Good sexual health is important for everyone's general health and wellbeing.
Sexual health is not only about physical wellbeing. It includes the right to healthy and respectful relationships, health services that are inclusive, safe and appropriate, access to accurate information, and freedom from coercion, violence, stigma and discrimination. Sex is a normal, natural part of life, and nothing to be embarrassed about. Talking openly with your sexual partners and your doctor can help you take charge of your sexual health.
Safer sex practices are important for the sexual health of sexually active people of all ages. Condoms and lube can prevent most sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, and some types of hepatitis.
However, as condoms do not protect against all STIs, regular testing for all sexually transmissible infections can help protect your health by finding and treating infections sooner.[1]
Sexual dysfunction (or sexual malfunction or sexual disorder) is difficulty experienced by an individual or a couple during any stage of a normal sexual activity, including physical pleasure, desire, preference, arousal or orgasm. According to the DSM-5, sexual dysfunction requires a person to feel extreme distress and interpersonal strain for a minimum of six months (excluding substance or medication-induced sexual dysfunction). Sexual dysfunctions can have a profound impact on an individual's perceived quality of sexual life. The term sexual disorder may not only refer to physical sexual dysfunction, but to paraphilias as well; this is sometimes termed disorder of sexual preference.
A thorough sexual history and assessment of general health and other sexual problems (if any) are very important. Assessing performance anxiety, guilt, stress and worry are integral to the optimal management of sexual dysfunction. Many of the sexual dysfunctions that are defined are based on the human sexual response cycle, proposed by William H. Masters and Virginia E. Johnson, and then modified by Helen Singer Kaplan.
Sexual dysfunction disorders may be classified into four categories: sexual desire disorders, arousal disorders, orgasm disorders and pain disorders.[2]
Causes
There are many factors which may result in a person experiencing a sexual dysfunction. These may result from emotional or physical causes.
Sexual dysfunction may arise from emotional factors, including interpersonal or psychological problems. Interpersonal problems may arise from marital or relationship problems, or from a lack of trust and open communication between partners, and psychological problems may be the result of depression, sexual fears or guilt, past sexual trauma, sexual disorders, among others. Sexual dysfunction is especially common among people who have anxiety disorders. Ordinary anxiousness can obviously cause erectile dysfunction in men without psychiatric problems, but clinically diagnosable disorders such as panic disorder commonly cause avoidance of intercourse and premature ejaculation. Pain during intercourse is often a comorbidity of anxiety disorders among women.
Sexual activity may also be impacted by physical factors. These would include the use of drugs, such as alcohol, nicotine, narcotics, stimulants, antihypertensives, antihistamines, and some psychotherapeutic drugs. For women, almost any physiological change that affects the reproductive system—premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause—can have an adverse effect on libido. Injuries to the back may also impact sexual activity, as would problems with an enlarged prostate gland, problems with blood supply, nerve damage (as in spinal cord injuries). Disease, such as diabetic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, tumours, and, rarely, tertiary syphilis may also impact on the activity, as would failure of various organ systems (such as the heart and lungs), endocrine disorders (thyroid, pituitary, or adrenal gland problems), hormonal deficiencies (low testosterone, estrogen, or androgens), and some birth defects.
