Dr. Jaskirat Kaur

Depression and some antidepressants curb sexual drive. This has a negative effect on the depression as sex releases'happy hormones. Thus, depression and your sex life share a cyclic relationship. The effect of depression on your sex life is a result of both brain functioning and physical changes in the body.

Here are a few things you can work on if stress or depression is ruining your sex life:

Break the pattern: depression often makes a person withdraw from others and cease to enjoy any experience. This becomes a thought pattern that cannot be cured with medication. Talking to a counselor can help unlearn these thought patterns and help people form new social bonds. As part of the treatment, the patient will need to find and explore new ways of enjoying sex that can strengthen strained relationships. Talk to your partner.

Having an open conversation with your partner: it is the key to improving relationships and one's sex life. Talk about your sexual needs and help your partner understand your mental barriers to sex. Find forms of foreplay that appeal to both of you. It is also important for you and your partner to understand that there is no'standard' to how often you should have sex or how you should feel after it.Try to stay away from performance anxiety: don't let performance anxiety take a toll on your sex life. Studies show that being conscious about their performance in bed leads men to lose their erection, which takes all the pleasure away from intimate moments. Instead of being stressed about your sexual performance, focus on your partner's needs and attend to them for a more pleasurable sex life.

Don't make it seem necessary to have sex even if your partner is tired: if you find that stress due to problems at workplace or financial issues is affecting your partner considerably, then respect his/her decision of saying no to sex. Don't pressurise your partner to get intimate just because you want it. Your patience and understanding nature will increase your partner's admiration towards you, in turn leading to a more passionate and happier sex life.

Menopause automatically brings about a dip in testosterone and estrogen levels in a woman’s body. It leads to certain changes in the body and also reduces libido. A drop in libido means that sexual arousal becomes a cause of concern. This can bring in certain problems in your sexual/conjugal life. Lower estrogen levels reduce supply of blood to the vagina, thus resulting in lubrication problems. A dry vagina during sexual intercourse can lead you to experience pain during sex.

There are some other factors that can affect a woman’s libido after menopause:
1. Problems in sleep
2. Anxiety and depression
3. Problems of the bladder
4. Certain medications
5. High stress levels

To remedy lubrication problems, use water soluble lubricants to lubricate your vagina. Avoid using non-water soluble products such as petroleum jelly as it can weaken the latex. Non water soluble lubricants are also known to aggravate bacterial vaginosis. You may also use vaginal moisturizers to address the issue. There are oral medications that are available, which cause the tissues of the vagina to thicken, thus causing less pain during sex.

Improving your libido
You can opt for estrogen therapy to reduce pain during sex as this therapy helps in vaginal lubrication. The main objective of estrogen therapy (Hormone Replacement Therapy) is to ease the discomforts associated with a deficiency of estrogen secretion in the body. You should consult a professional who will be able to guide and counsel you.

Certain other measures to rev up your libido have been listed below:

Indulge in foreplay: Try and include activities such as oral sex and erotic massages in your agenda. Experimentation with foreplay can help spice things up between you and your partner.
Try out new things: Change your sex poses, read erotic books or watch erotic videos as these may help in boosting your libido.
Bear in mind that menopause does not prevent STDs; you still need to take proper precautions before engaging in sexual intercourse. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult our Experts

PCOS, also known as the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a condition that affects women of reproductive age (usually between 12-45 years). True to its name, PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterized by the formation of cysts in the ovary (one or both the ovaries). Androgen, the male sex hormone is produced in small amounts by the ovary. In PCOS, there is an increased production of androgens. The levels of estrogen and progesterone (female sex hormones) also undergo alteration. All these hormonal imbalance affects the functioning of the ovary as well as the ovulation process (the eggs either don't mature or are not released from the ovary).

PCOS and Hair Loss
In the case of PCOS, in addition to the menstrual and fertility problem, many females also suffer from severe hair loss.

There are three phases in a hair growth cycle-

Anagen, a phase where active hair growth takes place.
Catagen, a phase indicative of the transitional growth of hair.
Telogen or the resting phase characterized by shedding of hair.
In PCOS, there is an increased production of androgen or testosterone. The testosterone then gets converted to another hormone called the Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The DHT thus formed binds itself to the hair follicles. As a result of this, the hair follicles abruptly enters into the resting phase, characterized by hair loss. The DHT when it binds to the hair follicles is also known to affect the ability of the hair follicles to absorb the essential nutrients.The PCOS left untreated, this process gets repeated in each hair growth cycle with increased hair loss and hair thinning. The hair regrowth and regeneration also slows down, a condition termed as Androgenic Alopecia.

