The Physiology of Sexuality

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Dr. Kathy Maupin and Brett Newcomb discuss questions raised by their patients regarding sexuality and aging.

In this week’s podcast, we revisit some of the questions we were asked in our recent live webinar on sexuality. We also discuss the differences in our fields of work as we try to help those who have sexual difficulties that impact their relationships and their lives.

Brett says that when people come in for counseling regarding their sex lives, they are reluctant to be mechanically specific in the things they share. This is not my experience as a physician. Generally when people come in to speak with me about sexual issues, they are very specific and precise and mechanically-oriented. This is one of the reasons that Brett and I make such a balanced team. We put our knowledge together to help the patients we see with physiological and psychological information. The things we know in tandem are often helpful to our patients as they struggle to improve or maintain their relationships and as they work to get the most out of their sexual experiences.

Confidentiality is an important ethical concern for both of us. As you listen to the podcast, you will hear us speak of examples that patients have brought to us, but you will not hear any information that would enable you to know about whom we are speaking. If we did not maintain your confidentiality and respect your privacy, you would not be able to trust us. We want people to be as comfortable as possible talking to us about these very intimate and private things, and we pledge to always protect your privacy.

Part of the concern that people have when they begin to consider hormone replacement in their life is that they have often begun to suffer some loss in terms of libido and desire as well as the ability to perform sexual acts. They are worried that these changes will negatively impact their relationships and that their loss of performance capacity would hurt their self-esteem and self-confidence. When I am able to reassure them that by replacing their hormones—particularly testosterone—to a younger and healthier level, their libido is restored as well. This is exciting news. It is certainly not the only reason that people consider hormone replacement, but it is one of the reasons that makes people the happiest and that helps the structure of their intimate relationships remain so solidly in place.

Further in the podcast, we talk about questions such as, “What is normal?”  “What is the time lag for repetition and recovery?” “What can you tell me about the way women have orgasms?” and, “What is a healthy expectation for orgasmic function?”

If you have questions about the aging process and its impact on your libido, questions about the specifics of sexual performance and behavior, and/or concerns about your own body’s aging process, then listen to this podcast. Also you might find it beneficial to go back and listen to the webinar. It is available on my website: drkathymaupin.com.

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