Symptoms
Psychological sexual disorders
The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists the following psychological sexual disorders:
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (see also asexuality, which is not classified as a disorder)
Bestiality
Sexual aversion disorder (avoidance of or lack of desire for sexual intercourse)
Female sexual arousal disorder (failure of normal lubricating arousal response)
Male erectile disorder
Female orgasmic disorder (see Anorgasmia)
Male orgasmic disorder (see Anorgasmia)
Premature ejaculation
Dyspareunia
Vaginismus
Paraphilias
PTSD due to genital mutilation or childhood sexual abuse
Anhedonia
Gender identity disorder
Dysphoria
Premenstrual syndrome
Other sexual problems
Sexual dissatisfaction (non-specific)
Lack of sexual desire
Anorgasmia
Impotence
Sexually transmitted diseases
Delay or absence of ejaculation, despite adequate stimulation
Inability to control the timing of ejaculation
Inability to relax vaginal muscles enough to allow intercourse
Inadequate vaginal lubrication preceding and during intercourse
Burning pain on the vulva or in the vagina with contact to those areas
Unhappiness or confusion related to sexual orientation
Transsexual and transgender people may have sexual problems (before or after surgery), though actually being transgendered or transsexual is not a sexual problem in itself.[citation needed]
Persistent sexual arousal syndrome
Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual addiction
Hypersexuality &
All forms of Female genital cutting
We use various naturopathic principles to treat the cause and look for the disharmony in your body and mind to bring your body back to balance. Please see below a brief treatment (Rx) protocol and reference guide, with choices to help improve your health and wellbeing. Click on the headings and links within for more treatment information.
Prescribing a homeopathic, herbal, nutritional remedy for your low libido, erectile dysfunction or any sexual health conditions by your health professional (naturopath, herbalist, homoeopath) requires dedicated time.
ADOPT A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND:
COMMUNICATION: Talk openly with your partner about your sexual dysfunction. You may want to consider consulting with professional Sex Therapist, Hypnotherapist or taking a tantric massage course or any activity that encourages dialogue and communication to allow you to feel beautiful in with your body, and relationship with your partner.
EXERCISE: Daily exercise is helpful to increase sexual drive. Exercise improves circulation. Weight-bearing exercises and increases muscle may increase testosterone levels and muscle tone for a healthy, sexy, fit body.
Try to keep your body free from obesity: Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, lowering testosterone and increase chances of erectile dysfunction. Diabetes affects the nerves and blood vessels. Lose weight and aim for your healthy BMI.
NUTRITIONAL DIET: Take a balanced diet filled with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. AVOID processed foods, any white death products ‘sugar, flour', stimulants ‘coffee, alcohol'!!!
RAW FOOD DIET: Mix things up and try to include more raw foods into your diet and or for a change try a raw food diet or just once a week to see how you feel. Variety is the spice of life! Raw foods increase virility and are full of natures vitality and lifeforce. Eat a wide variety – fruits, vegetables, sprouts, vegetables, seeds and nuts including fermented food such as Kefir and yoghurt.
VEGETABLE JUICE: add one to your day!
ZINC: This mineral is important for hormonal health in both women and men. Zinc is an important constituent of semen. 2.5 mg of zinc is lost per ejaculation. Foods high in Zinc, eg. oysters. half a dozen contain 85 mg zinc.
VITAMIN E: improves circulation.
RELAXATION: Learn to relax and de-stress by meditating.
MASSAGE: is recommended to increase blood flow, endorphins, closeness, intimacy and sexual expression.
RECREATIONAL DRUGS: Stop smoking: Nicotine decreases blood flow to the peripheral blood vessels, including the penis & vulva.Alcohol has bad effects on sexual function and desire
Try to reduce the drinking of alcohol
Avoid illegal and powerful sexual drugs
NATURAL APHRODISIACS
Feeling sexy and sensual is part of the overall human experience, and contributes to feeling attractive, healthy and confident.
Throughout history, certain natural remedies (herbs) and foods have been used because of their healing substances that produce an aphrodisiac reaction. The name Aphrodisiac (from the goddess Aphrodite) is a substance from food or drink that increases sexual desire. They may increase blood flow, positive effect on neurotransmitters and reduce stress – all of these effects can improve libido.
HERBAL APHRODISIACS: Damania, Horney Goat Weed, Panax Ginseng, Saw Palmetto, Shatavari & Tribulus are a few of the herbal medicines that may be prescribed by a herbalist to help improve sexual dysfunction. An important herb for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is Ginkgo Biloba because of its microcirculation action. It's not the size of the organ but the size of the blood vessels therein! This is also a safe remedy for both men and women that may be on antidepressant medication but you always need to check with your health professional before requesting a prescription.
