Female sexual dysfunction

If you have persistent, recurrent problems with sexual response or desire — and if these problems are making you distressed or straining your relationship with your partner — what you're experiencing is known medically as female sexual dysfunction.

Female sexual dysfunction isn't uncommon — many women experience problems with sexual function at some point in their lives. Female sexual dysfunction can be a lifelong problem, or it can happen later in life after you've experienced a period of satisfactory functioning.

Female sexual dysfunction has many possible symptoms and causes. Fortunately, they're almost all treatable. Communicating your concerns and understanding your body and its normal response to sexual activity are important steps toward gaining sexual satisfaction.

Symptoms

You can develop female sexual dysfunction at any age, but sexual problems often happen when your hormones are in flux — for example, after having a baby or during menopause. Sexual concerns may also occur with major illness, such as cancer or cardiovascular disease.

Your problems might be classified as female sexual dysfunction if you experience one or more of the following and you're distressed about it:

·         Your desire to have sex is low or absent.

·         You can't maintain arousal during sexual activity, or you don't become aroused despite a 
           desire to have sex.

·         You cannot experience an orgasm.

·         You have pain during sexual contact.

When to see a doctor
If sexual problems are undermining your relationship or disrupting your peace of mind, make an appointment with your doctor for evaluation.

Causes

Several factors may contribute to sexual dissatisfaction or dysfunction. These factors tend to be interrelated.

·         Physical. Physical conditions that may cause or contribute to sexual problems include arthritis, urinary or bowel difficulties, pelvic surgery, fatigue, headaches, other pain problems, and neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Certain medications, including some antidepressants, blood pressure medications, antihistamines and chemotherapy drugs, can decrease your sex drive and your body's ability to experience orgasm.

·         Hormonal. Lower estrogen levels after the menopausal transition may lead to changes in your genital tissues and your sexual responsiveness. The folds of skin that cover your genital region (labia) become thinner, exposing more of the clitoris. This increased exposure sometimes reduces the sensitivity of the clitoris, or may cause an unpleasant tingling or prickling sensation.

In addition, the vaginal lining becomes thinner and less elastic, particularly if you're not sexually active. At the same time, the vagina requires more stimulation to relax and lubricate before intercourse. These factors can lead to painful intercourse (dyspareunia), and experiencing orgasm may take longer.

Your body's hormone levels also shift after giving birth and during breast-feeding, which can lead to vaginal dryness and can affect your desire to have sex.

·         Psychological and social. Untreated anxiety or depression can cause or contribute to sexual dysfunction, as can long-term stress. The worries of pregnancy and demands of being a new mother may have similar effects. Longstanding conflicts with your partner — about sex or any other aspect of your relationship — can diminish your sexual responsiveness as well. Cultural and religious issues and problems with your own body image also may contribute.

Emotional distress can be both a cause and a result of sexual dysfunction. Regardless of where the cycle began, you usually need to address relationship issues for treatment to be effective.

Risk factors

Some factors may increase your risk of sexual dysfunction:

·         Depression or anxiety

·         Cardiovascular disease

·         Neurologic conditions, such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis

·         Liver or kidney failure

·         Certain medications, such as antidepressants or high blood pressure medications

·         Emotional or psychological stress, especially with regard to your relationship with your 
           partner

·         A history of sexual abuse

To experience your journey from illness to wellness visit Effective Living Clinic

Fitness or Fatness: What matters most?

Fitness and fatness may seem to be like the two sides of the river, which will never meet. In other words, you may never expect a "fat" man to exhibit high levels of physical activity or to be able to prove that he has high levels of physical fitness. Again, you may choose to conclude that one of your neighbors has tremendous physical fitness if you find him to be lean and thin. So does this mean that fat or overweight persons are unfit and that thin persons are super-fit? Definitely not. You can be fat as well as fit at the same time whereas being thin does not necessarily imply that you are fit as well.Understanding Fitness and Fatness

The American College of sports medicine defines fitness as the ability to perform daily activities with dynamism. Fitness also represents a demonstration of traits and capacities that are linked with low risk of premature development of the hypokinetic diseases (the conditions caused due to physical inactiveness). Health related physical fitness typically includes cardiorespiratory endurance, body composition, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. Fatness is a part of body composition which is one of the constituents of fitness.

