Dr. Melissa Irvine opens sexual health practice in Estero
Offers treatments that improve quality of life for men and women
FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 5, 2022) – Dr. Melissa Irvine, DNP and Clinical Sexologist, is excited to announce the opening of her new general practice with a focus on sexual health at 9250 Corkscrew Rd., Ste. 5 in Estero. With more than 15 years of medical experience, Dr. Mel takes pride in providing high quality personalized care to meet the sexual health needs of both men and women and provides solutions that have a positive impact on their lives.
“I am very passionate about empowering and educating individuals so they can be advocates in making the best-informed decisions regarding treatment options and improving their overall quality of life,” said Dr. Mel. “Taking this step to open my own practice will give me the opportunity to help even more people seeking better sexual health.”
As a sexual medicine expert, Dr. Mel performs a thorough evaluation of blood work and physical examination during a patient’s first appointment to truly understand their needs and develop a comprehensive plan for treatment to restore optimal sexual health and overall quality of life. In the new practice Dr. Mel will offer general practice services as well as male and female hormone replacement therapies, Platelet-Rich Plasma for erections, help for incontinence, female orgasm, hair loss, aesthetics (Botox, Xeomin, Juvederm, and Radiesse), microneedling, and more.
Dr. Mel will take the time to educate patients on all available treatment options so they can choose what works best for their needs and budget. To learn more, watch this video of Dr. Mel explaining hormone therapy during a visit with one of her patients: Dr Mel Irvine – YouTube.
Dr. Mel earned her Doctor or Nursing degree at Florida Gulf Coast University and her master’s degree at the University of Alabama Birmingham. She went on to complete a preceptorship at San Diego Sexual Medicine with the leading doctor in the field of Sexual Medicine, Dr. Irwin Goldstein, and obtained her clinical sexologist certification from STII with Dr. Carol Clark.
Dr. Mel Irvine who formerly practiced at Revitalize, will open the doors to her new Estero practice on April 18, with plans to expand the practice later in the year to include additional services. For more information, or to make an appointment, please visit drmelirvine.com, or call 239-351-5663.
About Dr. Melissa (Mel) Irvine, DNP
Dr. Mel has been in the medical field for over 15 years and is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Brenau Women’s College, in Gainesville, Georgia. She received her Master of Science in Nursing at The University of Alabama at Birmingham and her doctorate degree at Florida Gulf Coast University. Dr. Mel is passionate about empowering and educating women so they can be their own advocates and make the best-informed decisions regarding treatment options and quality of life. As a Sexual Medicine provider, she takes pride in providing high quality personalized care to meet the sexual health needs of both men and women. Her interest in Sexual Medicine took her to San Diego where she completed a preceptorship with the leading Sexual Medicine provider in the U.S., Dr. Irwin Goldstein. She is an avid learner and regularly attends educational trainings and conferences to stay up to date on the latest and most innovative treatment options available.
https://drmelirvine.com/storage/2021/10/dr-mel-irvine-main-logo-300x83.png00Johnhttps://drmelirvine.com/storage/2021/10/dr-mel-irvine-main-logo-300x83.pngJohn2022-04-05 10:57:282022-04-05 10:57:28Dr. Melissa Irvine opens sexual health practice in Estero
Prostate cancer is highly prevalent, with the American Cancer Society estimating that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their life. This type of cancer can be quite serious, and while most people with prostate cancer do not die from it, or even know they have it, it is still the leading cause of cancer death in American men.
By reading the title, you’re probably wondering how ejaculation can help prevent prostate cancer, and we’ll get to that. But, we first need to go over what prostate cancer is and what it may be caused by.
What is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a gland that sits just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, so think of it as being in line with your butt but sitting in the middle of your body. The prostate is only found in men and is responsible for making some of the fluid that semen is partially made up of. Because of this, the urethra goes through the center of the prostate and is in charge of carrying both urine and semen out of the body through the penis.
Just like the ears and nose, the prostate can change size as men get older. In younger men, it is around the size of a walnut, but it can be much bigger in older men.
In most cases, prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, which develop from the cells of the prostate gland. Other types of cancer that can begin in the prostate include small cell carcinomas, transitional cell carcinomas, neuroendocrine tumors, and sarcomas. However, these types are very rare, so in most cases, prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas.