If you wish to discuss any specific concerns please book a consultation.
If you are experiencing these conditions, I can guide you into wellness – BOOK NOW for a Naturopathic Consultation.
Tissue Salt Rx
Indications
Impotency, general debility prematurely old, increase sexual power. Impotency due to organic or psychic cause nocturnal emissions, spermatorrhoea or ill effects after masturbation.
Calc Fluor:
General growth.
Ferr Phos:
Libido – lack of enjoyment. Blood tonic, increase orgasm.
Kali Phos:
Libido – associated with nervousness or tension. Reduces anxiety and nervousness.
Nat Mur:
Libido – associated with grief, loneliness, lack of enjoyment. Vaginal dryness. Ill effects after masturbation.
Nat Phos:
Reduces acidity of the discharges and increases fertility.
Homoeopathy Rx
Indication
Below is a quick reference guide for low potency (1x – 30C) homoeopathic remedies safe for home prescribing. Make an appointment for a professional consultation and prescription for more information.
Agnus castus:
This remedy may be helpful if problems with impotence develop after a man has led a life of intense and frequent sexual activity for many years. A cold sensation felt in the genitals is a strong indication for Agnus castus. People who need this remedy are often very anxious about their health and loss of abilities and may have problems with memory and concentration.
Argentum nitricum:
This remedy may be helpful if a man's erection fails when sexual intercourse is attempted, especially if thinking about the problem makes it worse. People who need this remedy are often nervous and imaginative. A person who needs Argentum nitricum is usually warm-blooded, with cravings for both sweets and salt.
Caladium:
This remedy may be helpful to a man whose genitals are completely limp, despite having sexual interest. Nocturnal emissions can occur without an erection, even if dreams are not sex-related. A person who needs this remedy often craves tobacco.
Carcinosin:
Low libido. Perfectionist, unusually tidy, high expectations of themselves and others, ovarian cysts.
Causticum:
This remedy may be indicated if physical pleasure during sex has diminished and sexual urges are reduced. The person feels tired and weak and may experience memory loss, with a compulsive need to check things (to see that doors are locked, etc.) Prostate problems may be associated with impotence, and urine may be lost when the person coughs or sneezes.
Conium:
Low libido. Hormonal problems including breast lumps, cervix problems, and bad effects from lack of sexual activity.
Lycopodium:
Commonly called club moss is a wonderful homeopathic remedy.
People who need this remedy may have problems with erections because of worry, and can also be troubled by memory loss. They often lack self-confidence (though some may overcompensate by acting egoistically). People who need this remedy often have digestive problems with gas and bloating, and an energy slump in the late afternoon and evening.
Phosphorus:
Low libido. Oversensitive; fears of the dark. Oversensitive to sexual contact. Very social people.
Pulsatilla:
Low libido. Normally sexually active is because of fear of disappointing their partner. Weepy and unable to make decisions. Sexual activity turns to irritability and lack of enjoyment.
Selenium metallicum:
Selenium is a nutrient needed by humans in micro amounts. It is widely distributed in nature. Brazilian nuts, sea-foods, yeast, whole grains are all excellent sources of selenium. A homeopathic remedy is highly potent and has a wide curative spectrum for disorders like impotency, chronic fatigue syndrome, sterility, depression etc.
This remedy is often helpful to men who have diminished sexual ability, especially if the problem starts after a fever or exhausting illness. The person feels weak and exhausted, but interest is usually still present. Erection is slow, insufficient, weak and has involuntary seminal emissions. Unusual hair-loss (body hair or eyebrows) can also suggest a need for Selenium.
Sepia:
Low libido. Frigidity remedy from childbirth or chemical birth control. The woman says, “don’t touch me! No sex!” also is exhausted and wants to be by herself.
Staphysagria:
Low libido. Low sex drive comes from extreme frustration and past sexual abuse experiences. Often identified by frequent urinary tract infections and made worse from intercourse.
