Health @ Heart
Sex and Diabetes
(Last of three parts)
Is there a remedy for loss of vaginal lubrication?
There is an easy remedy to this problem. There is practically no excuse why women should not enjoy sex as men do. Loss of vaginal lubrication happens to majority of women past 40 years old, some even as young as in their 20s and 30s. The cause among menopausal women is hormonal, but stress, as stated above, could play a great role also, especially in the younger women. Diabetic women do not have to be ashamed of this, since this affects non-diabetics also, and at any age. Those who have this lubrication problem do not have to be disheartened and hopeless, either. The condition is easily solved. There are now a lot of commercially available (no prescription needed) sexual lubricants. This can be applied before sex. The best (more romantic) strategy is for the male partner to apply the lubricant to his fingers, which he uses to caress his partner's clitoris and vaginal orifice in a natural and tender manner. Squeezing the lubricant directly to the female organ is simply unimaginative and gross, and could turn off some women. If needed during the act, more lubricant may be applied. This simple and inexpensive strategy has tremendously (to the surprise of many partners) improved the pleasure of sex, the sexual relations of husbands and wives, and lovers in general, and has enhanced many a marriage and personal relationship to a significant extent.
Which sex lubricant is medically recommended?
These sex lubricants are over-the-counter drugstore items which do not need a prescription. They are either water-based, oil-based and pertoleum-based. Water-based has glycerine in it, tasteless, does not stain the bed sheet, may be used even inside the vagina, does not damage condoms, and hence the most popular one. Oil-based are butter, corn oil, peanut oil, cooking oil, all of which could be used but they stain the bed, and could damage condoms. Petroleum-based are petroleum jelly, mineral oil, petrolatum, vaseline products and baby oil. These petroleum-based lubricants should not be used INSIDE the vagina, since they are irritating and can cause infection. Example of water-based lubricant is K-Y Jelly. A little dab of water may be applied over the K-Y Jelly to liquify it more, if needed, especially if the act is extended. This will effectively make the lubrication last. The jelly may be applied as often as needed.
Are there really lubricants with aromas and flavor?
In this more liberated society of today (and more financially driven), almost any sort of sex aids are commercially available. Lubricants and condoms with various colors, aromas and flavors are available but not recommended, since they can cause irritation and even allergy and infection. Some lubricants claim to have spermicidal ingredient in them, but these are not guaranteed to prevent pregnancy. It is very important that trauma to either sex organs is avoided during the act, since this will cause harm, some permanent, and preclude future sexual pleasure. Lovemaking should be romantic, selfless, considerate and tender in order to achieve, not only the physical pleasure (and pregnancy, if this is goal) but the psychological and spiritual climax in both partners.
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The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities, and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
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Dr. Philip S. Chua is Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, and is the Chairman of Cardiovascular Surgery of the Cebu Doctors' University Hospital in Cebu City. He is also the Vice-President for Far East Operations of the Cardiovascular Hospitals of America, a hospital builder in Wichita, Kansas. His health column appears in 8 newspapers (4 in the United States and 4 in the Philippines), 3 magazines, and 9 websites on the internet. His email address is scalpelpen@gmail.com