Four in 10 American women experience some sort of sexual dissatisfaction, reports Newsweek. And that number will only grow as baby boomers grow older.
The success of the male performance-enhancing drug, Viagra, spawned prime-time news coverage and public awareness about male impotence. With that, scientists and doctors turned their attention to women to see if the same wonder drug could improve desire, arousal, pain and orgasms for females.
Although only a few studies have been done to date, the results are less than euphoric for women. According to a study published by Newsweek, Viagra was no more effective than placebo pills, but while Viagra may not be the bedroom kick-start that women hoped for, researchers haven't given up hope. And many physicians are looking at both physical and psychological aspects of female sexuality.
"It's not something that people are ready to talk about," says Dr. Jerome Weiss, urologist and founder and director of Pacific Center for Pelvic Pain and Dysfunction. "In fact, surveys show that many women still don't bring it up in doctor's offices."
Although women still blush when discussing sexual pain and problems, many doctors are proactively trying to solve pelvic dysfunction. After years of helping women with pelvic pain, Weiss seems to have found a combination of treatments that help. His treatments include:
- Pelvic floor physical therapy: Massage and stretching release pressure points and muscle spasms in and around the pelvic cavity.
- Biofeedback: An internal wand sends electrical currents into the vaginal area to increase muscle strength and control.
- Home exercises: Activities such as relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, stretching and posture and Kegel exercises help strengthen and relieve pelvic pain.
- Psychological help: Counseling on sexual problems and general life counseling help reduce stress and address issues surrounding depression and low self-esteem.
- Medication: Chronic-pain drugs may be prescribed in some cases.
- Alternative techniques: Acupuncture, yoga and herbal remedies may be used in combination with other practices.
