In Search of the Perfect Aphrodisiac
(Page 2)
The newest medical treatments for flagging desire are Viagra and testosterone hormone. Viagra has not been shown to increase desire directly, but may increase arousal and vaginal lubrication in some women, making sex more enjoyable. Testosterone hormone is the hormone of desire, and women that have had their ovaries removed or are approaching the menopausal years, may get a significant boost in desire. The FDA has put a new testosterone patch for women, called Intrinsa, on the fast track to approval. It may even be available for Valentine's Day. Women that used the Intrinsa patch had an increase in desire as well as orgasms that were more intense.
So, the search goes on for the perfect aphrodisiac. Meanwhile, the best libido boosters of all are imagination, willingness to try new things, and an interesting and interested partner.
Listen to an interview with Hilda Hutcherson, MD, on "Inside Sex with Extatica."
Note regarding yohimbe:
For those interested in yohimbe, the widely-promoted ingredient in some sexual enhancement products, Dr. Hilda Hutcherson kindly identified the following information, which she copied and pasted from the FDA government website:
C. Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe)
Yohimbe is a tree bark containing a variety of pharmacologically active chemicals. It is marketed in a number of products for body building and "enchanced male performance." Serious adverse effects, including renal failure, seizures and death, have been reported to FDA with products containing yohimbe and are currently under investigation.
The major identified alkaloid in yohimbe is yohimbine, a chemical that causes vasodilation, thereby lowering blood pressure. Yohimbine is also a prescription drug in the United States. Side effects are well recognized and may include central nervous system stimulation that causes anxiety attacks. At high doses, yohimbine is a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor. MAO inhibitors can cause serious adverse effects when taken concomitantly with tyramine-containing foods (e.g., liver, cheeses, red wine) or with over-the-counter (OTC) products containing phenylpropanolamine, such as nasal decongestants and diet aids. Individuals taking yohimbe should be warned to rigorously avoid these foods and OTC products because of the increased likelihood of adverse effects.
Yohimbe should also be avoided by individuals with hypotension (low blood pressure), diabetes, and heart, liver or kidney disease. Symptoms of overdosage include weakness and nervous stimulation followed by paralysis, fatigue, stomach disorders, and ultimately death.
What Your Mother Never Told You About S-E-X
By Hilda Hutcherson, MD
© Copyright 2004 by Hilda Hutcherson. All Rights Reserved.