When someone says, 'I want to get fit', we often assume he has to lose weight. But this is not the actual case. An individual may choose to lose weight only by limiting his caloric intake, but this will not actually improve his fitness level, although some indirect benefits may still accrue in his fitness level. But, if the individual chooses to lose some weight by increasing his activity level, then his level of fitness may get boosted at the same time.

Studies conducted by the Cooper's Institute in Dallas, Texas have shown that, it is better to be fit and fat than unfit and thin in terms of longevity. In a research which continued for 20 years, it was found that thin, unfit men were more susceptible to death on account of all causes in comparison to men who were considered overweight, but fit.

But it doesn't mean that you do not have to show any concern about being overweight. Many long term problems have been found to be associated with being overweight, especially when fat contributes to that excess weight. Being underweight or thin is not good either. A proper balance in body composition needs to be maintained and one should make an effort to maintain a healthy body weight and a good level of fitness across his lifespan.   

Do not confuse fitness and fatness. Do not think that you are in the best level of fitness if you are not overweight. You must still take part in physical activities on a regular basis so as to maximize its health benefit. If you are overweight, then you must take care to combine increased levels of physical activity with a balanced nutritious diet to shed the extra body fat.  The message is clear - what matters more is achieving better fitness level and in that process, you will keep away excess body fat automatically.

You may have feared the school "pahelwans" and may have chosen to stay away from them. Some of your friends may have also consoled you by saying that these overweight students were nothing but a pile of flesh. But to your surprise, you might have found that these overweight students had beaten you in your school sports. Today, you can now understand how fatness and fitness differ as well as relate with each other.

Get along with colleagues, live longer

People who have a good peer support system at work may live longer than those who don't.

This effect of peer social support was most pronounced amongst those aged between 38 and 43 years. Yet, similar support from workers' supervisors had no effect on mortality, the researchers found.

Besides, men who felt like they had control and authority to make decisions at work also experienced this "protective effect", according to the study reported in the journal Health Psychology.

Researchers rated peer social support as high if participants reported that their co-workers were helpful in solving problems and that they were friendly.

Researchers at Tel Aviv University looked at the medical records of 820 adults who were followed for 20 years -- from 1988 to 2008.

These workers came from some of Israel's largest firms in finance, insurance, public utilities, health care and manufacturing, according to a Tel Aviv statement.

They reported working on average 8.8 hours a day. One-third of them were women; 80 per cent were married with children; and 45 per cent had at least 12 years of formal education.

Asked why workplace control was positive for men but not women, lead researcher Arie Shirom said that for employees in blue-collar type of jobs, high levels of control were found in jobs typically held by men, rather than jobs typically held by women.

Health benefits of drinking coconut water

The Nutritional Value of Coconut Water

Coconut water is the purest liquid second only to water itself. It is naturally low in carbs, 99% fat free and low in sugar. The sugar content in coconut water is natural and not refined or processed which can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, a 100 g serving of coconut water provides 19 calories, 0.2 g of fat, 1.1 g of fiber, 0.72 g of protein and 0 mg of cholesterol.

Compared to health and sports drinks, coconut water contains less sodium and considerably more potassium. It also contains smaller amounts of magnesium, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin C. An ounce (around 30 ml) of coconut water contains around 61 mg of potassium, 5.45 mg of sodium and 1.3 g of sugar. Trace elements such as zinc, iodine, sulfur, manganese and selenium are also found in coconut water.

