Women Don’t Insist on Condoms
A woman’s exposure to violence has a negative impact on her sexual behavior. That’s the conclusion of a recent study from the Miriam Hospital’s Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine. According to the research findings, women who have witnessed violence (such as neighborhood crimes or domestic violence) or experienced abuse firsthand are more likely to engage in risky sex. They are more likely to have a higher number of sex partners and less likely to use protection and practice other safer sex measures. These women also are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.
What accounts for this relationship, and why would witnessing a violent act later cause a woman to put her own body at risk through dangerous sexual activity?
Part of it could be related to psychologist John Money’s theory of love maps. We learn how to love and seek love from watching our parents and the model of their relationship. (more…)
Relationships and Sex Life
Last week, Lifetime (“television for women” as they say) premiered a new show called 7 Days of Sex,which promised to get couples out of a sex rut and fix their marriage in a quick commercial-filled hour by having them commit to having sex every day for a week.
There is certainly a need for such a challenge. In a recent study, 54 percent of men and 42 percent of women were dissatisfied with the amount of sex they were currently having. I was open to the possibility that the show could help couples. Particularly, those that find themselves channel surfing later in the evening — when in reality, they would have a better sex life (and marriage) if they simply turned off technology and shared intimate time together. (more…)
Sexual Desire and Healthy Sex Life
“How is your sex life,” I often ask patients. It’s amazing how often I get the response, “Finally, someone I can trust will discuss this matter with me.” So what can be done to make the bedroom a happier place? It’s important even though good sex may be only 5% of a relationship. But I stress to patients that it’s the first 5%! Besides, it can also affect physical health.
Dr. Leonard DeRogatis, director of Sexual Medicine at Johns Hopkins University, emphasized a major difference between men and women. He says men have the desire, but as they age can’t be aroused. Still they’re the lucky sex. Erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs solve their problem in most cases by increasing blood flow to you know what.. (more…)
