ARTICLES ON sexual-health

Depression can affect all aspects of life including sexual health. Both men and women can experience sexual difficulties when they go through depression. Depression causes low mood, a general disinterest, and a feeling of anhedonia—an inability to enjoy things. These low feelings also lead to an inability in being aroused, maintain arousal (erection), and inability in achieving orgasm.  We reached out to Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai, to elaborate on how depression can affect sexual health. Read on. Negative Emotions Affect Libido Depression can cause low self-esteem and diffidence, leading to difficulties in expressing thoughts related to physical troubles and mental issues. It can cause one to distance themself from their partner, and the relationship difficulties could end in sexual problems.  Negative emotions make it difficult to focus on physiological needs and can lead to decreased libido. Some partners may misinterpret the situation, making way for further distancing. Anxiety-related to sex can also develop further problems. Being tired easily could be a prominent feature of depression. This low energy level can cause low libido and erection difficulties as well. Women can have problems with lubrication and achieving orgasm. Being forced upon can lead to further stress and more anxiety. Depression and Other Health Conditions Can Co-exist Sometimes depression can coexist with other physical conditions that can cause sexual difficulties. Hypothyroidism and low testosterone are some of these conditions and they should be screened. Sometimes medications can also have adverse effects on sexual health. Some antihypertensives and antidepressants are known to have sexual side effects. These issues can be discussed with the healthcare provider. Sexual Health Problems Can Be Cured It is important to make sure that the partner understands depression and can be non-judgmental about it. A problem-solving attitude can help reduce the burden on the depressed patient. Sexual issues related to depression are not permanent; they can be treated with the right approach.  When depression is treated, sexual problems arising due to it also heal, so the concept that sexual problems stay for life or can’t be treated is not true at all. Some antidepressants can worsen sexual problems but if discussed beforehand, the treating psychiatrist can start medication that does not affect one’s sexual life.  Handle with Care and Empathy Sexual problems due to depression need to be dealt with care and empathy. Emotional support and empathy are key roles and can help strengthen the relationship. Sexual health is often kept to last and not really thought about. Frustration stemming from sexual problems can worsen depression and lead to further problems.  It is important to discuss all aspects of life during depression and talk about it without feeling uncomfortable. Education and self-awareness can help in improving sexual health and quality of life for someone diagnosed with depression. Dr Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Source: https://www.idiva.com/health-wellness/mental-health/depression-and-its-effect-on-sexual-health/18031650

Having a sexual drought is not too great, when it comes to your physical and mental well-being. Here’s why. Can lack of sex make people die? Well, absolutely not. It’s just way too bizarre to happen. But we can’t deny the other repercussions, especially when it comes to physical and mental well-being. We all are well aware of the fact that sex gives us pleasure. And when our body receives pleasure, it releases happy hormones like dopamine that relaxes our mind. It has a soothing effect that not just relieves physical pain, but also helps in lowering stress and anxiety.  It’s not wrong to say that consensual sex is therapeutic in nature. On the contrary, if you perform sexual abstinence, where you restrict your body from sexual acts or lose your sex drive, then it can have negative connotations.   It’s not just about physical needs, it’s also about emotional well-being To know how lack of sex can impact your health, we got in touch with Dr Sonal Anand, a well-known psychiatrist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai. Here’s what she has to say, “Sex has its own science when it comes to well-being.” Here’s how no sex can impact your health: 1. You’ll be stressed more often According to Dr Anand, sexual activity is a big stressbuster. That’s because of the release of endorphins – the feel-good neurotransmitters – and certain other hormones, like dopamine and serotonin. The hormones released during sexual activity play an important role in lifting your mood, and making you happy. “Oxytocin released during an orgasm is known to have positive effects on emotional health and your relationship bond. This is the reason that leads to distance, and tiffs between couples. The hormones that are released to make relationships stronger are no longer released by your body, making your life stressful and mentally exhausting”, she explains. 2. Your immunity can also go for a toss Yes, it is true. Having no sex can also impact the immunity levels of your body. According to the researchers at Wilkes-Barre University in Pennsylvania and Dr. Anand, when you have sex then there is a sudden surge of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in your body. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) helps to fight viruses. “When you stop having sex, there is almost negligible release of immunoglobulin A and due to that you fall prey to diseases like flu, cough, seasonal fever, etc.”, she explains. 3. No sex can lead to low-self esteem “Lack of sex can create feelings of negativity and low self-esteem in either partner. A feeling of being wanted, which is brought about by sex goes missing and can create a negative self-image, as opposed to good physical intimacy that builds confidence and well-being”, says Dr Anand. She adds, “On an individual level as well, endorphins released during sex and dopaminergic release of the reward circuit of the brain are known to boost the mood, almost like rebooting a system.” 4. Not having sex can also change your sexual response It is been seen that when people tend to avoid having sex due to any reason, then automatically their sex drive shifts to a lower degree. They don’t feel an orgasm, or no urge for sex – no action, no reaction. 5. Your creativity gets a hit When you have sex or when you orgasm, the neurotransmitters light up your entire brain, enhancing its overall functioning. And that improves your focus, creativity, and productivity. In some cases, it helps to boost your memory too! Not having sex can keep you away from these awesome benefits. And FYI, masturbation can also be of great help here!  So ladies, skipping sex is not the best idea, because it will do you more harm than good! Source: https://www.healthshots.com/intimate-health/sexual-health/heres-what-happens-to-your-mental-and-physical-health-when-you-stop-having-sex/