The Health Benefits of Coconut Water

1.     Keeps the Body Hydrated: One of the primary health benefits of coconut water is its ability to hydrate the body. Coconut water contains all five of the same electrolytes that the body has including sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium. These electrolytes, along with the natural water content of the drink, play an important role in keeping your body hydrated, especially during and after sporting events when sweating can throw off your water levels and electrolyte balance.

2.     Aids in the Weight Loss Process: coconut water is known for its low calorie content. By replacing higher calorie beverages with coconut water, you can save thousands of calories a year, which can help you during the weight loss process to a significant extent. For those who are on a low-fat diet, coconut water can easily be included into your diet plan as it is virtually fat free. This means you can enjoy coconut water before or after workouts without having to worry about the unhealthy saturated fat intake that is a concern with the consumption of milk-based beverages.

3.     Boosts the Immune System: It contains lauric acid, which is also found in mother's milk. This lauric acid is antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal. Coconut water thus helps to strengthen the body's immune system against a variety of viruses and other diseases. Many people who live in the Philippines and the Caribbean have lower risks of getting affected with cold because they drink coconut water regularly.

4.     Finds Its Use in Blood Transfusion: Coconut water is almost identical to blood plasma and this makes it easy to be used for blood transfusion. In cases of emergency coconut water can be used as an intravenous hydration fluid instead of the standard IV fluid. During World War II many wounded soldiers were saved in the Pacific because of emergency transfusion using coconut water as plasma.

5.     Improves Circulation: Coconut water helps to carry nutrients and oxygen to the blood cells and has been shown to raise the metabolism. It also aids in the cleaning of the digestive tract. Poor circulation is improved by drinking coconut water regularly.

6.     Reduces Vomiting Tendencies: Coconut water is great at reducing vomiting. People who have typhoid, malaria, fevers or other ailments, show vomiting tendencies. Drinking coconut water settles the stomach. As such, coconut water is also a good thing to drink during a hangover.

7.     Aids in Digestion: Coconut water is composed of many naturally occurring bioactive enzymes such as acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, diastase, peroxidase and RNA polymerases. Altogether, these enzymes aid in digestion and metabolism. Regular consumption of coconut water assists in digestion. Slow sipping of coconut water after main meal helps in curing this digestive discomfort. The lauric acid in coconuts is also used to heal digestive tract disorders such as Leaky Gut Syndrome.

8.     Acts as a Beneficial Drink for Cholera Affected Patients: Coconut water contains natural albumen, thus it is a perfect natural SOS drink for cholera affected patients.

9.     Treats Heartburn Problem: Coconut water is an efficient natural remedy for controlling the intensity of acid reflux. It is a good natural antidote for heartburn problem.

10.  Treats Urinary Infections: Coconut water helps in keeping check over urinary infections. It is very effective in treating kidney and urethral stones. Drinking coconut water regularly helps to break up kidney stones making them easier to push out. Drinking coconut water is a natural treatment of intestinal worms in infants. Coconut water consumption aids in the natural destruction of intestinal worms and it is safe for children to administer this herbal remedy on them.

11.  Acts as a Source of B Vitamins: Coconut water is a source of essential B vitamins that are needed from dietary sources for use. B vitamins provide energy to the body, decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms, help with muscle functions and increase the immune response.

12.  Maintains the Electrolyte Balance of the Body: Coconut water is a good source of potassium. One serving of coconut water from one coconut contains around 220 mg of potassium. This electrolyte is needed by the body every day. Potassium works with sodium and calcium to conduct electrical impulses. This electrolyte ensures proper contractions of the heart. It also supports normal digestive and muscle function.

13.  Maintains the Functioning of Certain Enzymes: Magnesium is another electrolyte found in coconut water. This mineral is essential for the proper rhythmic contraction of muscles, the transportation and production of energy, the manufacture of protein and the functioning of certain enzymes.