Staphysagria is a homeopathic remedy made from the seeds of the Delphinium Staphisagria, which has lovely purple-blue flowers, and in its raw form is highly poisonous, historically used to kill vermin. The homeopathic remedy, through its preparation, is no longer toxic yet remains extremely powerful.
Staphyagria is often an indicated remedy when there is a history of abuse. This can either be the physical, sexual or emotional misuse of power and the sufferer generally does not have the ability to fight back for whatever reason.
Gentle-natured, quiet men with deep emotions may respond to this remedy. Problems with impotence often occur from embarrassment or shyness. People who need this remedy often have a history of emotional suppression and very sensitive feelings.
Nutritional Medicine Rx
Use Food as Medicine! Nourish your body and mind with fresh seasonal, whole foods. Clean unprocessed & unadulterated foods like nature intended. Support a back to the basic natural approach to eating. Visit your local farmer markets and buy organic produce where possible. Go vegetable crazy! Love your greens.
Food Sensitivity Testing is an easy way to take the guess work out of what may be contributing to you feeling unwell, suffering digestive problems, inflammation, bloating, skin conditions, asthma etc. A whole food natural diet is excellent to follow but what some people don’t realise is one man's food can be another man’s poison. Give your digestive tract a break and feed your body with food that heals. A stressed and inflamed digestive tract (gut) suffering dysbiosis needs help to build up a good microbiome balance. It is not only important for your ability to absorb and utilise nutrients but your gut health and immune system are inextricably linked. Seventy to eighty percent of your immune tissue is located within your digestive system and ninety percent of serotonin is made in the digestive tract. Serotonin is a key player in mood, anxiety, fear, and the general sense of happiness and wellbeing.
The intestinal microbiota (gut flora) helps in proper development of the host immune system, which in turn regulates the homeostasis of the microbiota. Good nutrition promoting good gut health microbiome promotes a healthy immune system.
The gastrointestinal tract is also sensitive to emotion. A troubled intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut. Therefore, a person's stomach or intestinal distress can be the cause or the product of anxiety, stress, or depression.
Don’t diet! Listen to your body. Eat mindfully in a relaxed environment and choose quality, not quantity. Enjoy fuelling your body and treating it well.
Flower Essence Rx
- Bach Flower Essences
- Australian Flower Essences
- Futurplex
Lifestyle Medicine Rx
Exercise and Fitness Management:
Select an exercise activity or sport you enjoy. Choose something that works for you and aim for the 80/20 % approach and always listen to your body.- Walking is a wonderful activity for all ages, shapes and sizes.
- Build up slowly but aim for 10,000 steps a day.
- I recommend investing in a motivational health monitor like ‘Fitbit’ and or an app like ‘MyFitnessPal’ to motivate you to have a go and strive to improve your fitness and maintain a healthy weight.
Hydration:
Aim for 2 – 4 litres of clean, filtered water a day. One of the easiest ways to improve your health is to stay hydrated as your body is made up of 60% water and it needed by every cell of the body. Sugar, Salt and Coffee is dehydrating for the body. Often if you feel thirsty this is an early sign of dehydration. Make it a habit and drink throughout the day. Benefits include:- Natural Detox – a naturally hydrated body purges the cells, eliminating stored toxins and bodily wastes.
- Digestion and Elimination – eliminates constipation, boating and helps improve general digestive disorders.
- Speeds Metabolism and helps with weight loss.
- Combats Fatigue – water is an important source of energy for your body.
- Reduces High Blood Pressure and Lowers Cholesterol.
- Speeds up Joint and Cartilage repair.
- Skin Health – improves Acne, Dermatitis, Eczema, Psoriasis and Premature Skin Ageing.
- Slows the Ageing Process.
Sleep Hygiene:
- Aim for 7 – 8 hours quality sleep.
- Turn off all electronic devices and avoid technology and hour before bed as this allows your brain to switch off and make it easier to fall asleep.