In most cases, prostate cancer grows very slowly. Many men may have prostate cancer but never end up being affected by it, and sometimes never even know they have it. There are cases where it can grow and spread quickly, but that is usually not the case.
What Causes Prostate Cancer?
Scientists are not entirely sure what causes prostate cancer, but they do have a list of factors that may increase your risk of developing it. Most of these risk factors are related to gene mutations. Your genes play an essential role in controlling when our cells grow, divide, and die, and mutations in these genes can cause cancer cells to form.
For example, oncogenes are responsible for helping cells grow and divide. Cancer cells are notorious for growing out of control, which is how tumors form. This can occur due to a mutation to an oncogene that leads to continuous growth and division. However, other genes are also important in this aspect, and they are tumor suppressor genes. These genes are responsible for keeping cell growth from getting out of hand and causing cells to die when it is their time. Mutations in these two types of genes play a role in how cancer cells can continue to grow with no check, causing tumors to develop.
Unfortunately, there are many gene mutations that can be inherited, meaning you have no say over whether or not you have these genes. This is why family history is usually a significant indicator of cancer likelihood. These gene mutations play a role in about 10% of all prostate cancers, so knowing if you have a family history of prostate cancer is important.
There are also gene mutations that can occur throughout your life and that you do not have to worry about passing on to children. When it comes to mutations, this is how most gene mutations related to prostate cancer are developed. In general, something that makes prostate cells grow and divide faster lends room to higher instances of mess-ups, like when you rush through baking a cake. You pull the cake out of the oven, see it never rose, and realize you forgot the baking powder. The same thing happens to your cells; if cell division speeds up, there is a higher likelihood of messing up the process of copying the cell’s DNA.
Androgens are male hormones, the most well-known being testosterone. These hormones promote prostate cell growth, and so having higher levels of androgens may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
As you can see from this list, there is very little that can be done to help reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer. But, one particular activity may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer, and you’re in luck because it is typically quite enjoyable.
How Does Ejaculation Reduce the Risk of Prostate Cancer?
A huge study of 31,925 men completed over eighteen years found that ejaculating more often results in a lower chance of prostate cancer. In fact, ejaculating at least 21 times a month decreases the likelihood of prostate cancer by 20% compared to those who ejaculate only 4-7 times per month.
Now, these results sound great, especially since there is little that can be done to prevent prostate cancer. Still, you’re probably wondering how exactly ejaculation can help prevent cancer from developing. Let’s dig a little deeper.
Ejaculation does a great job of clearing out the urethra as semen rushes through it, and as we already know, the urethra passes right through the prostate. Harmful chemicals can build up in semen, so by ejaculating, you rid the body of these harmful chemicals and protect the prostate. By ejaculating more often, there is less time for the harmful chemicals to do anything to the body, and there is also less of a buildup, both of which may be good for the prostate.
Since there is little information on why ejaculation may protect against prostate cancer, it is important to acknowledge that those who ejaculate more often may just live healthier lives. They may have better lifestyle habits that play a role in their decreased risk of developing prostate cancer. More research is needed to truly determine what role ejaculation plays in prostate cancer likelihood.
With all that said, even if ejaculation doesn’t help reduce the risk of prostate cancer, as long as you don’t let it interfere with your daily life, there is no problem with ejaculating more frequently. So, you have this doctor’s seal of approval to ejaculate more often. Whether by yourself or with the help of a partner, it doesn’t matter; your prostate will thank you either way.
References:
[1] What Causes Prostate Cancer?. (2021). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/what-causes.html
[2] Rider, J., Wilson, K., Sinnott, J., Kelly, R., Mucci, L., & Giovannucci, E. (2016). Ejaculation Frequency and Risk of Prostate Cancer: Updated Results with an Additional Decade of Follow-up. European Urology, 70(6), 974-982. doi: 10.1016/j.eururo.2016.03.027
[3] Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer | Prostate Cancer Facts. (2021). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
About Dr. Mel Irvine
Dr. Mel Irvine, DNP and Clinical Sexologist specializes in sexual medicine and beauty in Fort Myers Florida. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Florida Gulf Coast University and her master’s degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In 2018, she completed a preceptorship at San Diego Sexual Medicine with Dr. Irwin Goldstein and obtained her clinical sexologist certification from STII with Dr. Carol Clark. She is passionate about working with singles and couples to learn and explore their sexuality and sexual health needs through providing a comfortable and nonjudgmental atmosphere. As a provider she offers a balanced and holistic approach that encompasses a multimodal care delivery model.