14.  Treats Heatstroke: Coconut water has long been used for the treatment for heatstroke and dehydration. In tropical environments, coconut water is often used to treat dehydration. Its chemical structure makes it effective in treating these symptoms.

15.  Has Anti-Cancer Properties: Research studies suggest that cytokinins (e.g., kinetin and trans-zeatin) in coconut water showed significant anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-thrombotic effects.

16.  Promotes Skin Health: Coconut water acts as a light moisturizer which also decreases excessive oil on the skin. This proves to be beneficial for smoothing out combination skin as well. Add this water to a bath or mix it with liquid shower gel. It can also be added to lotion as well as hair conditioner or shampoo for oily hair. This natural water is best for acne and blackheads also. This is a natural toning and cleansing mask for oily skin.

Nothing can stand in competition with nature or its offerings. Companies may spend a million bucks for research and development to find products or solutions that will resemble nature, but ultimately they will end up incorporating natural elements only!

Papa won't preach

Being a dad can be a daunting task, especially with changing times. While some are stuck playing the stereotypical role, others go overboard doing the I-am-yourfriend act. However, some dads have managed to balance their act. They share their parenting fundas:

From father to friend: With kids being exposed to so much, daddy dearest should know when to make the transition from being a father to a friend. Says Jayesh Bhatia, father of 10-year-old Nirav, "I know that kids today face a lot of peer pressure, so one can't just think that disciplining the child will be enough. Be it about drinking and driving, sex or studies, a father has to be open to talk to his kids about it. Yes, it is easier said than done, but it's something that will make your bond with your kid very strong."

Trust your kids: The best way to instill faith in your kids is to trust them. Says student counsellor, TS Rao, "Parents often keep talking to their teenage kids like they are babies. Most teenagers hate this. They want their parents to give them responsibilities. Parents have to learn to maintain a balance between trusting their children and not being too indulgent. Some parents follow the traditional father-child relationship, while some go overboard being friends to their kids."

Don't force them to follow your dreams: It's great to have big dreams for your kids, but don't force them to realise all of those. Make sure that you understand the choices that your child wants to make. It doesn't mean that he/she doesn't respect you. Don't brush off their choices thinking that he/she is too young to know his/her mind. Nikhil Sen, father of 19-year-old Richa, says, "I always wanted my daughter to be a doctor, but she was very interested in taking up event management as a profession. Initially, I was sceptical about her choice, but when I sat down and spoke to her, I realised that she knew what she was talking about."

Give them space, but also spend time with them: Gone are the days when kids would be expected to holiday with their parents. Now kids don't like hanging out with their parents. Parents should understand and allow their kids freedom to a certain extent.

Express your affection: It's all about loving your kids after all. Make sure your kids know that no matter what they do or where they go wrong, you will always stand by them. It's very important for kids to feel that they have their parents' support. It gives them a huge confidence boost. Says Rao, "Many children hesitate to communicate freely with their dads. It's time that fathers strike a balance between disciplining and loving their child."

Things teen won't tell their parents

A study into today's tweens and teens has revealed that they will not talk to their parents about their innermost fears and turmoil. Social researcher Neer Korn said tweens, aged from about 9 to 12, and teens avoid telling their parents the truth about what's happening at school or online because they often fear their reaction.

Korn, whose company The Korn Group released the study ''The Truth About Teens And Tweens'', said parents need to reassess how they talk to their children if they want them to be more open. Michelle Mitchell, author of ''What Teenage Girls Don't Tell Their Parents'', agrees.

"They think their parents will panic and embarrass them by becoming too involved. Instead of deciding what they think should be done, parents need to ask their children 'what do you want me to do?'" the Daily Telegraph quoted her as saying. But if your daughter rolls her eyes whenever you ask her a question or your son simply grunts, here is what might really be going on in your tween or teen's life.

Mitchell and Korn agree that bullying is a bigger part of everyday life for tweens and teens than parents realise. "It happens in the playground and it happens online, it happens every day. It might be low-level like ignoring certain friends or making nasty comments but it can still be hurtful and damaging," Mitchell said.