- Keep your bedroom just for sleeping & loving. Fresh Air – open a window. Light can make or break a good sleep cycle. Darken your room as much as possible.
- Don’t eat late in the night. Avoid caffeine and stimulants.
- Set your alarm to get to bed and wake at the same time every day.
- Night Cap: – Drink a warm lemon drink, herbal green tea or Golden Milk (Almond & Coconut Milk with beneficial spices) – “Turmeric Latte”, before bed.
- Create a nice environment with indoor plants, aromatherapy diffuser, soft relaxing music and anything that helps you promote a routine to wind yourself down to get much-needed sleep.
Fun:
Life is about balance and taking time out to play and enjoy activities you like with friends and family as it has a huge benefit on your health. Laughter is the best Medicine. Having fun and enjoying activities that you like has the benefit of reducing stress and lowering the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone” and spikes to unhealthy levels when you are continually stressed with one of the side effects being weight gain. Having fun increases serotonin, which is the hormone that regulates sleep patterns, body temperature, memory and mood. When you do activities you enjoy, that help you to relax and connect with people the body will naturally increase serotonin levels. Research has proven that making time to relax, engaging in activities you enjoy, spending time with people that make you happy improves positive emotional, mental health and overall wellbeing.Conditions We Treat
- Abscess
- Aching Feet & Legs
- Acidity & Heartburn
- Anaemia
- Anxiety
- Appendicitis
- Asthma
- Backache
- Birth – Labour
- Bites & Stings
- Boils
- Brittle Nails
- Bronchitis
- Burns
- Catarrhal – Mucous Inflammation
- Chicken Pox – Varicella
- Chilblains
- Circulation – Varicose Veins
- Cold
- Cold Sores – Herpes Labialis
- Conjunctivitis
- Colitis
- Constipation
- Cough
- Cramp – Muscle
- Croup
- Diabetes
- Diarrhoea
- Digestive Disorders
- Dysentery
- Ear-Glue Ear
- Ear – Middle Ear Infection
- Ear Infection – Chronic
- Eczema
- Eyes – Stye
- Eyes – Blocked Tear Duct
- Eye Strain – Poor Vision
- Feet
- Fever
- Fits – Epileptic Seizure
- Fractures
- Glands Swollen
- Growing Pains
- Hair Health
- Hay Fever
- Headache
- Head Injury
- Heartburn & Acidity
- Hepatitis
- Hernia
- Hives – Urticaria
- Hydrocele – Swollen Testicle
- Immune Booster
- Indigestion
- Infants Teething Pain
- Infection
- Influenza
- Jaundice
- Legs – Circulation
- Leucorrhoea
- Measles
- Menstrual Pain – Dysmenorrhea
- Menstruation – General Health
- Mouth Ulcers
- Mumps
- Muscular Pain
- Nails – Health
- Nappy Rash – Diaper Dermatitis
- Nasal Congestion
- Nervous Debility
- Nosebleed – Epistaxis
- Pain
- Peripheral Circulation
- Piles – Haemorrhoids
- Pimples
- Pneumonia – Lung Infection
- Pyorrhea – Periodontal Disease
- Pregnancy Health
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatic Fever
- Rheumatic Pain
- Rheumatism & Gout
- Ringworm – Tinea
- Rubella – German Measles
- Scabies
- Scarlet Fever
- Sciatica
- Skin Health
- Sinusitis
- Sleep – Insomnia
- Sleep – Nightmares
- Sprains – Muscular
- Stomach Upsets
- Strains
- Sexual Health & Performance
- Stress – Emotional Health
- Stretch Marks – Striae
- Teenage Health – Puberty & Pimples
- Teeth – Teething (Babies)
- Teeth – Toothache
- Thrush – Candida Albicans
- Thyroid Health & Disorders
- Tonsils – Enlarged
- Travel Sickness
- Urinary Tract Infection – Uti – Cystitis
- Warts – Human Papillomavirus
- Whooping Cough – Pertussis
- Worms – Parasites
- Wounds – Healing