Our sexual medicine and beauty treatments in Fort Myers Florida:
https://drmelirvine.com/storage/2022/03/Does-Ejaculation-Reduce-the-Risk-of-Prostate-Cancer.jpg533800Johnhttps://drmelirvine.com/storage/2021/10/dr-mel-irvine-main-logo-300x83.pngJohn2022-03-28 08:19:422022-03-28 08:19:42Does Ejaculation Reduce the Risk of Prostate Cancer?
As we become more aware of the role hormones play in our body’s actions, we are learning the importance of supplementing low levels of hormones to bring everything back up to its ideal level. But what happens when you try to use two hormone therapies at the same time? HCG and testosterone are two hormones that have conflicting effects on the body, but their combination can help outweigh adverse side effects.
What is HCG?
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy. I know what you may be thinking, pregnancy and testosterone don’t really seem to go together, and you’re right. The fact that these two hormones do different things is what makes their combination effective, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
It’s important to understand what HCG does to the body, so bear with me here while we get a little technical. HCG is typically called the pregnancy hormone because it is made by the cells formed in the placenta. Now, the placenta is in charge of nourishing the egg after it has been fertilized, so the placenta plays a significant role in the development of a child. HCG is detected during a pregnancy test since its excretion signals a placenta, which only occurs during pregnancy. However, HCG is also what helps to stimulate the release of an egg during ovulation, so HCG plays an essential role in becoming pregnant and supporting the growth of the fetus.
Now that sounds great for women, but you’re probably wondering what role HCG plays for men. Obviously, HCG is not going to help a man become pregnant, so what exactly does it do? Similar to women, HCG helps men in terms of their fertility. However, instead of helping them release an egg, HCG helps men increase their testosterone production and produce sperm, a vital component of becoming pregnant.
So, when a couple may be having a hard time becoming pregnant, HCG injections may be suggested to increase their HCG levels and encourage egg release and sperm production.
What are HCG Injections?
HCG injections, as the name suggests, involve injecting HCG under the skin or into the muscle. Since HCG is the “pregnancy hormone”, the uses for HCG injections are similar. HCG injections are primarily used as a way to treat infertility in both men and women.
For women, HCG injections can help cause ovulation and treat infertility. For men, HCG injections can help to increase sperm count, thereby increasing their chances of fertilization.
While HCG injections are typically used in cases of infertility, they can also be used in young boys whose testicles have not dropped into the scrotum normally, usually due to a pituitary gland disorder.
Testosterone Therapy
As we age, our hormone levels may decline, and for men, one common example is a decrease in testosterone as they get older. By age 40, testosterone levels begin to decline, and by 80 years more than 50% of all men have low levels of testosterone. However, age is not the only factor affecting testosterone levels. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and HIV infection are associated with low testosterone levels.
Everyone likely knows that testosterone is a hormone that is higher in men, whereas women have higher estrogen levels. The higher amount of testosterone in men plays a role in bone mass, fat distribution, and strength.
Some signs of low testosterone levels include:
depressed mood
anemia
fatigue
infertility
loss of body hair
hot flashes
diminished muscle mass
Testosterone therapy is typically recommended only for men with low testosterone levels and clinical symptoms of hypogonadism. Essentially, if things in the bedroom don’t function the way you want them to (i.e., the flag does not rise to full mast), or you are experiencing any of the above signs of low testosterone, it might be a good idea to talk to a doctor about testosterone levels.
However, one of the major side effects of testosterone therapy is that it can cause infertility problems. This is why the American Society of Reproductive Medicine does not recommend testosterone therapy for anyone attempting to initiate pregnancy.
How do HCG Injections Affect Testosterone Therapy?
Now, what happens if we take a hormone therapy that can cause low fertility and combine it with a hormone therapy that can help solve infertility problems?
