For Sexual Satisfaction, Psychology Beats Hormones
Posted September 10, 2008 8:23 AM
Sexual satisfaction involves more than sex hormones -- what happens in the brain may be more important, U.S. researchers found.
Howard P. Greenwald of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and Ruth McCorkle of Yale University in New Haven, Conn., said surgical intervention for cervical cancer often involves removing the ovaries, which reduces or eliminates circulating testosterone -- a hormone that is a factor in both male and female sexual behavior.
"Our findings, which demonstrate the existence of widespread interest and satisfaction with sex in the absence of a crucial hormone underscore the importance of non-hormonal components of sexual interest and satisfaction," Greenwald said in a statement. "That may mean the key to sexual satisfaction is less about biology and more about psychology."
Following cervical cancer treatment, women often struggle with sex and identity, Greenwald said.
However, most studies tracked patients no more than five years after diagnosis but this study, published in the Journal of Women's Health, found that after six years most women's sexual desire and enjoyment rebounds.
The researchers interviewed women six to 28 years after initial diagnosis of cervical cancer and found more than 80 percent reported being sexually active and 91 percent indicated they enjoyed sexual activity at least some of the time.
Source: YellowBrix, United Press International
Comments
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Posted July 9, 2008 6:56 PM
This is so true. Your mind is your biggest and strongest sex organ, but only if you USE it to enhance your experience. This can take practice, but the practice can be really fun!
Getting over the blame, shame and subsequent lack of energy to do anything about it is the key. Let's face it, we're not getting any younger, so why not go for it.
-Set aside quality time with your lover. Put it on the calendar if you have to, but do it.
-Get creative, even if you think you're being silly or a bit edgy. Variety and novelty are the source of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is one of the main players in the 'Desire/Reward' cycle that, whether you like it or not, drives most of our behaviors in life. Try new positions, have sex in a new place, try some Tantric techniques, learn a new sexual or sensual skill once a month and introduce it to your lover - there are many, many things to do with your brain to enhance your bodies ecstasy.
-Learn to deep breathe into your belly.
-Learn to relax fully and take in your senses (this is a hard one - no pun intended - for many people).
-Lights on, eyes open, hands touching with consciousness. These things can be harder than you might realize!
-Fully embrace the fact that pleasure and ecstasy are your birthright.
-Learn simple communication techniques to facilitate your new connections.
Suzie Heumann
ThirdAge Expert
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