The PCOS also triggers an insulin resistance. As per a study by the University of Oulu in Finland, incidences of alopecia is higher in women with insulin resistance, resulting in hair loss.

Dietary Recommendation To Deal With PCOS-related Hair Loss
In PCOS, the DHT hormone binds to the hair follicle resulting in the hair loss. In addition to the medications and maintaining a healthy body weight, a proper diet can go a long way to reverse the damage, thereby controlling the hair loss. However, one needs to have patience as you cannot expect the diet to produce miraculous results within a day.

Enrich your diet with green leafy vegetables. High fiber vegetables can help to deal with insulin resistance to a great extent.
Lean proteins such as tofu, chicken, are healthy options.
Foods with low glycemic index (such as non-starchy vegetables, quite a few fruits, lentils, peas, legumes, barley, to name a few) work wonders in the case of PCOS and the associated symptoms. It also helps to deal with insulin resistance and high glucose levels, one of the factors responsible for hair loss.
The unhealthy foods options that should be avoided at all cost, include highly processed foods such as pastries, white bread, sugar, white potatoes.
Avoid foods rich in simple sugars or those with a high glycemic value.

PCOS, also known as the polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition that affects women of reproductive age (usually between 12-45 years). True to its name, PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterized by the formation of cysts in the ovary (one or both the ovaries). Androgen, the male sex hormone is produced in small amounts by the ovary. In PCOS, there is an increased production of androgens. The levels of estrogen and progesterone (female sex hormones) also undergo alteration. All these hormonal imbalance affects the functioning of the ovary as well as the ovulation process (the eggs either don't mature or are not released from the ovary).

PCOS and hair loss:
In the case of PCOS, in addition to the menstrual and fertility problem, many females also suffer from severe hair loss.

There are three phases in a hair growth cycle-

• Anagen, a phase where active hair growth takes place.
• Catagen, a phase indicative of the transitional growth of hair.
• Telogen or the resting phase characterized by shedding of hair.

In PCOS, there is an increased production of androgen or testosterone. The testosterone then gets converted to another hormone called the dihydrotestosterone (dht). The dht thus formed binds itself to the hair follicles. As a result of this, the hair follicles abruptly enters into the resting phase, characterized by hair loss. The dht when it binds to the hair follicles is also known to affect the ability of the hair follicles to absorb the essential nutrients. The pcos left untreated, this process gets repeated in each hair growth cycle with increased hair loss and hair thinning. The hair regrowth and regeneration also slows down, a condition termed as androgenic alopecia.

Vaginal discharge is a normal physiological phenomenon, in which the consistency of vaginal discharge varies throughout the cycle. Healthy vaginal discharge is clear or white in colour, with normal and non-offensive odour. Sometimes right before menstruation, your vaginal discharge may hold a brownish tinge.

The consistency of the discharge varies mostly on the hormonal changes in the body. When the levels of oestrogen are low, the cervical mucus that is liberated as discharge may be perceived as sticky and thick. When the oestrogen levels rise up, the discharge becomes wetter, more stretchy and clearer. Also, after ovulation, the consistency becomes thicker again.

When should you worry about the vaginal discharge?

Greenish, greyish or absurdly brownish in colour. When the discharge appears thicker than normal. When the discharge is more than normal. When it smells absurd like fishy or rotten meat like smell, pus like discharge, white with cottage cheese like discharge. When the discharge is associated with bloody discharge and burning sensation, rash or soreness.

Diseases caused by vaginal discharge

• Yeast infection: the vaginal discharge is cottage cheese like and may be associated with itching of the vulva. This is also called as thrush. It can be treated easily with ayurvedic medicines.
• Vaginitis: yellowish offensive discharge, which may be profuse, associated with itching and abdominal pain.
• Trichomoniasis: this disease is asymptomatic in most cases and you may notice purulent discharge.

Ayurvedic medicines and panchkarma procedures can manage it effectely. For taking consultations you can talk with our experts.

Caught in the mundane chores and uniformity of daily pressures, your love life may suffer quite badly. All couples come to a point where one or both of them are either not interested in physical love anymore or too tired to get frisky. This can affect both life not only physically but also emotionally. Even if you have sex, it becomes dull, boring and unpleasant.