By cycling between testosterone therapy and HCG injections, many of the side effects of testosterone therapy can be prevented, such as the shrinking of the testicles. HCG can help those undergoing testosterone therapy by preserving their production of sperm. Testosterone therapy often causes men to have sperm that are immobile and thus ineffective in fertilization. What’s even worse is that just stopping testosterone therapy will not immediately undo this effect, and up to 10% of men can continue producing unviable sperm even after stopping testosterone therapy.
HCG helps maintain viable sperm by maintaining the levels of intratesticular testosterone, which can drop by up to 94% during testosterone therapy.
A study on the effects of low-level HCG injections combined with testosterone therapy found that intratesticular testosterone increased by 26% in those who received an HCG injection. In addition, sperm production remained preserved at the one-year follow-up. With these results, HCG may be able to help preserve fertility in those undergoing testosterone therapy.
Once you enter within six months of desiring pregnancy, it is recommended to discontinue testosterone therapy and significantly increase the amount of HCG. Following these guidelines helps to give men the best likelihood of maintaining fertility.
The fact of the matter is that men are experiencing low testosterone levels at earlier and earlier ages while also choosing to bear children at older ages. This combination, however, leads to infertility problems due to the effect of testosterone therapy. By utilizing HCG injections while on testosterone therapy, men can help to preserve their sperm count and mobility, increasing their fertility. Combining HCG injections with testosterone therapy can help you balance your testosterone levels while ensuring that your little swimmers have the best possible chance of making it to the finish line.
References:
[1] Petering, R., & Brooks, N. (2017). Testosterone Therapy: Review of Clinical Applications. American Family Physician, 96(7), 441-449. Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1001/p441.html
[2] Lee, J., & Ramasamy, R. (2018). Indications for the use of human chorionic gonadotropic hormone for the management of infertility in hypogonadal men. Translational Andrology And Urology, 7(S3), S348-S352. doi: 10.21037/tau.2018.04.11
[3] Coviello, A., Matsumoto, A., Bremner, W., Herbst, K., Amory, J., & Anawalt, B. et al. (2005). Low-Dose Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Maintains Intratesticular Testosterone in Normal Men with Testosterone-Induced Gonadotropin Suppression. The Journal Of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 90(5), 2595-2602. doi: 10.1210/jc.2004-0802
About Dr. Mel Irvine
Dr. Mel Irvine, DNP and Clinical Sexologist specializes in sexual medicine and beauty in Fort Myers Florida. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Florida Gulf Coast University and her master’s degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In 2018, she completed a preceptorship at San Diego Sexual Medicine with Dr. Irwin Goldstein and obtained her clinical sexologist certification from STII with Dr. Carol Clark. She is passionate about working with singles and couples to learn and explore their sexuality and sexual health needs through providing a comfortable and nonjudgmental atmosphere. As a provider she offers a balanced and holistic approach that encompasses a multimodal care delivery model.
Our sexual medicine and beauty treatments in Fort Myers Florida:
Peyronie’s disease is something that affects the penis. It occurs when segments of flat scar tissue, called plaques, form under the skin of the penis. When the penis becomes erect, these plaques cause it to bend or become indented. As expected, they can be quite painful and can sometimes be felt through the skin.
In 70% of Peyronie’s disease cases, the plaques form on the top side of the penis. Because of their placement, they make the tunica albuginea, which is the tough sheath that wraps the three tubes within the penis together, less flexible. This means that when the penis becomes erect, it bends upward. In the other 30% of cases where the plaques form on the bottom or side of the penis, the penis may turn downward or sideways, respectively.
In some unfortunate cases, the man may have multiple plaques, which can cause complex curves in the penis depending on where they are located.
In other cases, the plaque may go all the way around the penis. In these cases, the penis often doesn’t curve, but the penis’ shaft may instead narrow, similar to the neck of a bottle. In bad cases of Peyronie’s diseases, the plaque may collect calcium, making it very hard, similar to bone.
Symptoms
The signs of Peyronie’s disease include:
curved/bent penis
painful erections
lumps in the penis
difficulty with sex due to curved/bent penis
soft erections
Those with Peyronie’s disease often feel embarrassed and may choose to suffer with it rather than seek medical attention. This can cause additional feelings of stress and depression on top of the physical symptoms.