Korn says tweens have changeable crushes while teens have relationships, which may or may not become sexual. Teenagers don't want to talk to their parents about the details of what goes on in their relationships.

A recent report found 44.2 per cent of 13-year-olds and 84.7 per cent of 17-year-olds had consumed alcohol in the past year. And 8.4 per cent of 13-year-olds and 31.4 per cent of 17-year-olds had smoked.
The Korn Group said drinking alcohol is almost expected at many teenage parties and marijuana is 'easy' to get.

Mitchell says parents need to arm themselves with knowledge about what their teenagers are doing online, to protect them from bullying and also predators. They might say they hate you but that doesn't change the fact tweens and teens enjoy time with their families. Keeping up with who are your teenage daughter's 'best friends' can be almost a full-time job.

"Having friends means being accepted, so teenagers will put up with a lot before leaving a group of friends. That can be difficult for parents," Mitchell said.

Top 10 tips for muscle building

What frustrates you the most as a man? What do you feel when heroes like Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger try to grab your girlfriend's attention? Those bulky muscles, toned body and a thin waist line make these heroes earn the status of "secret lovers" in women's minds. Okay, you won't mind that much because, after all they are the stars who can have many such admirers! But what about the normal "Tom, Dick or Harry" who can be your neighbor? A normal guy can assume great looks and build up a great body! What will you feel when he will try to woo your girl? You can be like him and you can preserve the interest in your relationship. Here are the top 10 ways by which you can build up muscles and can be another "Stallone" to your girlfriend:

1.     Select a Suitable Workout: Select a workout that suits you. There are a number of muscle building workouts but what suits others may not suit you. The best workout will involve a customized workout regime which is planned according to your fitness level, health status and your requirements. A fitness expert is the best person who can plan out your muscle building workout.

2.     Divide Your Workout: For an effective workout, divide it. Divide your workout into 3 to 4 sessions and in each session you focus on 2 to 3 muscle groups. By doing so, you can overload your muscles properly. Take adequate rest after this session. Training the same muscle group daily or for 3 to 4 times a week can lead to overtraining and may cause injury. 

3.     Monitor Your Frequency: Strength training on a daily basis for 6 to 7 days a week may not be recommended, especially if you are going for intense strength training. Perform workouts for a maximum of 3 to 4 times a week. Take rest on the remaining days. You can even go for some aerobic exercises or recreational sports to maintain physical activity.

4.     Incorporate Proper Technique: Execution of proper technique not only prevents injury but also allows you to isolate particular muscle actions to get optimal benefit. After learning the proper technique, do each and every movement slowly and in a controlled manner.

5.     Incorporate Proper Breathing Technique: Focus on the rule - "Exhale when you exert". Many people tend to hold their breath during workouts. This raises the internal pressure which can severely affect an individual's cardio-respiratory functions and can cause severe injury. You may also experience a fall in your performance if you do not breathe properly.

6.     Change Your Workout: Your workout should be progressive in nature. This means, you need to change your workout after every 3 to 4 weeks. Working out on the same regime leads to adaptation and the results gradually slow down. Change your workout intensity to keep your body in the muscle building state. Strength training is more of intensity than volume, so the progression should preferably be in terms of increasing the resistance or the intensity. 

7.     Take Adequate Rest: Ensure proper rest after each workout session. To do so, perform strength training on alternate days. Muscles recover and grow during the resting period. Proper rest need to be supplemented with a minimum of 7 to 8 hours of sleep.  Lack of sleep may wash off all your efforts! So pay proper attention to it!

8.     Allow Proper Warm Up and Cool Down: Do proper warm up and cool down. Warm up prepares the body for the workout. It increases blood circulation to target muscle groups. It also increases the muscle temperature, making it efficient for a productive workout. At the end of the workout session, do proper cool down to bring your body back to the resting state. Include proper stretching exercises in your cool down. 