Getting the spark back!
Problems with a dull sex life do not have to mean a complete removal of sex from your relationship. Bringing your sex life on track might take a while, but can be quite easily achieved. Understanding yourself, knowing what gives you pleasure and sharing a romantic relationship with your partner are the key elements of a happy and satisfying sexual life. Some of the tips to get the spark back in your sex life are as follows:

Communicate: communication is the key to resolving all problems. Many couples feel afraid to talk about sexual issues, but this should not be the case. Talk to your partner about why you are feeling disinterested. Discuss if you are going through a difficult physical transition such as menopause or other physical ailments. It is better to tell the truth and not let your partner just assume that you may not be attracted towards him or her. Be honest if you are failing to have an orgasm. Proper communication is the first step in trying to resolve a problem. Educate yourself: in today’s world, finding a solution to sexual problems is no big issue as you can always look up to the internet for information. Go through books, magazines or other items available which will give a clear explanation to all your queries. Create a comfortable, quiet and interference free atmosphere. Age is also a factor that might lead to reduced libido but creating romantic settings might help in bringing the passion back. Keep away from blame and criticism: try not to introduce any issue which might lead to a big fight. Criticizing at this point of time should also be avoided as it can flare up into an argument. Be stress free try and keep all the work problems away while you are with your partner. Lighten up and focus on your partner and the total experience rather than only aiming to fulfil a goal. Maintaining a stress free attitude helps in makings sex more enjoyable. Relax and be flexible relaxing helps you feeling more focussed and enhances your sexual energy. Flexibility to your partners needs only makes them more attracted and aroused by you. Thus physical and emotional flexibility can help in bringing back the spark into your sex life. Good health: your physical and emotional health also affects your sex life. Reducing the intake of alcohol, abstaining from smoke, eating healthy and adequate exercise and meditating to calm your mind helps immensely to maintain a good shape and in turn happy sexual life.

Female dyspareunia refers to painful intercourse. It is estimated that 8 to 21% of women experience this at some point in their lives. Pain during or after intercourse is disturbing and restricts partners need for intimacy. It leaves the partners with an unpleasant experience and may lead to frustrations, anxiety and fear of sex. There is little awareness among couples about dyspareunia and thus a painful experience is sometimes confusing for the other partner and often invites fights and arguments rather than support and understanding.

Women with dyspareunia suffer pain in genitalia or deeper in the pelvis, vulva or vagina. It is more common among women after menopause; however, many women experience pain right from their first sexual attempt or just after initiation while some at deeper penetration.

Causes of dyspareunia could be medical, psychosocial or both. Medical conditions can be cured but often there are underlying personal and psychological factors which need to be addressed usually by counsellors or sexologists.

Diagnosis of the problem begins with a physical examination of the vulva. Apart from this an internal pelvic examination may also be required. A doctor takes into account the nature, extent and duration of pain in determining possible causes and deciding the mode of treatment. During interaction with the patient, various other psychosocial factors are also revealed that must be addressed for holistic treatment.

Medical conditions that could cause pain during or after intercourse are many including lesions, thin skin, scar tissues or ulcers. Infections like uti, herpes, yeast infections, chlamydia, trichomoniasis can also cause pain.

Treatment of infections is through drugs and creams.

• Apart from this, infections of the fallopian tubes or conditions like ovarian cysts, fibroids, tumours or endometriosis could be a reason for deeper and intense pain. In most of the cases, panchkarma is the option.
• Lack of oestrogen is another major cause for this type of pain. Oestrogen deficiency can cause lack of lubrication making vaginal area dry. This can cause painful friction during intercourse. Along with lubricants, a natural herbal treatment is given.
• Apart from medical causes, fears or anxieties associated with sex can sometimes lead to pain. Lack of harmony in relationships can lead to loss of desire for sex leading to vaginal dryness and discomfort. A traumatic sexual experience of the past may also inhibit a partner to be at peace in the act and may invite psychosomatic problems. It is important for the partner to be sensitive and lend a hand of support. Understanding how a partner wishes to be caressed and touched and making efforts towards providing a sexually exciting experience can go a long way in removing partner’s inhibitions/fears and introducing positive sparks in the relationship. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult our herbal panchkarma experts.