Causes
The most likely cause of Peyronie’s disease is a minor injury to the penis. As we know, the plaques found in those with Peyronie’s disease are segments of flat scar tissue. This results when there is an injury to the penis and the body forms scar tissue. In those with Peyronie’s disease, this scar tissue then forms the characteristic plaques.
What kind of injury can cause Peyronie’s? The most likely culprit is vigorous sex, including bending the penis during penetration or continuous pressure from the partner’s pubic bone. While this is the most common cause, it is also possible for it to develop after minor damage from a sports injury or other accident.
However, there is no need to worry that every injury to the penis will cause Peyronie’s, because that is not the case. Since not everyone who withstands damage to the penis develops Peyronie’s, researchers predict that there is also a genetic or environmental cause of Peyronie’s disease. This can include a connective tissue disorder or family history. In addition, since Peyronie’s develops because the body does not heal as it should, factors that affect wound healing such as high blood sugar, past pelvic trauma, or tobacco use could also cause Peyronie’s.
Peyronie’s can also result from an autoimmune disease if the immune system starts attacking the cells in the penis. When this happens, the body responds with inflammation which can lead to scar tissue.
It is important to note that no matter the cause, Peyronie’s is not contagious and is not caused by a disease that can be transmitted.
The Stages of Peyronie’s
Peyronie’s disease can be split into two stages: acute and chronic.
During the acute phase, the plaques form in the penis, and the curving/bending of the penis worsens. In addition, you may feel pain in the penis whenever you get an erection. This stage can last from 5 to 7 months, but it may last as long as 18 months in rare cases.
While the acute phase is characterized by growing plaque and continued curving of the penis, the chronic phase begins when those two things stop. Those in this stage often no longer feel pain during an erection if they had experienced any during the acute phase.
How is Peyronie’s Disease Diagnosed?
Peyronie’s disease is relatively easy for a medical professional to diagnose because, in most cases, the plaques can be felt, meaning only a physical exam is required to diagnose it. In some cases, they may need to take a dynamic ultrasound to see where the plaque is and check for any calcium buildup. This imaging method also allows them to see how the blood flows within the penis, and important consideration for treatment.
If the doctor needs to examine the penis while it is erect, they will inject a medicine that causes an erection. Another option is for the doctor to ask you to take pictures of your erect penis at home so that they can evaluate the curvature at a follow-up visit.
Treatment
It is not very common for Peyronie’s to go away on its own, so in many cases, some form of treatment is required. Medical professionals often try to avoid surgery if they can and instead try other treatment options, including medication and penile injections.
Those who only have small plaques, little to no curve of the penis, no difficulties during sex, and no pain may not need treatment at all.
In the cases of severe Peyronie’s disease, surgery may be the best option. However, most doctors will still suggest putting off surgery until the individual has entered the chronic stage and has shown no sign of worsening plaque or bending for at least 9 to 12 months.
There are three primary surgical methods:
lengthen the side of the penis that curves
shorten the side of the penis opposite the plaque
place a prosthetic device inside the penis.
I’m sure none of these options sound all that appealing, which is one of the reasons why doctors try to avoid surgery if they can. However, if surgery is needed, the best surgical option will depend on how blood flows inside the penis and if you are also experiencing erectile dysfunction.
The Takeaway
Peyronie’s disease is something that, if present, should be checked out by a doctor. This may be a source of embarrassment, but if left untreated, it can become quite painful.
It should go without saying, but always be sure to visit a doctor if you experience any pain during sex. In addition, if your erection is no longer pointing in the direction it used to, go see a doctor to get everything sorted out.
About Dr. Mel Irvine
Dr. Mel Irvine, DNP and Clinical Sexologist specializes in sexual medicine and beauty in Fort Myers Florida. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Florida Gulf Coast University and her master’s degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In 2018, she completed a preceptorship at San Diego Sexual Medicine with Dr. Irwin Goldstein and obtained her clinical sexologist certification from STII with Dr. Carol Clark. She is passionate about working with singles and couples to learn and explore their sexuality and sexual health needs through providing a comfortable and nonjudgmental atmosphere. As a provider she offers a balanced and holistic approach that encompasses a multimodal care delivery model.