9.     Record Your Advancements: Keep a log of your workout so that you can track your progress. Make a note of the weights that you are lifting, the number of repetitions and the sets that you are doing.  Your logs will be very helpful in making a progression in your workout. 

10.  Take A High Protein Diet: Diet should always be planned according to your workout. Proper nutrition plays a great role in muscle building. Consume sufficient amount of calories. Lack of calories will cause protein break down, which happens to be the ultimate building block of muscles. A high protein diet is very important in building muscles. Muscles are nothing but protein and thus protein plays a vital role. You can also go for protein supplements like whey protein, protein shakes and bars. Take appropriate pre and post workout meals. Keep your body hydrated by consuming sufficient amounts of water throughout the day.

This is just the beginning of a bigger story! You will feel very confident and motivated when you will observe the gradual development of muscles. And of course, you can be your girlfriend's "Rocky"! Let the real Rocky stay back in her dreams only!

What's your doggie style?

Before you adopt a dog, ensure it is compatible with your personality and lifestyle. Our expert tells you how

You may have your eyes on a certain breed of dog but, depending on the lifestyle you lead, it may not be the best choice for you. Certain vital factors need to be accounted for such as the size of your home, your family members and the time you have on hand. Dr Onkar Pawaskar of Pets Clinic lists the various lifestyle factors and the breed best suited in such cases.

You are a fitness junkie
You love the outdoorsand would like your dog to accompany you on jogs and treks.
Dogs for you
Almost every dog loves the outdoors, but not all of them are built for rigorous exercises. A small dog might not be able to keep up with you. Opt for medium to large breeds such as hounds, rottweilers and German shepherds.

You have children
You love your dog, but more i m p o r t a n t l y, you want your dog to love your child. Not to forget, you want the child to be safe in the dog's company.
Dogs for you
Opt for a Great Dane or retriever. These breeds might be big in size but are quite mild by nature. Their laid back attitude will put the child at ease at once. A small child might get intimated by their size but the fear wouldn't last long. Also, opt for the female rather than the male.

You are too busy
You want a pet but also lead a busy lifestyle. You want a dog that doesn't need you around all the time.
Dogs for you
Firstly, owning a dog is a major responsibility. If you cannot take care of your canine friend, you are better off without him. Having said that, owning an Indian pariah will free you of many tasks. This breed has the least health issues, is low on fuss, and also needs minimal grooming.

You have a small house
The bigger the dog, the more space he needs. And considering the matchbox houses we live in, bigger breeds will feel constricted.
Dogs for you
Opt for smaller breeds such as the pugs, Jack Russell terriers and daschunds, or from a host of toy breeds. They don't need rigorous walks and are ideal for apartments.

You have sleep issues
You are a light sleeper and you need a dog that will keep his peace at night and allow you to keep yours. One that won't bark at the slightest provocation. Adopt a breed used to a night life and your sleep pattern will go for a toss.
Dogs for you
Stay away from the Dobermans and bulldogs. While the Doberman is high on decibels, bulldogs have a tendency to snore. A labrador or golden retriever will be ideal.

You have mobility issues
It may be age, health or a handicap. Not everyone can be as active all the time. In that case, adopting dogs that demand you to run (after them) may not be a great idea. It's not like you can shy away from the demands. If you allow the aggression to pile up, the dog may start making a meal of your pillows.
Dogs for you
The Indian pariah is a winner again here. You may also opt for a retriever depending on the mobility problem. Labradors and golden retrievers are known to assist during different forms of therapy and even motivate the patient for physiotherapy.

You want attention and company
You are not looking for a dog but a best friend. You are willing to shower all your attention on someone and want that someone to appreciate and return the gesture.
Dogs for you
Poodle, boxers and pugs like to cuddle. German Shepherds, touted as one-owner dogs, are very loyal.