It's a great time to be a woman! For years it seemed that the ability to have
intercourse and conceive was enough. No longer. We've finally redefined female
sexuality to include pleasure. We're hearing about sensitive surgeons who
try to preserve important pelvic nerves during hysterectomies and drug studies
investigating the effects of certain medications on the sexual responses of
women with hypertension, diabetes, and numerous other conditions.
Redefining Sex and Increasing Options for Pleasure
So, now that there are options, it's up to you to put yourself first on your "to
do list." After all, sexual well-being is all about maximizing your total
health. Here are some ways to improve your health, sexual responsiveness, and
sexual enjoyment:
1. Pay attention to what you take into your body. Anything that affects
hormones, decreases blood flow, or dries up mucous membranes can affect arousal:
nasal sprays, cold remedies, nicotine, ephedrine (diet aids), birth control
pills, antidepressants, alcohol, etc. Remember, if your mouth or nose is
getting dried up, so is your vagina! By the same token, anything that
increases blood flow or a feeling of "well being" can benefit arousal -- spicy
foods (wasabi, the "capsaicin" in chili peppers), ginko, ginseng, and many
others. But, be cautioned -- just because it's organic doesn't make it safe.
Always check with your doctor first.
2. Experiment with aromas. Some preliminary research has found that the
smell of licorice candy and cucumber increased vaginal blood flow by 14% and
that the scent of pumpkin pie is arousing for men!
Fragrances can
also stimulate the imagination. Think of that the next time you feel turned-on
eating a box of candy.
3. Exercise. Did you know that physical fitness actually makes you a
better lover? Whatever you do to improve circulation and muscle tone will
increase your energy, stamina, and sexual health. There's even an
exerciser available to strengthen and tone pelvic muscles.
4. Try a
sexual enhancement cream. Most contain L-arginine and aminophylline (to
improve blood flow) and a tingling ingredient like menthol. Many women swear
these creams heighten pleasure and intensify orgasm. There is also an
FDA-approved device said to improve genital sensitivity and orgasm by
applying a gentle vacuum over the clitoris.
So the message is out... women deserve sexual pleasure and the choices are up to
you. Stay tuned for part II..."How to Get Hot – Even When He's Not: Tuning
into your Mind."
Dr.
Sandra Scantling
Dr. Sandra Scantling is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the
University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Licensed Clinical Psychologist,
Diplomate in sex therapy, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, Board Certified
Clinical Specialist, and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.
As a highly respected educator, psychotherapist, and certified sex therapist,
Dr. Sandy has used her experience with thousands of individuals and couples to
write her latest book: Extraordinary Sex Now: A Couples Guide to Intimacy
(Doubleday, 1998). She is also the co-author of Ordinary Women, Extraordinary
Sex (Dutton, 1993) and the creator of the phenomenally successful video
series: Ordinary Couples, Extraordinary Sex (Sinclair Intimacy Institute,
1994), which has sold nearly a million copies worldwide. |