Our sexual medicine and beauty treatments in Fort Myers Florida:
Hormone replacement therapy involves the supplementation of hormones, typically estrogen and/or progestogen, but testosterone may also be used. The type of hormone used will depend on the end-goal of the therapy. It’s also possible for a combination of hormones to be administered during HRT, with application methods including tablets, gels, patches, or creams.
Who Benefits from Hormone Replacement Therapy?
HRT is most commonly used for women going through menopause. Menopause is a transition every woman goes through where hormone levels change from what the body previously experienced.
The hormones estrogen and progesterone typically fluctuate on a monthly cycle, leading to a menstrual cycle. However, once women enter their 40s, their levels of estrogen and progesterone may begin to decline, resulting in irregular periods, hot flashes, and other symptoms of menopause. This time period, which lasts, on average, for seven years, is termed the perimenopause phase.
Following perimenopause is menopause, which has an average age of onset of 52 years and begins 12 months after someone’s last period. It is at this point that the symptoms of menopause may increase. Once someone enters menopause, HRT can begin to help with the negative symptoms that they may be experiencing.
Some people may want to take HRT because they experienced the transition into menopause early. This can occur due to a variety of reasons such as:
surgical removal of the ovaries, uterus, or both
genetic or chromosomal factors
cancer
autoimmune disease
smoking
While not every person who goes through menopause will need HRT, some people may experience distracting or troubling symptoms, which HRT can help with. This then allows them to go about their life and daily activities more easily.
Some of the symptoms of menopause that HRT may help with include:
sleep problems
night sweats and hot flashes
vaginal dryness
urinary problems
mood changes
osteoporosis
irregular periods
difficulty concentrating
thinning hair
In addition to the symptoms of menopause, other studies have suggested that HRT may help reduce the risk of heart failure and heart attacks, improve muscle function, and prevent skin aging. However, these observations are still under scrutiny and require more research to confirm these benefits.
Side Effects of HRT
Most of the side effects of HRT disappear after only a few weeks. They can include:
headaches
breast tenderness
indigestion
vaginal bleeding
bloating
depression
mood changes
migraines
leg cramps
acne
nausea
back or abdominal pain
However, one long-term side effect of HRT that you may commonly hear associated with HRT is that it increases the risk of developing dementia, which is a condition that causes memory loss and a decline in cognitive functioning. Let’s take a closer look at the claims to this statement to see if there is any validity behind them.
Can HRT Cause Dementia?
The answer to this question is not very straightforward. Let me explain. A study analyzed 84,739 women from Finland and found that, of the women who started HRT with both estrogen and progestogen before they turned 60, their risk of Alzheimer’s disease was 17% higher than in women who did not have HRT. The risk is smaller, only 9%, in women who had a hysterectomy and then started estrogen HRT. In addition, these observations were only found in women who took HRT for longer than ten years.
The numbers have a wider range for women who start HRT after the age of 60, with a risk of Alzheimer’s that is 15-38% higher. In addition, women in this group only need to be on HRT for 3-5 years before seeing these statistics.
Between these two studies, it seems likely that HRT can increase the risk of dementia, right? Well, other studies have found conflicting evidence.
A study of women in the UK found no increased risk of developing dementia with HRT usage. This study found that the percentage of women who developed dementia was the same no matter the dose, hormone type, or duration of HRT. The percentage of women who had used HRT with and without dementia was 14% for both groups, showing no increased risk. [3]
Other studies have found no relationship or even a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s with HRT. So, the relationship between HRT and dementia requires further investigation to determine the true nature of these conflicting results.
The Role of Hormones in Dementia
Dementia occurs in more women than men, and while the exact reasoning behind this is unknown, it is speculated that it has something to do with the hormone estrogen. As we know, during menopause, the amount of estrogen in a woman’s body decreases. In comparison, men continue to produce the same amount of testosterone throughout their lives, which can be converted to estrogen by the body’s brain cells. Meaning, women who have gone through menopause have lower estrogen levels in their brain than men who are the same age. Again, this may lead to the development of dementia, but not enough research exists to back it up.
