Episode 338: The Science of Libido, Orgasm, and Desire (Listener Questions)
Oct 22, 2024
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Mary Jane Minkin, a practicing gynecologist and certified clinician on menopause, joins the conversation to unpack intriguing listener questions. They delve into whether libido is genetically determined, shedding light on the science behind sexual desire. The discussion also provides helpful advice for a male listener struggling to reach orgasm. Finally, they explore ways to enhance sexual desire in post-menopausal women, emphasizing emotional connection and treatment options for improved intimacy. A candid and informative talk about sexuality at different life stages!
Libido is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, highlighting its complex nature as a biopsychosocial phenomenon that includes stress and health conditions.
Addressing sexual challenges in men and postmenopausal women requires a combination of medical, psychological, and relational strategies to improve libido and sexual health.
Deep dives
Genetics and Libido
Libido is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, making it a biopsychosocial phenomenon. Research indicates that genes related to dopamine receptors can impact sexual desire, with variations linked to either higher or lower libido levels. For instance, a study found that participants with a genetic variant associated with lower desire reported about 5% less horniness than those with a variant linked to higher desire. However, it is essential to recognize that stress levels, health conditions, and psychological factors also significantly influence desire, meaning libido is not solely determined by genetics.
Overcoming Orgasm Delays
Difficulty in reaching orgasm is a common challenge for many men, with over 9% of U.S. men reporting this issue regularly. In cases where this problem arises due to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), alternative medications or dosage adjustments may help alleviate the side effects. Switching to medications like bupropion, which typically does not have the same sexual side effects, could enhance sexual response. Additionally, strategies such as scheduling sexual activity at times when SSRIs are at lower levels in the system or consulting a sex therapist may provide further assistance.
Increasing Sexual Desire in Postmenopausal Women
Postmenopausal women often experience decreased libido due to hormonal changes, but relational and psychological factors also play a crucial role. A healthy relationship, characterized by communication and emotional connection, is vital for enhancing sexual desire. Hormonal treatments, particularly testosterone therapy, may be beneficial despite regulatory challenges for approval in women. Strategies addressing vaginal dryness and discomfort, along with overall relational satisfaction, are essential steps in improving libido for menopausal women.
In today’s show, we’re answering more of your sex questions! This is our third dive into some of the questions that have come through our listener voicemail. I’m going to answer three of them that I thought were super interesting.
Our first question is about whether libido is genetically determined, so we’ll look at what the science says about the degree to which genetics control our sexual desire.
The second question deals with a male listener who has difficulty reaching orgasm, so we’ll talk about tips for managing that.
Finally, a listener asked about how to boost sexual desire in post-menopausal women, so we’ll explore what you need to know about that with an assist from Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a practicing gynecologist and a North American Menopause Society Certified Clinician. Dr. Minkin was a previous guest on episode 334: How To Have a Happy Vagina.
If you have questions you’d like to have answered on the show, you can send me a podcast voicemail of your own at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. You can do it from your computer or from your phone, so keep sending those questions in!
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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.
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