most common places to perform a breast self-exam are in the shower or lying down on a bed. Many women even keep a waterproof instruction card in their showers to remind them to perform the exam. Using your fingers, gently move your hand over your entire breast, looking for any hard lumps or abnormalities. Use gentle pressure, making circular motions across each section of the breast. You should also look at your breasts in the mirror to check for any noticeable changes in appearance or coloration. Most women’s breasts are not identical to each other, so do not be alarmed if they are not exactly the same size or shape. After examining your breasts in a standing or sitting position, repeat the self-exam while you are lying down on a bed because some lumps are easier to detect in one posture than the other.. Be sure to examine the area between your breast and armpit because lumps can occur here as well. Report any kind of lump, hardening, or discharge from the nipple to your doctor immediately.

More Breast Cancer Information Websites
For frequently asked questions about breast cancer that have been answered by a doctor visit: http://cancer.med.upenn.edu/disease/breast/faq/aol.html

For excellent general information about breast cancer visit: http://cancer.med.upenn.edu/disease/breast

For information provided by the American Cancer Society visit: http://www3.cancer.org/cancerinfo/load_cont.asp?ct=5

For a quiz to estimate your risk of breast cancer visit: http://www.halls.md/breast/risk.html

For information on male breast cancer visit: http://www.interact.withus.com/interact.mbc
Sources Cited
Baur, Karla and Crooks, Robert. Our Sexuality Brooks/Cole Publishing Co. New York, 1999.

DeLamater, John D. and Hyde, Janet S. Understanding Human Sexuality McGraw Hill Publishing Co. Boston, 2000.

Breast Cancer.

sexinfo — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 05:27:56 CDT

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