However, if this is a cause of dementia, then reasoning would suggest that hormone replacement therapy would then be able to prevent dementia since it helps with the lack of estrogen. Evidence to support this is contradictory though, as we saw. Because of this, the relationship between HRT and dementia risk requires further investigation, including more inclusive observational studies and a deeper understanding of the role of hormones in dementia development.
Final Remarks
While these conflicting results may seem concerning if you are considering HRT, there is no definitive proof that HRT causes dementia; we have only situational studies that set out with the goal of proving a link between HRT and dementia, possibly skewing the results in their favor. It is likely that these results are purely by chance or due to another factor not measured by the study.
Still, as with all treatments, it is best to talk to your doctor about the associated risks and potential side effects before beginning. HRT can be beneficial to some individuals, so you should not let the incomplete research sway you against HRT entirely, especially since there are many benefits to the treatment.
References:
[1] Savolainen-Peltonen, H., Rahkola-Soisalo, P., Hoti, F., Vattulainen, P., Gissler, M., Ylikorkala, O., & Mikkola, T. (2019). Use of postmenopausal hormone therapy and risk of Alzheimer’s disease in Finland: nationwide case-control study. BMJ, l665. doi: 10.1136/bmj.l665
[2] Imtiaz, B., Tuppurainen, M., Rikkonen, T., Kivipelto, M., Soininen, H., Kröger, H., & Tolppanen, A. (2017). Postmenopausal hormone therapy and Alzheimer disease. Neurology, 88(11), 1062-1068. doi: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000003696
[3] Vinogradova, Y., Dening, T., Hippisley-Cox, J., Taylor, L., Moore, M., & Coupland, C. (2021). Use of menopausal hormone therapy and risk of dementia: nested case-control studies using QResearch and CPRD databases. BMJ, n2182. doi: 10.1136/bmj.n2182
[4] Hormones and dementia. (2021). https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/risk-factors-and-prevention/hormones-and-dementia
[5] MC, C., PM, M., & DG, M. (2005). The Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study: findings and implications for treatment. The Lancet. Neurology, 4(3). Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15721829/
About Dr. Mel Irvine
Dr. Mel Irvine, DNP and Clinical Sexologist specializes in sexual medicine and beauty in Fort Myers Florida. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Florida Gulf Coast University and her master’s degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In 2018, she completed a preceptorship at San Diego Sexual Medicine with Dr. Irwin Goldstein and obtained her clinical sexologist certification from STII with Dr. Carol Clark. She is passionate about working with singles and couples to learn and explore their sexuality and sexual health needs through providing a comfortable and nonjudgmental atmosphere. As a provider she offers a balanced and holistic approach that encompasses a multimodal care delivery model.
Our sexual medicine and beauty treatments in Fort Myers Florida:
An orgasm is something that I think it’s safe to say most everyone is happy to experience when having sex, but did you know that there are certain orgasm disorders? These disorders, if present, make it difficult or even impossible to have an orgasm. Read on to see what the different types of orgasm disorders are and what their treatments entail.
What Causes an Orgasm Disorder?
While both men and women can experience an orgasm disorder, it is much more common in women. In fact, it’s estimated that orgasm disorders can affect 11% to 41% of all women.
Many things can cause an orgasm disorder to develop; it’s not necessarily something that you’re born with. It can develop due to medical conditions or may just result from someone’s temperament.
There are a variety of emotional, physical, and psychological factors that can affect a woman’s ability to orgasm, some of which include:
medical conditions
older age
certain medications
shyness
poor self-esteem
cultural or religious beliefs
guilt about enjoying sexual activities
a history of gynecological surgeries
a history of sexual abuse
stress
mental health conditions
relationship issues
As you can see, there are many reasons why someone may develop an orgasm disorder, and in many cases, thankfully, it is not a permanent thing. For example, if a particular medication is causing an orgasm disorder, discontinuing the medications usually brings things back to how they should be.
In addition, it may be a combination of the above that makes it difficult for someone to orgasm. It’s also possible that being unable to orgasm has created a vicious cycle due to the distress someone may experience when they cannot orgasm. They may find that the next time they engage in sexual activities it becomes even harder to orgasm, and then the cycle repeats.
Types of Orgasm Disorders
The main symptom of an orgasm disorder is being unable to orgasm. Still, it may appear as having an unsatisfying orgasm or taking a long time to reach climax in other people.
There are four types of orgasm disorders.
Primary Anorgasmia
This dysfunction is not so much due to any deviation from normal bodily function and has more to do with a woman’s situation.
Someone with primary anorgasmia has never had an orgasm, but it is usually found in cases of emotional or sexual abuse. It may also be seen in women from cultures where sex is considered a dirty act and unladylike.
As such, it’s not that these women cannot orgasm; it’s just that they have not partaken in sexual activities where their partner’s goal is to help them achieve orgasm, or the nature of their relationship has made it difficult to achieve an orgasm. It’s also possible that they have been taught that sex should not be enjoyable, and as such, it is not for them.
Secondary Anorgasmia
With this condition, someone may be able to orgasm, but they have a hard time getting there. Because of this, orgasms are rare and often take a lot of work to make happen, which can be frustrating.
Situational Anorgasmia
This type of orgasm disorder is the most common of all these. When someone has this type of orgasm disorder, they can orgasm, but only in specific situations, such as with oral sex or through masturbation.
General Anorgasmia
People with this condition cannot orgasm at all, even when they are sexually aroused and stimulated. They have tried a variety of situations and different sexual activities, but no matter what they are not able to orgasm.
If you think you have an orgasm disorder due to an inability to orgasm, unsatisfying orgasms, or taking a long time to orgasm, it is always good to start by scheduling an appointment with your doctor.
As we discussed, there are many causes of orgasm disorders, so your doctor will be able to help you diagnose the condition and help determine what is causing it, which will then help you figure out how best to treat it.
Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and ask questions about your sexual history to determine the underlying cause of the orgasm disorder.
Your doctor may also refer you to a gynecologist or sexologist, like myself, for a follow-up exam. They may be able to recommend additional treatments and help determine the true cause of the orgasm disorder. Essentially, everyone is going to do what they can to help make orgasms possible for you again.
How to Treat an Orgasm Disorder
Unfortunately, there is no single treatment that is applicable to all those with orgasm disorders, and in some cases, it isn’t a quick fix that can help treat it.
If there’s an underlying medical condition causing the orgasm disorder, such as diabetes, then treating that condition may also prove successful at treating the orgasm disorder. If it is a medication causing the disorder, then discontinuing that medication and switching to another should help remedy the situation.
However, for people who cannot orgasm due to underlying psychological problems, treating their orgasm disorder may take a bit more work, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or sex therapy. Couples counseling is another option that may be beneficial to work through any conflicts or disagreements that may be contributing to the orgasm deficiency. Killing two birds with one stone, couples therapy can help all problems within the relationship and bedroom.
It’s also possible that the solution to the orgasm disorder is to experiment with other types of orgasms until a successful method is found. If someone is trying to orgasm from penetration alone, which many people cannot, they may find that with clitoral stimulation, they can orgasm.
Yet another option is estrogen hormone therapy which can help increase sexual desire and the amount of blood that flows to the genitals. The more blood that flows to the genitals, the more sensitive they become, and the more likely someone will orgasm.
Many women experience orgasm disorders due to various conditions such as emotional, psychological, and physical. If you think you have an orgasm disorder, schedule a visit with a doctor so that they can help you determine what is causing the orgasm disorder. Whether from an untreated medical condition or relationships problems, a doctor will be able to help you figure out the cause of the disorder and how to treat it so you can go back to reaching climax.
References
[1] Rellini, A., & Clifton, J. (2011). Female Orgasmic Disorder. Sexual Dysfunction: Beyond The Brain-Body Connection, 35-56. doi: 10.1159/000328807
About Dr. Mel Irvine
Dr. Mel Irvine, DNP and Clinical Sexologist specializes in sexual medicine and beauty in Fort Myers Florida. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Florida Gulf Coast University and her master’s degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In 2018, she completed a preceptorship at San Diego Sexual Medicine with Dr. Irwin Goldstein and obtained her clinical sexologist certification from STII with Dr. Carol Clark. She is passionate about working with singles and couples to learn and explore their sexuality and sexual health needs through providing a comfortable and nonjudgmental atmosphere. As a provider she offers a balanced and holistic approach that encompasses a multimodal care delivery model.
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